Shoot fly

Atherigona soccata, commonly known as the sorghum shoot fly, is a small insect that belongs to the family Muscidae. It is a significant pest of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and related grass crops. Here is a description of Atherigona soccata:

Physical Characteristics:

• Adult sorghum shoot flies are small, approximately 3 to 4 mm in length.
• They have a slender, elongated body with a pair of clear wings.
• The coloration of adult flies can vary, but they are typically grayish to brownish.

Life Cycle:

• Sorghum shoot flies have a short life cycle, completing their development in about 18 to 24 days under favorable conditions.
• They undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
• Adult female flies lay their eggs on the tender young shoots and leaves of host plants.

Damage:

• The larvae of sorghum shoot flies are the damaging stage. They feed on the growing points of sorghum plants, causing "deadheart" symptoms, which are characterized by the wilting and death of central leaves and shoots.
• Infested plants are stunted in growth, and severe infestations can lead to significant yield losses in sorghum and related grass crops.
• Larval feeding can also create entry points for secondary pests and diseases.

Host Plants:

• The primary host of Atherigona soccata is sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), but it can also infest other grass crops, including pearl millet, maize, and wild grasses.

Geographic Range:

• Sorghum shoot flies are prevalent in various regions of Asia and Africa, where sorghum is a staple crop.

Control:

• Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are used to control sorghum shoot fly infestations. These may include the use of resistant sorghum varieties, cultural practices (such as planting dates and spacing), biological control agents, and chemical insecticides when necessary.
• Early detection and monitoring of adult fly populations can help inform control measures.

Sorghum shoot fly management is essential for sustaining sorghum production, which is a vital food and fodder crop in many parts of the world. Farmers and agricultural researchers work together to develop and implement effective strategies to minimize the impact of this pest on crop yields.