The degree of damage caused by the sunflower moth (Homoeosoma nebulellum Den. et Schiff., 1775) to different sunflower varieties

english

2025

volume 121, issue 3

achene damage   sunflower   sunflower moth   swarming dynamics

Univerza v Ljubljani, Biotehniška fakulteta
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

The European sunflower moth (Homoeosoma nebulellum Den. et Schiff., 1775) is one of the earliest documented pests of sunflower. Traditionally considered a two-generation pest, the occurrence of a third generation is becoming more frequent in eastern and central Europe due to global warming. Between 2021 and 2023, we conducted a two-part study in northeastern Hungary: (1) pheromone traps were used at five locations to monitor swarming dynamics, and (2) field trials were carried out to assess larval damage on three sunflower varieties. We compared the susceptibility of the Kisvárdai landrace, the widely grown confectionery hybrid Jaguar, and the oilseed hybrid NK Neoma. Results confirm that the sunflower moth now consistently completes three generations in the region. We found substantial differences in varietal susceptibility: ‘Kisvárdai’ showed severe damage, while ‘Jaguar’ and especially ‘Neoma’ exhibited significantly higher resistance. According to our observations, hot and dry summer conditions–particularly low rainfall from July to September – strongly enhance the intensity of the third generation. Our results also support earlier findings that sunflower varieties with a phytomelanin layer in the pericarp are more resistant to larval damage. However, this feature alone does not provide complete protection.

19.01.2026