–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Schwarting
Double-cropped sunflowers are highly susceptible to both gray and red sunflower seed weevils. Most double-cropped sunflowers sampled in the past week, just reaching the bud stage, were significantly infested with both seed weevils, i.e. more than two of each species/plant.
These weevils are, and will be ovipositing and the small grub-like larvae will consume or otherwise destroy the seed. This damage can significantly reduce yield if enough seeds are destroyed. For more information on sunflower insect pest management, please refer to the KSU Sunflower Insect Management Guide: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf814.pdf