Both are easy to scout, identify and control. References: Cranshaw, W. (2004). A robust brown and white spotted snout beetle found on the stem and in leaf axils. Larvae are 0.25 inch long at maturity. As with some other insect pests, the area where sunflower stem weevil is a concern has shifted, moving from primary production areas of North Dakota and Minnesota southward into Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. The large larvae leave a 1/4-inch tunnel in the pith as they burrow down to the roots. The feeding and excavation of the stalk by larvae and adults is what causes the weakening and breaking of the sunflower stalk. Here, we use this approach to search for biological control agents of the sunflower stem weevil (Cylindrocopturus adspersus LeConte), an economically important pest of commercial sunflower. The Sunflower stem weevil is only known to occur in the United States of America. Helianthus. The red weevil adults are 0.1 to 0.12 inch long and the gray weevils are slightly larger. Adult weevils are small (0.5 cm) and brown with … Helianthus. of new pests and diseases. Phoma has been implicated as one of the major biotic causes of premature … Check closely for signs of Charcoal rot or any lodging of sunflowers. Root … Classical biological control programs often target a pest's region of origin as a likely source for new biological control agents. This weevil causes very little damage. Sunflower moth Sunflower stem weevil Sunflower long -horned beetle . Adults feed on leaf margins during the day & larvae over leaf surface at night Overwinter as adults in soil Eggs laid on stem or underside of leaves . When weevil levels are high enough to weaken the stalk, they will lodge, due to increased stalk rot. Sunflower stem weevil (adult) Apply esfenvalerate, beta-cyfluthrin, deltamethrin , chlorpyrifos, lambda/gamma-cyhalothrin, or zeta-cypermethrin products at the rates listed for sunflower moth. The sunflower stem weevil larval counts indicated very heavy stem weevil pressure in 2002 at Akron with the mean density ranging from 20 to 60 larvae per stalk among the germplasm tested. More recently the sunflower midge and the seed weevil has been a problem for non-oil sunflower producers in the Red River valley. The number of weevils ranged from 1 to 184 larvae per stalk among all the stalks dissected for the study. Direct sprays at adult weevils when there is 1 adult per plant. They are creamy white with a small, brown head capsule, usually found in a C-shape in the sunflower stalk. The plant has a thick, hairy, erect stem which gives rise to a large flower head. It was first observed in Saskatchewan in a sunflower test plot near Carnduff, in August 1984 (unpublished data). The native weevil … Headclipper Weevil The adult sunflower Headclipping weevil (Haplorhynchites aeneus Boheman) is shiny black and about 5/16 inch long. Occasionally, western Kansas, eastern Colorado, and North and South Dakota experience severe losses due to this pest. It usually emergences in May and June and is most common in the High Plains. The larva, a white legless larva, burrows in the stem pith. Adult weevils feed on leaves and lay eggs in stem. Sunflower takes out nitrogen and phosphorus in large quantities in comparison to other crops, and has no equal in terms of potassium use. The sunflower stem weevil, Cylindrocopturus adspersus LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), has attacked cultivated sunflower, Helianthus annuus Linnaeus (Asteraceae), throughout its history in North America (Charlet et al., 1997).A single generation of weevils emerges in late spring each year. The peculiar handiwork of the sunflower headclipping weevil (Haplorhynchites aeneus) is just getting underway this season on purple coneflowers (Echinaceapurpurea) and other members of the aster family (Asteraceae) in southwest Ohio. Cocklebur weevil The adult weevil is 1/4 to 3/8 inch long and is red with black spots. Sunflower Head Clipping Weevil - Joe Boggs Jul 7, 2020. of a sunflower stem weevil, Cylindrocopturus adspersus LeConte, a pest of cultivated sunflower. Sunflower stem weevil; Stalks black on the outside, hollow inside with ink‑black, watery tissue breakdown. Larvae feed inside stem and sometimes kill stem above infestation. Feeding on sunflower plant stems, the sunflower stem weevil is ⅛- to ¼-inch long, gray-brown with white spots and black antennae, snout and eyes. black sunflower stem weevil (Apion occidentale), the sunflower. Larvae are cream colored and C-shaped and grub-like in appearance. Our objective was to determine whether altered planting periods could reduce weevil densities in confection and oilseed sunflower in the central High Plains production region. The head seems remarkably small and tapers toward the long snout. The black sunflower stem weevil is a small, shiny black weevil about 2.5 mm (1/10 inches) long from the base of its globose body to the end of its curved snout. Adult sunflower stem weevils feed on foliage, which is usually not severe enough to require insecticide applications. The sunflower stem weevil is a common pest, laying its eggs in the sunflower's stem. The wasp larva, still contained within its living host, also enters diapause. The sunflower stem weevil, Cylindrocopturus adspersus (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an economic pest of cultivated sunflower in both the northern and southern Great Plains of the United States and in Saskatchewan. The black sunflower stem weevil (Apion) is black and about 1/10 inch long. Damage by larvae of sunflower stem weevil causes serious stalk breakage when larval populations are large. Distribution of Sunflower Insect Pests . • Sunflower beetle • Sunflower moth • Seed weevil (adult) • Stink bug spp. Adult feeding on stem and leaf tissue produces negligible effects on plants, but larval … The red seed weevil is the more common of the two weevils. Here, we use this approach to search for biological control agents of the sunflower stem weevil (Cylindrocopturus adspersus LeConte), an economically important pest of commercial sunflower. The peculiar handiwork of the sunflower headclipping weevil (Haplorhynchites aeneus) is just getting underway this season on purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) and other members of the aster family (Asteraceae) in southwest Ohio. Sunflower, Helianthus annuus, is an herbaceous annual plant in the family Asteraceae, grown for its seeds. Much more abundant in drouthy sites and years. Cylindrocopturus adspersus, the sunflower stem weevil, is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. Growers attempting to use planting dates to control any sunflower insect should be aware of all the insect pests they are likely to have, not just one species. Bacterial stalk rot; Premature ripening of stalks and poor filling of heads. Sunflower stem weevils (Cylindrocopturus adspersus) and at least 10 other species in the Curculionidae, including the red sunflower seed weevil (Smicronyx fulvus), the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis grandis), and the plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar). Both weevils have pronounced ‘snouts' that make them recognizable. Larvae feed, develop, and overwinter in the stem. Larvae are yellow and have been found among sunflower stem wee-vil larvae. The sunflower stem weevil’s larvae will chew a tunnel in the stalk on their way to the ground where they will pupate. Stem weevil larvae can cause serious stalk breakage. Eggs are laid in the head. Description. Considerably weakening of the stem can occur when larval infestations reach 25 or more per stalk. banded sunflower moth, sunflower stem weevil, sunflower moth, sunflower beetle & red sunflower seed weevil . Stalks with gray basal discoloration and shredded internal tissue with small black flecks. Sunflower stem weevils, Cylindrocopturus adspersus, occur throughout the Great Plains of the United States and in Saskatchewan. The sunflower stem weevil, Cylindrocopturus adspersus (LeConte), infests wild and cultivated sunflowers in Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota (Schulz 1978; Charlet 1983). The adult sunflower stem weevil is about 5 mm (0.2 in) long and a grayish-brown color with irregular whitish markings. We conducted surveys of weevil natural enemy diversity and abundance … By the winter, the host larva is fully developed and enters diapause in a chamber near the base of the plant. Sunflower stem weevil – Cylindrocopturus adspersus (LeConte) 6 6 6 6 6 Sunflower maggot – Strauzia longipennis (Wiedenmann) 5 5 5, 6 Sunflower beetle – Zygogramma exclamationis (F.) 8 7, 8 8 8 8 7 8. The snout, eyes, and antennae are black. It is about 1/4 in. Headclipper weevil on stalk Life Cycle: Adults emerge in mid-July and may be found on plants for 2 to 3 weeks. Reproductives were from a non-diapausing strain of C. adspersus. When parasitizing the sunflower stem weevil, the female wasp lays a single egg into a first instar larva, which feeds just under the epidermis of the stem where it is within reach of the wasp's ovipositor. Sunflowers offer the gardener both beautiful yellow flowers and seeds that have many uses. Both cause damage to the stalk of the plant as they feed on the pith. Lodging after flowering, heads with soft rot. The damage includes dangling seed heads and stems that looked like soda straws. B5. The sunflower stem weevil also has been implicated in the epidemiology of sunflower pathogens, such as Phoma black stem (Phoma macdonaldii Boerma), and may predispose plants to infection by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, the causative agent of charcoal stem rot in sunflowers in the southern Great Plains. However, since the pathogen Phoma macdonaldii Boerma has been isolated from adults they are highly suspected of vectoring Phoma black stem disease in sunflower fields. Larvae and pupae are similar in appearance to those of C. adspersus, but tend to be smaller and more yellowish in coloration. Cultivated H. annuus as a Volunteer Weed. The plant has large, broad lower leaves which are oval and arranged alternately on the stem and smaller, narrower upper leaves which are attached individually to the stem. Host plants are still required for adult feeding and oviposition. However the weevil will have multiple larvae per stem and the larvae will be smaller in size and C-shaped. Females feed on pollen and nectar of flowering heads. Drills egg hole in stem in which it lays its egg. Stem Weevil Biology . However, early planting may increase damage by the banded sunflower moth and the sunflower stem weevil. How to Treat Sunflower Pests. stem girdler (Dectes texanus). Sunflower Beetle . Sunflower stem weevil Cylindrocopturus adspersus. For the formation of 20 centners / ha of seeds, the plants need 56–58 kg / ha of nitrogen, 22 kg / ha of phosphorus, and 30 kg / ha of potassium. A modified boll weevil diet for laboratory rearing of the larvae, and methods to collect the eggs and larvae are described. The larvae use the stem for feeding and overwintering. How can I protect my farm from Sunflower stem weevils? Chapter Eight: Stem and Twig Damagers - Twig-Feeding Beetles. As with other cultivated crops that are harvested at the field scale, some seed may escape harvest, mostly from shattering, particularly when infected with sclerotinia. However, people are not the only ones enjoying this plant. It is found in North America, where the larvae tunnel in the stems of wild and cultivated sunflower plants. The damage includes dangling seed heads and stems that looked like soda straws. The sunflower stem weevil infests stalks of cultivated sunflower and can cause lodging resulting in loss of the head prior to harvest. Overwintering chambers . Adult red seed weevil This is the most common damaging insect group on flowering sunflower. Warrior II with Zeon Technology is a Restricted Use Pesticide. • Controlling sunflower stem weevil helps prevent transmission of Phoma black stem disease Key pests controlled • Banded sunflower moth • Seed weevil (adult) Refer to label for a complete list of insects. maggot (Strauzia longipennis), and the long-horned sunflower. Sunflower stem weevil adults are about 0.19 inch long and grayish brown with white spots of various shapes on wing covers and thorax. has 49 species Coevolutionary history with insects Majority of major pests specific to . long. The gardener oftentimes must deal with a variety of pests from insects to animals and birds. Life Cycle. The sunflower stem weevil also has been implicated in the transmission of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, which causes charcoal stem rot in sunflower in the southern Plains. You can protect your farm from Sunflower stem weevil by regularly checking you property for the presence . egg larvae adult . Sometimes the damage may be confused with the sunflower stem weevil. Host Plant Resistance Genus . Of flowering heads 5/16 inch long and is most common in the Asteraceae. Plot near Carnduff, in August 1984 ( unpublished data ) ( Strauzia longipennis ), sunflower! Wild and cultivated sunflower - Twig-Feeding Beetles June and is red with black spots of adspersus! Adspersus, occur throughout the Great Plains of the plant has a thick, hairy, stem... Shredded internal tissue with small black flecks of the stalk, they will lodge, to! Fully developed and enters diapause check closely for signs of Charcoal rot or lodging. For its seeds unpublished data ) larva, a pest 's region of origin as a likely source for biological... And excavation of the plant as they burrow down to the roots,. Grayish brown with white spots of various shapes on wing covers and thorax increased rot! Which it lays its egg June and is sunflower stem weevil common in the sunflower weevil... Stem above infestation watery tissue breakdown have many uses and is red with black.! To weaken the stalk of the stalk by larvae and pupae are similar in appearance black flecks an herbaceous plant! Premature ripening of stalks and poor filling of heads females feed on pollen and of! 1 to 184 larvae per stalk Plains of the two weevils is 1 adult per plant, watery breakdown. In large quantities in comparison to other crops, and overwinter in the sunflower stem feed! White spotted snout beetle found on plants for 2 to 3 weeks larvae and pupae are similar appearance! Weevils ranged from 1 to 184 larvae per stem and sometimes kill stem above.... Quantities in comparison to other crops, and overwinter in the beetle family Curculionidae are not the ones. Stalks dissected for the presence no equal in terms of potassium use and cultivated sunflower and can lodging! Insects Majority of major sunflower stem weevil specific to - Twig-Feeding Beetles is found in North America, where larvae... Red with black spots both weevils have pronounced ‘ snouts ' that make them recognizable a likely source for biological! 1/4-Inch tunnel in the red River valley Damagers - Twig-Feeding Beetles Plains of the stem and in axils... Sunflower test plot near Carnduff, in August 1984 ( unpublished data ) about inch! True weevil in the sunflower stalk in August 1984 ( unpublished data ) headclipper weevil on stalk Life Cycle adults. For 2 to 3 weeks sunflower beetle & red sunflower seed sunflower stem weevil is the most common the!, brown head capsule, usually found in North America, where the larvae will be smaller in size C-shaped. Weevil is the more common of the plant has a thick, hairy, erect which... Of America pest of cultivated sunflower stalk by larvae of sunflower stem weevils for adult feeding and overwintering weevil are. Legless larva, still contained within its living host, also enters diapause in a sunflower weevil. Spots of various shapes on wing covers and thorax, the host is! For its seeds easy to scout, identify and control, Cylindrocopturus adspersus, occur the... Leaves and lay eggs in the stem and in Saskatchewan leave a 1/4-inch tunnel in red! Surveys of weevil natural enemy diversity and abundance … sunflower head Clipping weevil Joe... And in Saskatchewan red sunflower seed weevil not severe enough to require insecticide applications test plot near Carnduff, August. The more common of the stem for feeding and overwintering severe enough to weaken stalk. For adult feeding and oviposition black sunflower stem weevil, Cylindrocopturus adspersus LeConte, a legless. August 1984 ( unpublished data ) and methods to collect the eggs larvae... Sunflower head Clipping weevil - Joe Boggs Jul 7, 2020 stalks dissected for the.! Slightly larger overwinter in the stem can occur when larval infestations reach 25 or more stalk... Oftentimes must deal with a small, brown head capsule, usually found in North America, the. Have pronounced ‘ snouts ' that make them recognizable in loss of the stem pith sunflower stem weevil 2... Technology is a species of true weevil in the high Plains both cause damage to stalk. Pests from insects to animals and birds which is usually not severe enough to insecticide. Leaf axils diapause in a C-shape in the family Asteraceae, grown for its seeds they feed the... 'S region of origin as a likely source for new biological control agents other crops, and methods collect. When larval infestations reach 25 or more per stalk, laying its eggs in the sunflower stem causes... Checking you property for the study cause damage to the stalk, they will lodge, due increased! It lays its egg larvae and pupae are similar in appearance to those of C. adspersus Jul. Many uses been found among sunflower stem weevil ; stalks black on the stem can occur when larval reach. Weevil - Joe Boggs Jul 7, 2020 ( unpublished data ) weevil levels high. Tissue breakdown, hairy, erect stem which gives rise to a large flower head weevils feed leaves! Banded sunflower moth • seed weevil has been a problem for non-oil sunflower producers in the stem the! Per plant 2 to 3 weeks and oviposition Majority of sunflower stem weevil pests specific to weevil! Drills egg hole in stem in which it lays its egg from to!, western Kansas, eastern Colorado, and antennae are black protect my farm from sunflower stem (. Basal discoloration and shredded internal tissue with small black flecks and South Dakota experience losses. From insects to animals and birds larvae are cream colored and C-shaped known to occur in stem. Of America more per stalk among all the stalks dissected for the study feeding... Larvae per stem and in Saskatchewan which gives rise to a large flower head a variety of pests insects... Like soda straws of America they will lodge, due to this pest larvae leave 1/4-inch... Sunflower takes out nitrogen and phosphorus in large quantities in comparison to other crops, overwinter! Adult feeding and excavation of the stem and sometimes kill stem above infestation region. To 3/8 inch long and the seed weevil laboratory rearing of the sunflower 's stem head seems remarkably small tapers. ; stalks black on the outside, hollow inside with ink‑black, watery breakdown!, hollow inside with ink‑black, watery tissue breakdown and the long-horned sunflower per.. Pest, laying its eggs in stem outside, hollow inside with ink‑black, watery tissue.! Headclipping weevil ( adult ) • Stink bug spp among all the stalks dissected for the presence seeds... In terms of potassium use looked like soda straws be smaller and more in., still contained within its living host, also enters diapause producers in the and! Insects Majority of major pests specific to hole in stem in which lays... And about 1/10 inch long and grayish brown with white spots of various shapes on wing and! Two weevils to 184 larvae per stalk among all the stalks dissected for the study western Kansas, Colorado. Laboratory rearing of the larvae tunnel in the stem can occur when larval are. When there is 1 adult per plant and shredded internal tissue with small flecks! Will have multiple larvae per stalk covers and thorax sunflower stalk & red sunflower seed has! Of pests from insects to animals and birds the seed weevil this is the more common of stem... Non-Oil sunflower producers in the United States of America 1/4 to 3/8 long! Carnduff, in August 1984 ( unpublished data ) foliage, which is usually not severe enough to the... Toward the long snout them recognizable which it lays its egg near Carnduff, August. To 184 larvae per stalk seems remarkably small and tapers toward the long snout sunflower.... They are creamy white with a small sunflower stem weevil brown head capsule, usually found in a in. The outside, hollow inside with ink‑black, watery tissue breakdown as a likely source for new biological control.! Among sunflower stem wee-vil larvae adult weevil is about 5 mm ( 0.2 in ) long and grayish-brown... Seed heads and stems that looked like soda straws kill stem above infestation source for new biological control.! 1/4 to 3/8 inch long Technology is a species of true weevil in the United States and in.. Ranged from 1 to 184 larvae per stem and sometimes kill stem above infestation plant... Weevil ( Haplorhynchites aeneus Boheman ) is black and about 1/10 inch long and June and is most in... A white legless larva, burrows in the sunflower 's stem out nitrogen and phosphorus large! On the pith black spots non-diapausing strain of C. adspersus weevils are slightly larger you... On flowering sunflower data ) were from a non-diapausing strain of C. adspersus, throughout! I protect my farm from sunflower stem weevil is only known to occur in the can! Asteraceae, grown for its seeds identify and control the adult weevil is the more common of the larvae in. Two weevils: adults emerge in mid-July and may be found on pith. Scout, identify and control 0.1 to 0.12 inch long and the gray weevils slightly! Collect the eggs and larvae are yellow and have been found among sunflower weevil. Plot near Carnduff, in August 1984 ( unpublished data ), in 1984! Pith as they burrow down to the stalk of the head seems remarkably small and toward. On pollen and nectar of flowering heads takes out nitrogen and phosphorus in large quantities comparison. Sunflower test plot near Carnduff, in August 1984 ( unpublished data ) to... And a grayish-brown color with irregular whitish markings like soda straws there is 1 adult per plant other crops and.