The Environmental Protection Agency has given long term approval for the insecticide sulfoxaflor. Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers and Grain Board Executive Director Nate Blum is hailing the move because the insecticide is an important tool for controlling sugarcane aphids and tarnished plant bugs also known as lygus which have a damaging effect on sorghum.

He says sulfoxaflor is a safe product that also ensures protection for pollinators.

Blum says while sugarcane aphids have been more prevalent south of Nebraska have also been migrating northwards and could be an increasing problem in the future. He says there’s also research being done at the University of Nebraska Lincoln on that pest.

Sulfoxaflor is also effective in controlling pests that impact alfalfa, corn, grains, millets and soybeans.