General Infomation
This document is intended to help consultants and producers make decisions on insect management options. Although information may be correct at the time of writing, labels frequently change without warning. It is impossible to include the usage, safety and precautionary statements for each pesticide in this type of publication. Users should check labels carefully before applying to ensure the product(s) under consideration can and will be legally applied.
K-State entomology faculty assumes no responsibility for product performance, personal injury, property damage or other types of loss resulting from the purchase, handling or use of the pesticides listed.
As with all pesticides, the user bears responsibility for correct use. If there is any question about the intended use, contact the manufacturer of the product, K-State Research and Extension, or the Kansas Department of Agriculture before applying. Always read and follow label directions carefully. Never use a pesticide when the validity of the label or the intended use pattern is in doubt.
Insecticides are listed in alphabetical order by common name. Trade names are in parentheses, sometimes with specific formulations. Safety, price, availability, effectiveness, etc., all should be considered when narrowing the list to the product(s) you select for use.
Using Insecticides Safely
All insecticides are capable of causing injury to man and animals. Injury or death can result from swallowing, inhalation or skin absorption. Handle with care and use only when needed. Follow label directions and heed all precautions. Store in original containers away from food products in a dry place where children, unauthorized persons, livestock and pets are not allowed.
Avoid spilling insecticides on the skin, mucous membranes (mouth, nose and eyes), and clothing when mixing or applying. If spilled on the body, immediately wash it off and change clothing. Wash your face and hands thoroughly after applyingany insecticide – especially before eating, drinking or smoking. If in the eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek prompt medical attention. If medical treatment is necessary, take the insecticide container label with you. It contains valuable information the physician will need. For poison control information call 1-800-332-6633.
Always wear adequate protective equipment (respirators, clothing, etc.) as specified on the label. Bathe and change clothing after applying insecticides. Always wash clothes worn while applying pesticides separately and before wearing them again.
Protect fish and wildlife. Do not contaminate streams, lakes, ponds or marshes. Do not clean spray equipment or dump excess spray near such sites. Avoid drift of sprays or dusts. Do not allow poultry, dairy or meat animals to feed on plants or drink water contaminated by insecticides.
Waiting intervals refer to the time that must elapse between application and harvest. The waiting interval in no way signifies how long the insecticide will remain active in controlling insects. Re-entry intervals (REI) specify the minimum time that special protective gear (specified on the label) must be worn when entering the field after treatment.
Avoid killing bees. Sunflowers frequently require treatment while in bloom, something expressly prohibited on the label of many insecticides. Limit applications to hours when bees are not visiting the plants. Avoid drift to bee yards or adjacent blooming crops. Notify bee owners before applying near bee yards. In general, sprays are less harmful to bees than dusts. Diamides are a new category of insecticides that appear to be safe for bees and other pollinators.
Insecticide Use Classification
Growers must be certified by the Kansas Department of Agriculture before they can legally purchase or use restricted use pesticides. General use pesticides can be purchased or used by anyone; however, commercial applicators must obtain a business license in order to apply any pesticide commercially. Commercial applicators must also be certified under the appropriate commercial category in order to use restricted use pesticides.
Endangered Species
Producers in Meade, Clark, Comanche, Stafford, Reno, Rice and Barton counties should be aware of the endangered species protection program established by the EPA in their counties. Local K-State Research and Extension offices have more information or visit the Web site http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/esa.cfm
Bee Caution
Many of the insecticides used on sunflowers are highly toxic to bees and carry statements similar to the following: This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops or weeds. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift to blooming crops or weeds if bees are visiting the treatment area. Because many sunflower pests require treatment during bloom, producers should reduce the chance of applying chemicals while bees are actively visiting the flowers and warn local beekeepers before applying any insecticide.
Rules For Sound Insect Management
1. Accurately identify the pest and interpret the situation. Ask your local K-State Research and Extension agricultural agent for help if you have questions.
2. Proper timing of con¬trol measures cannot be over-stressed. Detect the problem before damage reaches an advanced stage (scout each field at least once a week).
3. Realize that preventing all insect damage should not be your objective. Treatments are seldom justified unless expected losses equal or exceed the cost of control.
4. In some situations pest problems can be prevented or alleviated without the use of insecticides.
Sunflower Insects
Cultivated sunflowers in Kansas host a variety of insects. Most are not damaging and many are beneficial. Harmful species are not always present in sufficient numbers to cause economic loss. However, when certain pest species are abundant, significant damage may result from root, stem, leaf, flower or seed feeding. In addition, significant losses can occur from lodging caused by stem weevils, stem girdlers or by vertebrates such as skunks and raccoons foraging for grubs. Some insects also can spread certain diseases.
Wild sunflowers and various weed species serve as hosts for many pests of cultivated sunflowers. Because many sunflower pests overwinter in or near host plant residues, crop rotation and control of wild sunflowers may reduce the intensity of subsequent infestations. However, the judicious use of insecticides is often required for successful sunflower production in Kansas.
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Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned.
Publications from Kansas State University are available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ksre.k-state.edu
Contents of this publication may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Phillip E. Sloderbeck, J.P. Michaud, Robert J. Whitworth and Randall A. Higgins, Sunflower Insect Management 2006, Kansas State University, January 2006.
From: MF-814 Phillip E. Sloderbeck, J.P. Michaud, and Robert J. Whitworth, Sunflower Insect Management, Kansas State University.
This publication was prepared to help producers manage insect populations with the best available methods proven practical under Kansas conditions. Pesticide label directions and restrictions are subject to change, and some may have changed since this publication was written. Kansas State University entomologists assume no responsibility for product performance, personal injury, property damage, or other types of loss resulting from the handling or use of the pesticides listed. Remember, it is illegal to use a pesticide in a manner that is inconsistent with the label. The user bears responsibility for correct use. Always read and follow label directions carefully.