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Department of Entomology

Department of Entomology
123 W. Waters Hall
1603 Old Claflin Place
Kansas State University
Manhattan KS 66506-4004

785-532-6154
785-532-6232 fax
entomology@ksu.edu

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785-532-5891

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Sunflower Insects 

The longhorned borer Dectes texanus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Picture of Dectes texanus Adult

Adult Dectes stem borer.

larva

Larva of Dectes stem borer. Note tapering of terminal abdominal segments.

The Dectes stem borer can be a cause of serious lodging in commercial sunflower production, especially in dryland oilseed fields.

Problems are exacerbated by high density plantings and dry summer weather that accelerates stalk desiccation and larval girdling behavior.

Detailed information in MF2581 Kansas Crop Pests: Dectes Stem Borer

Please refer to the most recent Sunflower Insect Management Guide for specific control recommendations.

Last updated 7/11/2017 by J.P. Michaud