With the sporadic rains, it is important to scout for Phomopsis stem canker and other sunflower diseases. For Phomopsis stem canker, a light to dark colored lesion develops on the stem, and a possible discoloration on the sunflower head.  Mathew’s lab at North Dakota State University is needing sunflower plant samples that are suspected of Phomopsis stem canker. Using culture techniques and DNA-based assays, the fungus causing Phomopsis stem canker will be determined. For information on how to send samples, please contact Febina Mathew (febina.mathew@ndsu.edu). The address to send samples (only diseased stem and/or head rot) is Febina Mathew, NDSU Plant Pathology Dept., 1402 Albrecht Blvd., 306 Walster Hall, Fargo, ND 58102. For more on Phomopsis stem canker or other sunflower diseases, visit https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/publications/sunflower-disease-diagnostic-series

The markets have been ugly and extremely volatile for most crops since early July. Sunflower prices on the other hand have been quietly steady. Nearby high oleic prices are trading $8.50-$9.60 per hundredweight higher than last year at this same time. Last year, October new crop prices were in the range of $18.00-$18.25. October high oleic prices are currently in a range of $21.00-$22.00 at the crush plants. Something else to add to these prices is the oil premiums that are paid on sunflower. Sunflower is the only oilseed that pays premiums for oil content above 40%. Oil premiums are offered at the crush plants on oil content above 40% at a rate of 2% price premium for each 1% of oil above 40%. For example, a $22.00 contract with 45% oil content results in a 10% price premium which pushes gross return to $24.20 per cwt. August 12th will be a huge day for commodity markets as USDA will release its latest supply and demand reports and first report of FSA certified acres. The FSA figures will be compared to the USDA June acreage report and will give the market a better idea of what got planted this year. This data and weather conditions will guide traders in the coming weeks. Normal to above normal temperatures are expected for the next two weeks in the sunflower growing region which will help with crop development.

Rust is most often found on the lower under-side of leaves. The pustules are cinnamon-red and readily recognizable. Yield loss can occur, and control measures should be considered when rust reaches approximately 1% severity on the upper four leaves and the plant is in the vegetative stages until it reaches the R6 stage. An infestation on the upper leaves at R6 or later will not likely have a negative yield affect. Fortunately, rust can be managed with well-timed fungicide applications. To learn more about rust, visit www.sunflowernsa.com/growers/diseases/rust-damage-and-control/ 

With sunflower fields blooming IPM scouts have observed increasing numbers of red sunflower seed weevils (RSSW), banded sunflower moth (BSM) and Arthuri sunflower moths (SM) in the last week and are at economic thresholds for control in some locations. See maps on NDSU’s IPM website: Sunflower Insect Trap — ND IPM (ndsu.edu) Severe infestations of RSSW and moths can be very damaging to the sunflower head and result in seed loss. Once the decision to treat has been made, it is critical to time the spray application correctly to get effective management of all sunflower head insects including RSSW, BSM, SM, and Lygus bug. The best sunflower plant stage to treat is when the majority of plants are in the R5.1 growth stage. To read more about scouting for insects and the best treatments, visit www.sunflowernsa.com/growers/Insects/. 

January 7-8, 2026 - NSA Research Forum; Holiday Inn, Fargo, ND

June 23-25, 2026 - NSA Summer Seminar; Deadwood, SD

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