Aphix™ successfully battles the major pest in sorghum fields

In 2013, a massive outbreak of sugarcane aphids (SCA) Melanaphis sacchari devastated sorghum crops across North America, resulting in significant economic damage for growers. A few years later, the same pest attacked sorghum fields across South America. Sugarcane aphid infestations can cause up to 100% crop loss if left uncontrolled, according to Defense Against the Sugarcane Aphid Sorghum Checkoff.

Sugarcane aphids are emerging as hard-to-control pests in sorghum fields around the world that have a high and quickly developing infestation rate. They are usually found on the underside of plant leaves, attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap from it. There is no evidence showing that this species injects toxins, but this simple act causes a color change in plants that can vary from bronze to red to brown, indicating the death of plant tissue.

Advanta Seeds is one of the leading sorghum companies that has decided to develop a research program to identify and develop genetics with SCA tolerance. The company established SCA research at Biotechnology Center at Texas A&M University. Using germplasm mostly from Advanta's collection, the research identified hybrids with high yield potential and elite tolerance levels to the sugarcane aphid. This led to the development of Aphix™ SCA tolerance, best-in-class genetics for combating pressure from sugarcane aphids.

In 2017, the first line of Aphix™ hybrids was launched in the US. Its superior performance was recognized by the USDA Agricultural Research Service and ranked as the highest level of sugarcane aphid tolerance hybrids in the market. In addition to leading pest tolerance, the Aphix™ line offers other high-performance attributes such as top-end yield potential, strong drought tolerance and adaptability across a wide range of conditions. The important aspect of Aphix™ technology is the reduced environmental impact and cost for growers.

'Planting non-GMO Aphix™ sorghum seed allows farmers to save the costly expense of multiple chemical applications each season. Aphix™ sorghum hybrids help the environment by reducing insecticide usage. It helps economically by reducing input expenses and increasing profitability. Finally, Aphix™ sorghums also have a social impact by providing what consumers demand: a GMO-free way to reduce insecticide exposure' shares James Puent, Sales Account Manager Kansas/Colorado, Advanta Seeds USA, and Certified Crop Advisor and Sustainability Specialist.

Over the past few years, more countries experienced aphid infestation. So Advanta Seeds decided to test the Aphix™ hybrids in Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Brazil, and some African and European countries. For many sorghum growers, Aphix™ made a big difference in their fields.

'Honestly, we are very happy with the seed's performance because last year we had a severe aphid problem, and with this new seed, I can tell you that the aphid was not a problem. I highly recommend it. You will not find aphid in my field now, which is usually a headache for every sorghum producer,' shared Eduardo Sesponda, Grower from Cintalapa, Chiapas, Mexico.

Another grower, Heitor Gomes Tenan from Alegre de Minas in Brazil, saw Aphix™ hybrid on 500 ha and shared his first experience with the this brand: "This was my first season trying Aphix™ sorghum in the winter season. We sowed three different hybrids and noticed that Advanta's hybrid ADV1277AX had excellent tolerance to sugar cane aphids, nice exertion and panicle shape, and a good number and weight of sorghum grain.'

Advanta Seeds believes that Aphix™ technology can address the increasing global SCA infestation and promote more sustainable agriculture. Sorghum itself is a climate-smart crop with low input and high productivity. In addition, the current breeding advances at Advanta Seeds are resulting in additional high-yielding hybrids that fit the different geographies and have elite levels of sugarcane aphid tolerance.

"Aphix™ exemplifies our dedication to developing solutions with cutting-edge traits and genetics for sorghum growers. We have been improving the line and testing it globally to help growers prevent damage in their sorghum fields and to save the environment," said Dr Ben Beyer, Sorghum Breeding Lead, Advanta Seeds USA.

About Advanta Seeds

Advanta Seeds is a global seed company adapting to rapidly increasing food insecurity and climate change by providing farmers with innovation and modern technologies. As part of UPL Group, Advanta Seeds aims to deliver high quality seeds with excellent agronomic practices and crop protection solutions. Advanta Seeds operates in over eighty countries under global brands of Advanta, Alta and Pacific Seeds. Advanta Seeds holds a leadership position in tropical and sub-tropical geographies in corn, grain and forage sorghum, sunflower, canola, rice, and a variety of vegetables. With over 60 years’ experience in plant genetics, Advanta Seeds provides seeds technology that ensures crop performance and farmers prosperity. Advanta Seeds was ranked #5 global seed company in the Access to Seeds Index 2019, and #2 in South and South-East Index 2021.  Advanta also ranked #4 in Africa Access to Seeds Index 2021, for contributing to the UN SDGs and food security.

https://www.advantaseeds.com/