Melanaphis sacchari/sorghi complex: current status, challenges and integrated strategies for managing the invasive sap‐feeding insect pest of sorghum

Abstract

AbstractMelanaphis sacchari (Zehntner;Hemiptera: Aphididae), sugarcane aphid (SCA), is an invasive phloem‐feeder found worldwide with a wide host range of economically important plants including sorghum and sugarcane. Given its high reproductive capacity and ability to rapidly spread over long distances, SCA presents challenges for effective control, leading to substantial economic losses. Recent studies have identified two multiloci SCA genotypes specialized in feeding on sugarcane (MLL‐D) and sorghum (MLL‐F) in the USA, which raises concerns as the USA is the second largest sorghum‐producing country. This has encouraged research towards identifying these two biotypes where some research has stated them as two species; MLL‐D clade to be M. sacchari and MLL‐F clade to be M. sorghi Theobald (Hemiptera: Aphididae), sorghum aphid (SA). This review aims at compiling research progress that has been made on understanding the SCA/SA species complex. Furthermore, this review also highlights a wide range of management strategies against SCA/SA that includes both biological and chemical methods. In addition, the review emphasizes studies examining host plant resistance to understand and evaluate the role of R‐genes and phytohormones such as jasmonic acid, salicylic acid and ethylene against SCA. Beside this, plant volatiles and other secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, terpenes and phytanes are also explored as potential control agents. Being an invasive pest, a single management tactic is inadequate to control SCA population and hence, integrated pest management practices incorporating physical, cultural and biological control methods should be implemented with exclusive chemical control as a last resort, which this review examines in detail. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.