Originally Submitted: September 5, 2024
While scouting late-planted sunflowers two weeks ago, there were increased observations of sunflower moth caterpillars in the heads that were later than the rest of the field (Figure 1). Sunflower moths are best managed as moths or early instar larvae. As the larvae feed and grow, later life stages will feed into the receptacle, making it harder to reach them with insecticides. The field that was being scouted hadn’t been treated for red sunflower seed weevils, and it is likely that the later application for that pest likely also reduced the sunflower moth caterpillars. However, it is a good reminder that we do have more than one insect pest to scout for in sunflowers. One of the other concerns with sunflower moth feeding is that the later-stage caterpillars open the head up to fungal infections.
At this point in the season, it is likely that evidence of sunflower moths will be present as webbing that is catching dried achenes from the head.
