The sunflower moth, Homoeosoma electellum (Hulst), is the primary pest of cultivated sunflowers in Kansas. It has been reported throughout the Southern, Central, and Northern Plains. Adult moths oviposit on sunflowers at the onset of flowering. Eggs hatch in two to three days and young larvae feed on pollen and florets on the sunflower surface before entering the sunflower head. Larvae cause damage to seeds in sunflower heads and increase the incidence of Rhizopus head rot. Studies have shown, that one larva per head can decrease yields by 8.8 pounds per acre. Timely insecticidal applications can be used to reduce the damage caused by the sunflower moth but are not effective after larvae enter the sunflower head. The timing of effective insecticidal applications is dependent upon knowing when the sunflower moths lay eggs on the sunflower heads. The objective of this study was to determine when the majority of eggs are deposited.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Pyralidae Homoeosoma electellum (Sunflower Moth)
Keywords: Sunflower, Oviposition Behavior
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