Planting Date and Hybrid Affect Sugarcane Aphid Infestation, Yield, and Water Use Efficiency in Dryland Grain Sorghum

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a major dryland crop in the Texas High Plains. Currently, drought and infestation by sugarcane aphid (SCA, Melanaphis sacchari) are two challenges to grain production area. A 2-year field study was conducted investigate effect of planting date (PD) hybrid selection on yield, evapotranspiration (ET), water use efficiency (WUE), SCA infestation. Five hybrids (86P20, SP-31A15, AG1201, AG1203, DKS37-07) were grown dates (PD1—early May; PD2—late June) under conditions. Insecticides not used. There significant differences WUE, population between PDs among hybrids. For PD1, occurred after reached physiological maturity 2017. Although observed during late filling 2018, populations low did affect yield. PD2, present before anthesis both years significantly affected Even with heavy yield higher PD2 than PD1 due timely precipitation. Among hybrids, 86P20 DK37-07 performed better less PD2. more related seeds per plant kernel weight harvest index.