Written collaboratively by Adam Varenhorst, Patrick Wagner, Philip Rozeboom, Bradley McManus, Patrick Beauzay, and Janet Knodel.
In the Dakotas, sunflower production is challenged by numerous insect pests that, if not properly managed, reduce yield and seed quality. The most economically important insect pests that feed directly on developing seeds in the head are the red sunflower seed weevil, the banded sunflower moth, and the sunflower moth.
The physical differences in insect feeding injury and behavior allow identification of the pest species that is damaging sunflower seeds.
