Breeding for resistance to the sugarcane aphid [Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner)]

Authors: PETERSON, GARY - Texas A&M Agrilife; STELTER, MARK - Texas A&M Agrilife; Armstrong, John

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/15/2015
Publication Date: 12/1/2015
Citation: Peterson, G., Stelter, M., Armstrong, S. 2015. Breeding for resistance to the sugarcane aphid [Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner)] [abstract]. In: Burow, G.B., Jugulam, M., Valentin, K.E. Proceedings of the 2015 SICNA Meeting, September 1-3, 2015, Manhattan, Kansas. p. 29-30. Available: www.sicna.net.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The sugarcane aphid [Melanaphis sacchari] (SCA) was first reported to damage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in the United States in Louisiana and Texas in 2013, and was subsequently detected in Oklahoma and the Mississippi Delta. In 2014, the aphid spread and was eventually reported in states representing over 90% of U.S. sorghum production, including grain and forage. The aphid is a variant of the sugarcane aphid identified in Florida in 1977. Screening of sorghum lines for resistance has been done in other countries and identified numerous putative sources of resistance. Among resistance sources Tx2783 expresses a high level of resistance in the U.S. and Southern Africa. Tx2783 was developed for resistance to biotype C and E greenbug [Schizaphis graminum (L.) Rondani] and is a parent in many breeding lines in the AgriLife – Lubbock sorghum improvement program. To identify lines resistant to sugarcane aphid approximately 275 advanced breeding lines, converted exotic sorghums, or exotic introductions were evaluated in greenhouse juvenile plant trials is 2014. Breeding lines were evaluated in adult plant trials at three locations in 2014. The screening identified resistance in eight biotype C and/or E greenbug resistant released lines, 25 advanced breeding lines (18 R-lines and 7 B-lines), six exotic introductions and five converted exotic lines.