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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 #370010
Research Project: Genetic Enhancement of Sunflower Yield and Tolerance to Biotic Stress

Location: Sunflower and Plant Biology Research

Title: Fatty acid data and crop surveys indicate sources of red seed weevil populations and suggest strategies for management

Author
item Prasifka, Jarrad
item Anderson, James

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2020
Publication Date: 1/3/2020
Citation: Prasifka, J.R., Anderson, J.V. 2020. Fatty acid data and crop surveys indicate sources of red seed weevil populations and suggest strategies for management[abstract]. National Sunflower Association. 90:18.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In recent years the red sunflower seed weevil has become the most serious pest of sunflowers in the primary U.S. growing area (North and South Dakota). Fatty acid compositions differ among wild sunflowers and market classes of cultivated sunflower (i.e., oilseeds and confection). Because the pest has one generation per year and larvae develop entirely within a sunflower achene, the fatty acid composition of adult seed weevils in one year reflects the food source of larvae in the previous year. Combined with field survey data, the fatty acid compositions of adult weevil populations show current deficiencies in pest management, provide context to claims of insecticide resistance, and may help predict the potential durability of conventional host plant resistance. Options for improving management and lowering seed weevil populations include modification of insecticide use, adjusting planting dates, and use of resistant germplasm.