Economic impact of Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) ON Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench, and its management in the southwestern of Puebla, Mexico

Objective: To evaluate the economic impact of sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sacchari)and the sorghum crop profitability in Western Puebla, Mexico, considering themanagement practices application-index (IAPM), related to the control practicessuggested by the State Plant Health Committee (CESAVEG).Design/Methodology/Approach: Data on socioeconomic aspects of the producer andthe production units were collected. The questionnaire was applied to producersaffiliated to PROAGRO. Results are shown using descriptive statistics.Results: The aphid infestation in sorghum had its most relevant effect on yield during2014-2016. Income obtained from sorghum sales is decreasing due to a downwardtrend in the purchase price per ton. After the arrival of M. sacchari the primary controlstrategy was to increase the number of insecticide applications, increasing productioncosts.Limitations of the study/implications: Since producers; incomes do not depend solely on sorghum production, the effect of the pest on their economy was relatively minor. Findings/Conclusions: The management practices application index indicates amoderate use of the recommended practices to manage this pest. The B/C ratiosuggests that even after the establishment of M. sacchari, sorghum is still a profitableactivity.