Kenya Agricultural Research Organization SUGAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE First incidence of yellow sugarcane aphids in Kenya Introduction Symptoms Common name: yellow sugarcane aphid Scientific name: Sipha flava (Forbes) (Insecta:  Yellowing and reddening discoloration of leaves (can Hemiptera: Aphididae) easily be confused for other The yellow sugarcane aphid (YSA) Sipha flava pests) (Forbes) (Insecta: Homoptera: Aphididae) has its  Sooty mold growth on origins in the temperate and subtropical regions of sugarcane leaves North America but has been reported in Central  Stunted growth of sugarcane and South America as well as in the Hawaiian and plants Caribbean Islands. In Africa, its first occurrence Heavily infested sugarcane crop in Malava, Kakamega County on sugarcane was reported in 2006 in Morocco. It is considered an invasive species and has been reported in Europe, the America and Africa Way forward (Morocco, Mauritius). It has since been reported  Conduct a countrywide survey on the in the South African sugar industry in 2013. In pest (on sugarcane and other grasses) Kenya, the YSA was first reported in the Soin, to determine the extent of spread and sugarcane growing zone, Kericho County in June level of severity. 2016. The pest has since been reported and  Give advisory to millers, County confirmed in other sugarcane growing counties of agricultural extension officers on the Kakamega, Narok, Migori and Busia, and may existence of the pest and possible spread to other areas. The pest can cause up to management strategies 50% yield losses in sugarcane .The yellow  Conduct stakeholder sensitization sugarcane aphid causes damage to sorghum, sessions in collaboration with the sugarcane, rice, wheat Nappier grass and several County Governments on the pest and other species of pasture grass. its management. Research on sustainable YSA Symptoms on sugarcane leaves  management strategies such as host Management resistance, pesticide efficacy triage and available predators (bio control Scouting for YSA agents). Timing of insecticide treatment is critical to avoid yield or stand loss. Aphid numbers quickly build to numbers too large to count for sampling purposes so weekly scouting is advised. Sugarcane leaf damage symptoms are a good indicator of season long growth and yield effects and works without having to count aphids. Cultural practices

Heavily infested leaves  Ensure weed free sugarcane fields Damage  Harvest and burn heavily infested cane that is mature Feeding initially results in yellowing and Natural Enemies reddening of leaves, depending on host plant and Ladybird beetles, Flower flies, Ants, Spiders temperature. Prolonged feeding can lead to are not very effective but reduce the populations. premature senescence of leaves and plant or stalk Weather (sugarcane) death. Yield reductions usually due to Temperatures above 95°F (35oc) and heavy KALRO-SRI staff demonstrating feeding damage to early plant growth stages, rainfall are also effective in reducing yellow management of YSA to farmers in including reduced tillering is common. Yield loss sugarcane aphid populations Malava from late season feeding damage to sugarcane has Chemical control also been documented. Honeydew produced by Insectcides like Duduthrin, Bulldock Star, the feeding aphids collects on lower leaves and Pentagon and Karate can be used for direct supports growth of sooty mold fungi. control when more than 50 aphids are found For more details contact: YSA damage is more severe during the dry spells. YSA also transmits nonpersistent sugarcane Director Prepared: January 2019 mosaic potyvirus. KALRO-Sugar Research Institute P.O. Box 44-40100 KISUMU Disclaimer: The recommendations in this document do not endorse or advertise any of the products Email: [email protected] Expert contacts: Riungu G.M – [email protected] Jamoza J.E (PhD) – [email protected] Website: www.kalro.org