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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fargo, North Dakota » Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center » Sunflower Improvement Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #410975
Research Project: Sunflower Yield, Crop Quality, and Interactions with Biotic and Abiotic Stressors

Location: Sunflower Improvement Research

Title: Efforts to re-establish sunflower IPM in South Dakota

Author
item Prasifka, Jarrad
item VARENHORST, ADAM - South Dakota State University
item SIMONS, KRISTIN - North Dakota State University
item IRELAND, SAM - South Dakota State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/12/2023
Publication Date: 3/27/2024
Citation: Prasifka, J.R., Varenhorst, A., Simons, K., Ireland, S. 2024. Efforts to re-establish sunflower IPM in South Dakota. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In central South Dakota, management of the primary insect pest (red sunflower seed weevil, Smicronyx fulvus LeConte) is currently characterized by a near-total reliance on insecticides. Economic thresholds have been established, but with seed weevil populations up to 100 times economic thresholds, growers often apply insecticides as often as label guidance and local conditions permit. Not surprisingly, recent research indicates that weevil resistance to common pyrethroids is found throughout South Dakota. However, at least three additional strategies, early planting, early-blooming hybrids and periodic tillage, are proven tools that could reduce weevil populations several-fold. Others tools like host plant resistance and biological control, may be applicable with additional research. Though other insecticide options may become available to growers in 2024, establishment of various non-insecticidal tactics in central South Dakota is the surest way to realize long-term reductions in weevil populations and preserve the efficacy of approved sunflower insecticides.