Insects in sorghum and comparative studies on the population dynamics of some main species

At the current level of applied entomology, comprehensive research on the species composition and population dynamics of the insect community in crops is of the utmost importance. Comprehensive studies on sorghum agroecosystems in Bulgaria have been scarce and have necessitated, necessitating a need for new and up-to-date developments. The study investigated the species composition and population dynamics of the main insect species in Bulgaria’s sorghum. Insect diversity was represented by 51 insect species belonging to 17 families and 46 genera. Harmful species made up 70.6% of the total population density of insect representatives, while beneficial (predators) – 29.4%. The insect composition included two aphid species, 17 species of cicadas, 11 species of bugs, 17 species of beetles, and four thrips species. Aphids and cicadas were some of the most important insect pests of sorghums in Bulgaria. Temperature changes affected the life characteristics of insects and ultimately determined population growth rates. Various factors like global warming, changing cropping patterns, and adoption of technologies alter insect abundance, distribution, and pest-associated losses. Work, related to the survey and surveillance of sorghum insect pests should be regularly conducted to gain proper knowledge of changing trends of insect pests, associated losses, and timely management.