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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fargo, North Dakota » Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center » Sunflower and Plant Biology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #151163
Title: Pest management - insects

Author
item KNODEL, J - NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV
item Charlet, Laurence

Submitted to: North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Bulletin
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/20/2003
Publication Date: 10/15/2007
Citation: Knodel, J., Charlet, L.D. 2007. Pest management - insects. In: Berglund, D.R., editor. Sunflower Production. North Dakota State University Extension Service Bulletin A-1331. p. 26-53.

Interpretive Summary: Sunflower plays host to a number of insect pests. In the major sunflower producing areas of the Dakotas, Minnesota and Manitoba, approximately 16 species of sunflower insects cause plant injury and economic loss depending on the severity of infestation. However, during any one growing season, only a few species will be numerous enough to warrant control measures. The sunflower insects of major importance in the northern Great Plains have been sunflower midge, sunflower beetle, sunflower stem weevil, red sunflower seed weevil, and the banded sunflower moth. Recently, lygus bugs have become an economic problem for the confection and hulling sunflower seed market. Infestation of sunflower insects must be monitored regularly, to determine the species present and if populations are at economic threshold levels. Furthermore, proper timing of insecticidal treatment is essential to maximize control. Information is provided on the identification, life cycle, damage, scouting methods, economic threshold levels and management of some of the most common insect pests of sunflower in the northern Great Plains.

Technical Abstract: Sunflower plays host to a number of insect pests. In the major sunflower producing areas of the Dakotas, Minnesota and Manitoba, approximately 16 species of sunflower insects cause plant injury and economic loss depending on the severity of infestation. However, during any one growing season, only a few species will be numerous enough to warrant control measures. The sunflower insects of major importance in the northern Great Plains have been sunflower midge, sunflower beetle, sunflower stem weevil, red sunflower seed weevil, and the banded sunflower moth. Recently, lygus bugs have become an economic problem for the confection and hulling sunflower seed market. Infestation of sunflower insects must be monitored regularly, to determine the species present and if populations are at economic threshold levels. Furthermore, proper timing of insecticidal treatment is essential to maximize control. Information is provided on the identification, life cycle, damage, scouting methods, economic threshold levels and management of some of the most common insect pests of sunflower in the northern Great Plains.