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Detecting sorghum aphid infestation in grain sorghum using leaf spectral response
Grace Craigie1, Trevor Hefley2, Ivan Grijalva3
1Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
Scientific Reports
|June 18, 2024
Summary
Sorghum aphid infestations can be detected by measuring changes in reflected light, particularly in the green-red spectrum. This remote sensing approach aids in early pest detection and management for sorghum crops.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Remote Sensing
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sorghi) causes significant yield losses in sorghum.
- Current pest management relies on timely insecticide applications and manual scouting.
- Developing non-invasive monitoring systems is crucial for efficient pest control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aphid density on sorghum's spectral reflectance.
- To determine if aphid feeding can be detected remotely, even systemically.
- To lay the groundwork for a remote sensing-based sorghum aphid monitoring system.
Main Methods:
- Leaf spectrometer (400-1000 nm) used to measure reflectance.
- Varying levels of sorghum aphid density applied to lower and distal leaves.
- Systemic effects of aphid feeding on spectral responses were quantified.
Main Results:
- Sorghum aphid infestation alters spectral reflectance, especially in the 550-650 nm range.
- Plants exhibit systemic spectral responses to aphid feeding.
- Reflectance changes indicate aphid presence regardless of infestation location.
Conclusions:
- Remote sensing of spectral changes can identify sorghum aphid feeding.
- Leaf reflection sensors offer a potential method for detecting aphid presence.
- Future work should explore autonomous detection using small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).
