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Tan moth present on a yellow sunflower head.

Sunflower Moths Present in South Dakota Sunflower

The sunflower moth and its subsequent caterpillar are sunflower pests that need to be scouted for after the inflorescences begin to open through head maturity. Sunflower heads are most-susceptible to caterpillar damage from the onset of anthesis to when the petals begin drying.

Bees and Other Pollinators Visiting Sunflower

While insecticides are often necessary to reduce pest populations and prevent yield loss in sunflower, it is important to consider the impact they may have on beneficial insects, like bees and other native pollinators.

National Sunflower Association 2021 Sunflower Survey

Volunteers from private industry and SDSU Extension will soon be visiting South Dakota sunflower fields to participate in the biennial sunflower survey. The survey aims to evaluate yields and production practices along with pest pressure from weeds, insects, diseases and birds.

Three bees. From left: metallic native wild bee, brown native wild bees and bumble bee.

Pollinators Are Active in Sunflower

While scouting sunflowers, it’s hard to not notice the constant buzzing present in the field, which is produced by numerous species of bees. While sunflower varieties grown in the United States were bred for self-fertility, there is evidence that both honey bees and native wild bees can improve pollination.

Small, reddish-orange beetles on a green sunflower bud with a larger grey beetle also present.

Red and Gray Sunflower Seed Weevil Identification

While scouting sunflower, it’s not uncommon to observe both red and gray sunflower seed weevils on the same developing head. Differentiating these two species isn’t difficult, as there are obvious size and coloration differences.

ALT: Left: Green Plamer amaranth next to a green sunflower. Right: Green plant with green, spiny structure at leaf base.

Palmer Amaranth: Now Is the Time to Scout

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension encourages farmers, ranchers and other landowners to start scouting for Palmer amaranth, a weed that has been rapidly spreading north into the United States and is likely to be glyphosate-resistant.

Red-brown colored weevil with bent antennae originating on the elongated mouthparts.

Red Sunflower Seed Weevils Are Active

Red sunflower seed weevils are active in South Dakota sunflowers. We noticed that many fields at R5 stages are already being sprayed, but scouting should still continue in those fields after application, and it should begin for fields that will reach the R5 stage within the next week.

Small black beetles covering a partially defoliated leaf.

Flea Beetles Causing Issues in Canola

Large flea beetle populations in canola have been observed in neighboring states and within South Dakota. The hot, dry and sunny conditions that we have been experiencing throughout 2021 have been ideal for flea beetle populations.

Cream-colored moth with a dark brown band in the middle of its body.

It’s Time To Start Scouting For Banded Sunflower Moths

Sunflowers throughout South Dakota are quickly approaching the R3 growth stage, which means it’s time to start scouting for banded sunflower moths. Banded sunflower moths are capable of reducing yields due to their caterpillars feeding on the bracts, florets and seeds.

Gray beetle with long antennae that are alternating white and black pattern on green leaf petiole.

Dectes Stem Borer May Be More of an Issue During 2021

Dectes stem borers are an annual pest of sunflower in South Dakota. During most years, they do not cause major issues in sunflower. However, we have observed increased issues with this pest during dry years.