Sunflower Bud Moth
July 17, 2008
The sunflower bud moth (not to be confused with banded sunflower moth) is causing some problems this year. It generally doesn't cause any economic damage to sunflowers most years, but its delayed emergence this year is an issue.
The later emergence has the larvae feeding on the sunflower bud which will likely cause injury to the developing head. Unfortunately there is no threshold for control since it usually is not an issue.
Regardless of threshold, insecticides are not recommended by the university since the insect is tunneled into the plant; which protects it from the application.