Information from the National Sunflower Association says it’s time to start scouting for banded sunflower moth (BSM), Arthuri sunflower moth (ASM) and sunflower head moth (SHM).
BSM, is a small (¼ inch long), straw yellow moth with a wingspan of about ½ inch. Its forewings have a triangular, dark brown band crossing through the middle of the wing.
banded sunflower moth.
Photo credit National Sunflower Association.
ASM, is a small (¼ inch long), whitish-gray moth with a wingspan of about ½ inch. Its forewings are crossed by a broken brown and gray band and the outer ¼ has brownish markings and dark fringe.
SHM, is a small (<1/2 inch long), light colored moth that holds its wings over the abdomen and appear cigar shaped. When the wings are spread, they can be recognized by having a pale leading edge of the forewing, and a small black discal spot on each forewing.
When sampling, use the W pattern and begin counting at least 75 to 100 feet into the field to avoid field margin effects. Count moths on 20 plants at 5 sampling sites to obtain the total number of moths per 100 plants. When scouting during the day (late morning to early afternoon), the moths remain quiet, resting on upper or lower leaves of sunflower plants or other neighboring broadleaf plants like soybeans. Look for the moth fluttering from plant to plant when disturbed.
For more information, visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/banded-sunflower-moth.
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