What treatment recommendation is advised for chinch bugs in sorghum?

The recommended treatment for chinch bugs in sorghum is to spray when an average of 2 or more bugs are found on 20% of 6-inch seedlings. This recommendation is based on threshold levels that indicate when the pest population is high enough to warrant control measures. Monitoring the population of chinch bugs helps in making informed decisions about treatment, ensuring that control measures are applied effectively and only when necessary.

By using this threshold, growers can prevent unnecessary pesticide applications, which can save costs and reduce the potential negative environmental impacts associated with pesticide use. This approach also promotes the health of beneficial insect populations and overall farm ecosystem resilience, as it encourages a more targeted and responsible pest management strategy.

In contrast, the other options do not adequately consider the need for monitoring pest levels or applying treatments based on evidence. Not treating even when pest levels are high could lead to significant crop damage, while indiscriminately treating all plants may lead to unnecessary pesticide usage and potential harm to non-target organisms. Similarly, relying solely on organic alternatives may not always be feasible or effective in high pest populations, especially without an appropriate integrative approach to pest management.