Written collaboratively by Adam Varenhorst, Khuma Bhusal, Patrick Wagner, Bradley McManus, Eric Jones, and Philip Rozeboom.
Dectes stem borer is a common insect pest in South Dakota sunflowers. Data from the National Sunflower Association surveys indicate that Dectes stem borer infestations have increased by approximately 30% from 2019 to 2023. This fact sheet covers Dectes stem borer lifecycle, alternative hosts, the injury it causes to sunflowers, scouting and management options.
Acknowledgements: This publication was developed through funding from South Dakota State University and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Crop Protection and Pest Management Applied Research and Development Program support through grant 2024-03471.
