Sunflower
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Sunflower & Oilseeds
There are times when sunflower producers need unbiased answers. That’s what we are here for.

Don’t Let Grasshoppers Decrease Your Yields
Throughout the 2023 growing season, grasshopper populations have been causing problems. Those problems aren’t over yet, and we won’t be able to stop monitoring grasshopper activity until the crops are harvested.

Malathion: Emergency crisis exemption for red sunflower seed weevil in South Dakota from Aug. 16-31
An emergency crisis exemption for Malathion has been approved for red sunflower seed weevil control in sunflowers in South Dakota from August 16-31, 2023. Learn everything you need to know before applying it to sunflower crops before the deadline.

Red Sunflower Seed Weevils Emerging in South Dakota
Red sunflower seed weevil adults are emerging in South Dakota and some have been observed in sunflower fields. Learn how to scout and manage this pest before it impacts your sunflowers.

Time to Spray Sunflowers: Don’t Forget About the Pollinators
As sunflowers in South Dakota begin to reach the flowering stages, it is important to remember that, in addition to insect pests, there are also pollinators visiting these flowers.

Another Year of Dectes Stem Borer Issues in Sunflower?
Based on the current drought conditions in our sunflower production areas, it is likely that Dectes stem borer will cause issues earlier than normal in the areas experiencing drought.

Red Sunflower Seed Weevil Populations Are Active in South Dakota
Red sunflower seed weevils are active in South Dakota sunflowers. Scouting should begin for fields that are going to be reaching the R5 stage within the next week.

An identification guide for Sunflower Insect Pests in South Dakota
Identification guide to assist with insect identification and management in sunflowers.

Wireworms Causing Problems in South Dakota Sunflowers
Some sunflowers in South Dakota are currently being attacked by wireworms. Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles, which are easily observed throughout the summer.

Beneficial Pollinators: Honey Bees and Bicolored Striped-Sweat Bee
With temperatures increasing in South Dakota, expect to see an increase of beneficial pollinators searching for blooming plants. Learn about two important pollinators, the honey bee and the native bicolored striped-sweat bee.