Objective:

To analyze the perception of sorghum producers about the incidence and damage of the yellow aphid and its natural enemies, as well as the control methods to strengthen integrated management strategies and reduce damage caused by the aphid in three localities of the Pueblan region that produce this grain.

Methodology:

Through convenience sampling and an interview guide, information was collected from 44 producers attending meetings held by the State Plant Health Committee.

Results:

The sorghum crop was rainfed. The major problems that the producers identified in sorghum were four, 66% pointed to the yellow aphid as the main one. The producers perceived infestation in all their plots at different stages of cultivation. Chemical insecticides were mainly used to control the aphid, followed by the combination with natural enemies. 77% observed natural enemies of the aphid in their plot, of which lady beetles and hoverflies had a greater presence. 70% indicated that natural enemies are threatened by the high doses of insecticides applied.

Limitations:

Although the study was carried out in three locations, it allowed us to understand the main elements of the phenomenon studied.

Conclusions:

The producers perceived and identified the yellow sorghum aphid as the main problem of the crop, and it affected the entire surface. They specified the presence of at least one natural enemy in their plot. However, the high application of insecticides has adverse effects on them, findings that reflect an important biological potential to be used in aphid management.

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