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

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the economic impact of sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sacchari)
and the sorghum crop profitability in Western Puebla, Mexico, considering the
management practices application-index (IAPM), related to the control practices
suggested by the State Plant Health Committee (CESAVEG).
Design/Methodology/Approach: Data on socioeconomic aspects of the producer and
the production units were collected. The questionnaire was applied to producers
affiliated to PROAGRO. Results are shown using descriptive statistics.
Results: The aphid infestation in sorghum had its most relevant effect on yield during
2014-2016. Income obtained from sorghum sales is decreasing due to a downward
trend in the purchase price per ton. After the arrival of M. sacchari the primary control
strategy was to increase the number of insecticide applications, increasing production
costs.
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 a
moderate use of the recommended practices to manage this pest. The B/C ratio
suggests that even after the establishment of M. sacchari, sorghum is still a profitable
activity.