|
 |
Sunflower Seed Maggot
 |
|
|
| Adult sunflower seed maggot |
|
|
The sunflower seed maggot adult (Neotephritis finalis) is 0.25 inches in length. The wings have a brown lacelike pattern. The larvae at maturity are 0.19 inch in length. The small brown pupa is found on the face of the sunflower bud, often surrounded by a small number of damaged florets. There are two additional species of maggots which are described in the Sunflower Production Handbook (click on the link at the bottom of the page to access a PDF of the Handbook).
|
 |
|
|
Sunflower seed maggot pupa |
|
Life Cycle: There are two generations of this maggot in North Dakota and likely Canada. In North Dakota, the adults emerge during early July and eggs are laid on the developing bud.
 |
|
|
Sunflower head damage
from tunneling maggots |
|
|
Damage: The extent of damage depends on the stage of larval and plant development. Historically damage has been minimal. However, reports of field damage were made in 2006 in ND and MN. More damage was recorded in 2007. The annual NSA Crop Survey found 8% of the ND crop impacted by the maggot. In SD the number was 3%. No other states reported damage. Damage is a deformed or misshapen area of the head. However, it has not been determined if this is yield impacting.
Economic Thresholds: There are no thresholds established.
Scouting Method: None has been established.
Management: None has been established.
Research: The NSA has funded a post doctoral scientist for the 2008-2011 seasons to work on the maggot. The goal of this research project is to investigate the biology and impact of this pest. Strategies include developing a management system in the event this insect is of economic consequence. This would include scouting methods and economic thresholds. Work on insecticide control and hybrid resistance is part of the overall strategy.
Photos: Visit the Photo Gallery.
Source: NDSU Extension Bulletin 25 Sunflower Production Handbook, NDSU Extension Service, September 2007 and personal communication with Dr. Jan Knodel, NDSU Extension Entomologist.
For further information, click on the links below (please note the files may take a while to download). Another resource about insects can be found in the Archive section of The Sunflower magazine.
Additional Links
|
|
NSA Crop Survey |
|
The Sunflower Crop Survey is conducted annually prior to harvest to gather data on yield and production practices, weeds, insects, diseases and bird damage.
|
|
|
|
