Sunflower

All Sunflower Content

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

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.

Cream colored larvae feeding on sunflower seed.

An identification guide for Sunflower Insect Pests in South Dakota

Identification guide to assist with insect identification and management in sunflowers.

Brown to orange worm like insect larvae on brown soil.

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.

Left: Adult honey bee. Right: Bicolored striped-sweat bee

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.

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

Will Dectes Stem Borer Be a Problem for Sunflowers in 2023?

Dectes stem borer are a major topic for sunflower management in South Dakota every year. If drought conditions persist, this pest may cause problems in sunflower if left unadressed.

Planting Date May Be Our Most Powerful Tool for Red Sunflower Seed Weevil Management

In the last few years, red sunflower seed weevils have been the most economically damaging insect pest in South Dakota. To identify alternative management options, researchers at SDSU and the USDA-ARS lab in Fargo, ND conducted a study evaluating early planting dates as a potential strategy to reduce red sunflower seed weevil infestations.