Sunflowers

Pests of Field Crops in Southern Africa

SUNFLOWERS

(Helianthus annuus, Asteraceae)

Text Box: See general section. This is one of the few pests that may require control in sunflowers. The larvae burrow within the seed heads, consuming developing grains. Control is difficult, however, because of the tall, downward pointing heads, and the fact that sunflower crops are usually full of bees. TOP

Text Box: See general section. Although sunflowers are a host to whiteflies, they have never been considered a problem pest, and this may well be because sunflowers are so seldom sprayed. In many cropping situations, whiteflies are regarded as a “resurgence” pest, occurring in increased numbers after spray applications destroy their natural enemies. TOP

African Bollworm

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African Bollworm

Young sunflower head showing signs of damage from Bollworm (above). Opening the head shows the bollworm inside (left) with evidence of damage and droppings from the caterpiller.