First report of yellow sugarcane aphid Sipha flava Forbes (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Tanzania

Abstract

The yellow sugarcane aphid (YSA), Sipha flava Forbes (Homoptera: Aphididae) is an invasive insect pest of many graminaceous plants which include cultivated crops, like sorghum, sugarcane, rice, maize and several species within non-cultivated genera e.g. Digitaria, Panicum, Paspalum, and Pennisetum. A survey conducted in the Kagera region indicated an infestation by YSA in nine sugarcane varieties grown. This pest causes damage to leaves leading to yellow, purple and red discoloration. This is the first report of YSA infestation in the Tanzanian sugarcane industry. Efforts to develop control measures are still in progress.