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Funded Project

Funding Program: IPM Partnership Grants

Project Title: Best Practices to Manage Pests of Oilseed Sunflowers in the Northeast

Project Director (PD): Heather Darby [1]

Lead State: VT Lead Organization: University of Vermont

Undesignated Funding: $37,736

Start Date: Apr-01-2013 End Date: Feb-28-2014

No-Cost Extension Date: Aug-31-2014

Pests Involved: Disease/Weeds/Insects

Site/Commodity: Sunflower

Area of Emphasis: IPM Issues

Summary: Since most information on agronomic production of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) comes from the upper Midwest and Plains, and because sunflower is a relatively new crop to the Northeast, the majority of advice for growers is not specific to our region. In order for sunflower producers in the Northeast to produce a viable crop local research and outreach need to be expanded. Local oilseed growers express a need for more comprehensive tools to manage pest pressures, including birds, weeds, disease, and insects. To create a viable sunflower industry in the Northeast, pest management concerns must be addressed. Surveys of the sunflower crop in the Northeast have shown that though plant populations are similar to the national averages, estimated yield is lower, primarily due to pest issues. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies developed for sunflowers will help growers improve yields. Our field production research will build on previous projects that have examined best agricultural practices for oilseed production in the region. Through this project 4 research trials will be implemented to determine the impact of variety selection, planting dates, cover crop interseeding, and reduced tillage on disease, insect, bird, and weed pressure in sunflower crops. Two Vermont farmers with oilseed production experience will establish the on-farm demonstration/research trials. The on-farm projects are based on critical needs determined by area oilseed growers, and focus on IPM issues. Delivery of research based information, technical assistance, and farmer to farmer networking will compliment field research to deliver regionally-appropriate IPM strategies to sunflower growers. Objectives: As sunflower production develops and expands in the Northeast, pest management will remain a factor in its successful implementation. Identifying pest problems and educating producers and service providers about IPM issues and strategies will strengthen the viability of sunflower in the region. This project will assess the impacts of agronomic practicesincluding varietal selection, planting date, and the effects of interseeded cover crops and reduced tillageas sunflower pest management strategies. The objectives of this project are to: (1) develop IPM strategies to manage pests in sunflowers and increase yields, quality and economic viability of this crop in the Northeast; (2) develop farmer friendly research based outreach materials and distribute in print and online ; and (3) enhance technical assistance and outreach programs and opportunities for farmer-to-farmer learning exchanges in the Northeast.

Final Report:

Outcomes PEST MANAGEMENT EXPERIMENTS There were four pest management field trials initiated as part of this project. Research to evaluate cultural control options for managing weeds, insects, birds, and disease in sunflowers was conducted during the project period. Cultural controls evaluated included variety selection, tillage, planting dates, and cover crop interseeding. All of the field trials were implemented with data compiled and published in research reports (Appendix 1-5), and distributed at dozens of events throughout the year. These initial trials have helped build critical information on pest management in sunflowers in the Northeast. This data can serve as preliminary data for future funding. Variety selection is a primary strategy for disease control in sunflowers. Most sunflower varieties are developed in regions with a climate much different than the Northeast. Identifying varieties of sunflower that will perform well in Vermonts particular climate is essential to viable crop production. Eighteen sunflower varieties were evaluated for yield, oil quantity, and pest damage in a randomized complete block with four replications. The eighteen varieties evaluated in the 2013 sunflower variety trial were statistically different from one another in many yield and quality indicators. There were no significant differences in lodging or sclerotinia head rot or stalk rot incidence. Bird damage varied significantly, and was lowest (0%) in the four varieties 8D310, 8N337, 8N358, and Camaro II. Interestingly, taller varieties were not more prone to bird damage. Banded sunflower moth damage to seed was not statistically impacted by variety and only averaged 0.97%. Actual seed damage may have been greater; however, as assessments were made after seed was combined and cleaned. Overall, seed yields were high, averaging over a ton (2376 lbs) per acre. The greatest seed yield was in the variety Camaro II (3538 lbs per acre), though this was not statistically greater than Torino, 8N358, or Defender Plus. Oil content averaged 37.0%, which is within the average for sunflower oil (35-40%). The short-stature variety s673 performed best in oil content (40.8%), though this was statistically similar to five other varieties. A full report of the trial can be found in Appendix 1. Weed control is an issue for sunflower growers in the region. There are herbicides available for weed control in sunflowers but the options are limited especially in the case of controlling broadleaf weeds. Many sunflower growers are not certified pesticide applicators and would prefer to forgo herbicides and focus on cultural controls that may be effective. In addition, many farmers are certified organic and looking for alternative weed control strategies that do not involve herbicides. Two trials evaluated cultural control options (cover crops and reduced tillage) to reduce weed pressure in sunflower fields. The practice of interseeding, or planting cover crops between rows, could limit the early-season weed pressures and allow for a competitive advantage for sunflower, increasing yields and quality. Crops like clover, tillage radish, and annual ryegrass may also benefit long-term soil health and decrease expensive inputs by adding organic matter and nutrients into the soil. In 2013, a trial was initiated at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT to determine the impact of interseeded crops on sunflower yield and quality. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with interseeded cover crops (ryegrass, radish, red clover, and control) as the treatments. There were three replications, and each plot was 10 by 90, with four rows of sunflower. Sunflowers were harvested on 21-Oct at an average moisture level of 7.55%. There were no significant differences in the harvest moisture by interseeding treatments. There was also no statistically significant difference in test weight, an indicator of seed plumpness and overall quality. The trial average for test weight was 29.6 lbs per bushel, which is between the general target of 28 to 32 lbs per bushel. Seed yields ranged from 2438 lbs per acre to 3375 lbs per acre. Though there was no significant impact of interseeding treatment, the greatest seed yield was in sunflowers interseeded with annual ryegrass. Overall the cover crops established well but had little growth due to excessive shading of the sunflowers. Weed populations were low and did not appear to be impacted by the cover crop. Early planting of the cover crop prior to sunflower canopy closure would likely improve the efficacy of this practice. A full report of the trial can be found in Appendix 2. Planting no-till sunflowers into winter rye could be a valuable IPM strategy. In addition to the potential benefits in weed mitigation, the practice may also help break the life cycles of sunflower disease. The most prevalent sunflower diseases in the Northeast are caused by Sclerotinia white mold, which drops black fungal bodies, called sclerotia, into the soil to overwinter. Because cereal crops like rye are not susceptible to the broadleafs sclerotinia issues, the introduction of rye into the crop rotation could remove a host and relieve some disease pressures. In addition, sclerotia sitting on top of the soil (in a no-till system) degrade faster than when they are plowed under, as in conventional tillage. The reduction of weed and disease issues could increase sunflower yields and quality, resulting in a more productive and reliable crop. A trial was initiated at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT in 2013 to assess the yield and quality of sunflowers planted into a winter rye crop that had been mechanically terminated with a roller-crimper. The replicated field trial included two treatments (no-till planting into roller-crimper terminated winter rye, and conventional planting into plowed rye) and three replications. Winter rye had been broadcast by hand in the fall of 2012. Each plot was 10 wide (4 rows of sunflowers on 30 rows), and 70 long. Winter rye was terminated mechanically on 10-Jun with a rear-mounted roller-crimper. In conventional plots, the seedbed was prepared with a spring disc, harrow, and spike tooth harrow to finish. There was a significant difference in plant population between no-till and conventional sunflowers, indicating that sunflowers planted into winter rye did not become established as vigorously. Conventional populations were 27,646 plants per acre; reduced tillage sunflowers averaged 16,843 plants per acre. Given the 36,000 seeds per acre planting rate, this is a 76.8% survival rate for conventional and 46.8% survival rate for reduced tillage sunflowers. Timing the mechanical termination of a rye crop is essential; earlier crimping may result in more successful emergence and stand establishment of sunflower plants. It is also possible that a higher seeding rate should be used when planting no-till sunflowers into a terminated rye crop. Lastly, modifications to the planter may be essential to improve sunflower establishment rates in this type of no-till system. Residue cleaners and aggressive coulters may help clean rye residue from the planted area allowing sunflowers to establish stands more easily. Lower plant populations and spotty plant stands led to reduced seed yields and, despite slightly higher oil content in no-till sunflowers, overall oil yields that were significantly lower in no-till sunflowers than in conventionally-planted sunflowers. Further research in this area is needed to help further develop a viable system for no-till of sunflowers. A full report of this trial can be found in Appendix 3. A cultural pest control strategy often used by growers is manipulation of planting date. To evaluate the impacts of altered planting dates on sunflower pests, an on-farm trial was designed to assess the effect of varying planting dates on sunflower pest pressures, yield, and quality. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with split plots and four replications. The main plots were five planting dates, each spaced approximately one week apart (17-May, 28-May, 4-Jun, 10-Jun, and 19-Jun). The subplots were two varieties, Cobalt II (early) and Torino (med-full). The interaction between planting date and variety on the number of individual banded sunflower moth (BSM) larvae observed during scouting implies that the effects of altering planting dates may impact insect communities differently according to the variety (and relative maturity) of sunflower. BSM larvae were much more prevalent in early-planted Torino sunflowers and in late-planted Cobalt sunflowers. Interestingly, the med-full season Torino only had an incidence of stalk rot in the first three planting dates, but when planted on 10-Jun or later, had 0% incidence. Conversely, the early-season variety Cobalt II sunflowers had 0% stalk rot when planted on 17-May, but stalk rot was noted in sunflowers planted on 28-May, 4-Jun, 10-Jun, and 19-Jun. This indicates that planting a full-season variety early in the season resulted in a higher incidence of stalk rot, while planting a shorter-season variety early on did not result in stalk rot. The five varying planting dates evaluated in this study had no statistical impact on lodging and disease. Harvest population, bird damage, plant height and head width were all impacted by planting date. There was a slight trend towards less insect (banded sunflower moth) damage in later-planted sunflowers, though it was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in seed and oil yields by either planting date or variety. Bird damage to sunflower heads (averaging 67.5% overall) was detrimental to yields. The notable differences in populations, plant height, and head width by planting date were consistent with other sunflower research trials. Typically, greater sunflower plant populations result in taller plants and narrower heads. The average yields for the trial (782 lbs of seed or 32.5 gallons of oil per acre) were poor in comparison to typical sunflower yields. This was likely due to low populations, early-season weed competition, and severe bird damage. Overall, the strategy of sunflower shifting plants dates has potential as a pest control strategy. While there were no significant differences in yield in this 2013 study, there were trends towards lower bird damage in early-planted sunflowers and lower insect populations and damage in late-planted sunflowers. It is important to remember that these data represent results from only one year and one location. More research should be generated and consulted before making agronomic decisions. A full report of the trial can be found in Appendix 4. Our participation in the 2013 National Sunflower Survey helped quantify disease, insect, weed, and vertebrate damage, as well as estimating yield and quality, of eight regional sunflower fields. Results were compiled, with trends in IPM challenges summarized, and published in a report on the years survey (Appendix 5). The survey is organized by the National Sunflower Association, which seeks to gain an understanding of yields, agronomic practices, and production constraints across a broad range of environments. Adding the regions data to this archive helps quantify our regional systems as well as putting New Englands expanding oilseed production on the map. As part of the National Sunflower Survey, the first and second most yield-limiting factors for each field are identified. The eight fields surveyed in Vermont and New York had a wide range of yield-limiting factors, but deer pressure, uneven plant growth, and weed competition were the most problematic issues. While the national results indicate that the most yield-limiting factor on a field-by-field basis was plant spacing within the row, the challenges facing growers in the Northeast seemed to be more pest-related. Deer damage seems to be a unique problem for growers in the Northeast. Sunflower producers in the Northeast have limited options, particularly due to the high cost and permanence of effective fencing. Growers in other states tend to plant much larger fields, so seed damage from vertebrates like deer and birds (which damaged seeds in 75% of the fields this year) are more easily absorbed by the scale of the operation. Insect damage is assessed in a North Dakota State University (NDSU) lab by examining 100 seeds from a subsample of each field. In general, there was seed-boring insect damage in most of the fields, but the actual severity of the damage was minimal. Interestingly, in 2013, a majority of the VT and NY fields surveyed had seed weevil (Smicronyx) damage, though actual severity was minimal. Banded sunflower moth (Cochylis hospes), a prevalent pest in the past, was evident in half of the surveyed fields. Sunflower moth (Homoeosoma electellum) damage was found in only 12.5% of fields, with 1.0% of seeds damaged. OUTREACH AND EDUCATION An extensive outreach and education program was developed as a part of this project. The comprehensive manual Oilseed Production in the Northeast: A Guide for Growers of Sunflower and Canola was published in March 2013. This includes sections on pest management (disease, insects, weeds, and birds) for both sunflower and canola. The guide is available at http://www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/wp-content/uploads/OilseedManualFINAL.pdf. We have continued to update our Oilseed website (http://www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/oilseeds), and have published brief and informational outreach bulletins on sunflower insect pests and on-farm insect IPM project results (Appendix 6 & 7). In addition, we have worked with a regional Oilseed Producer Group, hosting annual meetings (including one on March 3, 2014), to present research and stay apprised of agronomic challenges and need for technical assistance. All intended outreach goals were met, with the exception of hosting a field day on a farm in central Vermont in July (the farmer was not interested in hosting, due to poor weather conditions and crop failures). Outreach Events: Presentations on agronomic management of sunflowers, as well as IPM strategies, were delivered to growers at the Annual Oilseed Producers Workshop on March 3, 2014, and video from these presentations was made publicly available through our research programs YouTube channel. Farms visits were made throughout the growing season across the state of Vermont. A total of 14 farm visits were completed to speak with growers about pests and past management. Data was collected during the fall visits for the National Sunflower Survey. 1 Aug 2013: Hosted field day at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. Showcased sunflower research trials and presented poster on sunflower insect pests and monitoring and identification efforts. Answered many growers questions in one-on-one conversations. There were 173 attendees of the field day, including farmers, service providers, and prospective growers. The majority (62.5%) of attendees who responded to a follow-up survey rated the field day as excellent. Thirteen percent of the farmers who completed the survey were currently growing oilseed crops, and 11.1% of respondents said they would try growing an oilseed crop as a result of attending the field day. Many positive comments were made after the field day, and attendees were grateful to tour the research facilities, see equipment firsthand and receive information from our program. 3 March 2014: Hosted an Annual Oilseed Producers Workshop with 43 attendees. Of those who filled out an evaluation of the event, only 56% had attended the event in the past. This means we successfully attracted a substantial crowd of new stakeholders to the workshop. Survey results indicated that 100% of attendees who responded said they learned something at the workshop that will improve their crop yield and quality, 94.7% said they learned something that will help their operation be more profitable, and 81.8% said they learned something that will help them market or expand their products. We received excellent feedback from attendees, who included farmers, processors, bureaucrats, energy industry representatives, and researchers from across the Northeast. Following the workshop, our program made the presentations publicly-available online after event, and created an online network (Google spreadsheet) for interested attendees upon multiple requests to keep in touch with fellow stakeholders. PUBLICATIONS (see also Appendices) Appendix 1 2013 Sunflower Variety Trial Available at http://www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/wp-content/uploads/2013SunflowerVarietyTrial_report.pdf Appendix 2 2013 Sunflower Reduced Tillage Trial Available at http://www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/wp-content/uploads/2013SunflowerReducedTillage.pdf Appendix 3 2013 Sunflower Interseeding Trial Available at http://www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/wp-content/uploads/2013SunflowerInterseeding.pdf Appendix 4 2013 Sunflower Planting Date Trial Available at http://www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/wp-content/uploads/2013-Sunflower-Planting-Date-Trial.pdf Appendix 5 2013 National Sunflower Survey Available at http://www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/wp-content/uploads/2013NationalSunflowerSurveySummary.pdf Appendix 6 2013 Sunflower Insect Monitoring Projects Available at http://www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/wp-content/uploads/2013-Sunflower-IPM.pdf Appendix 7 Sunflower Insects: Scouting and Identification Available at http://www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/wp-content/uploads/SunflowerInsects1.pdf

Impacts This project has had a positive impact on many stakeholders, especially regional sunflower producers. Post even surveys of growers and stakeholders helped us highlight and document the value of our IPM research and education program focused on oilseed crops for the Northeast. Through our IPM partnership grant we were able to develop IPM strategies for sunflower and deliver that information directly to the growers in a variety of formats. As a result sunflower IPM information and education was delivered to 264 growers in the Northeast. Over 1000 visitors have also accessed our online resources. Safeguarding human health and the environment By providing safer (mechanical and cultural) control strategies for sunflower IPM, this grant project helped to establish alternatives to chemical pesticides with a primary focus on herbicides and insecticides. This allows organic producers, and those who are trying to minimize their dependence on chemicals, to employ strategies that do not require the (often costly and environmentally-detrimental) application of commercial pesticides. For example, sunflower growers with detrimental weed pressure can plant a cover crop between rows to reduce early-season weeds and increase sunflower yields. Bird and insect damage may be mitigated with altered planting dates. More research will help elucidate safer and more holistic IPM strategies that are regionally appropriate for small-scale growers in the Northeast. Economic benefits Northeast sunflower growers are (and will continue to be) able to maximize yields and quality with enhanced IPM strategies. This will increase their profits and overall viability, as it reduces costly inputs, identifies pest-resistant sunflower varieties, and minimizes losses due to disease, insect, weed, and vertebrate pressures. Many growers, processors, extension professionals, and consumers benefited from our preliminary research. Processors and custom operators who are looking to expand their current business by including diversified crops and products such as sunflower will continue to benefit from any research that allows the crop to be more profitable in the region. Service providers, such as government agents, Extension personnel, and crop advisors, will gain knowledge about pest management strategies specific to sunflower production in the Northeast. In addition, using economically- and environmentally-responsible IPM practices to grow sunflower and produce food, feed, and fuel will benefit the entirety of the regional agricultural community. SUCCESS STORIES Overall, Vermonts continued participation in the National Sunflower Survey has allowed for the tracking of yield data across years. Calculated seed yields have increased each year, despite sometimes challenging weather conditions, from 931 lbs per acre in 2011 to 1296 lbs per acre in 2012, and 1725 lbs per acre in 2013. In addition, the discrepancy between total population and harvestable population has lessened each year since 2011, indicating that over time, growers are able to get a greater percentage of their crop to the seed bin. This 85% increase in average seed yield in Vermont can be attributed in part to UVM Extensions continued work on Integrated Pest Management in sunflower. With the resources to conduct meaningful and applied research and perform outreach to growers across the region, the UVM Extension Northwest Crops & Soils Program has been able to develop and implement strategies for reducing pest damage. This has increased yields and quality of sunflower, enabling the crop to be considered a viable option for diversified farmers in the region. These significant yield increases increase profitability of growing this crop. Implementation of IPM On-farm research trials helped to identify some sunflower IPM strategies, including interseeding cover crops into sunflower stands to reduce weed pressures and build soil health, planting no-till sunflowers into a winter cover crop to increase yields, selecting pest-resistant and high-yielding varieties of sunflower, and shifting sunflower planting dates to reduce pest damage. Based on farmers surveyed at the 2014 oilseed producers meeting the IPM strategies developed by UVM are being adopted and implemented. Of the 43 attendees, 54% indicated that they had adopted IPM practices learned from the UVM Extension oilseed program and 40% indicated that this helped to increase yields. Through this project sunflower varieties were identified that may be more advantageous to grow in our region. Bird damage ranged drasticallyfrom 0% among some varieties to 51.1% in others. Seed and oil yields varied significantly by variety, and Seeds 2000s Camaro II and Torino, and Mycogens 8N358 were among the top performers and also had minimal pest damage. Planting date treatments had a significant impact on the number of banded sunflower moth larvae, and bird damage. Through this project UVM Extension recommends selecting an early-season sunflower variety and aiming for planting in the beginning of June. This strategy has been employed by a handful of regional growers with successincreases in yield and quality have been observed. In 2013, the first year of research, cover crop trials were begun and preliminary data can be built upon in the future. Interseeding was successful but lacked biomass to suppress weeds. Earlier planting dates would help and farmers are interested in pursuing this practice. No-till planting into a rolled stand of rye is of high interest to farmers to control weeds but more work needs to be done to fine tune this practice. These findings will help to develop guidelines for alternative IPM strategies in the future. SUCCESS STORIES One grower took UVM Extensions crop recommendations into consideration when choosing a sunflower planting date in 2014. We have worked with this farm since 2011 on integrating sunflower crops into his diversified vegetable operation. The sunflower yields on this farm have averaged 1392 lbs per acre. In 2014, the grower delayed usual sunflower planting by several weeks (upon UVMs recommendation), and his calculated seed yield was 3410 lbs per acre, highest in the statewide survey and well above the national average of 1733 lbs per acre. Based on our preliminary planting date data many farmers have documented shifts in planting date to reduce bird and insect damage. Leveraged Funding Funding from the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund located in Montpelier, VT was leveraged by Heather Darby to continue IPM research on sunflowers and winter canola in the Northeast for the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons. The amount of funding was $35,000.

Report Appendices Appendix 1 - Sunflower Variety Trial Report [PDF] Appendix 2 - Sunflower Interseeding Trial [PDF] Appendix 3 - Sunflower Reduced Tillage Trial Report [PDF] Appendix 4 - Sunflower Planting Date Trial Report [PDF] Appendix 5 - National Sunflower Survey [PDF] Appendix 6 - Sunflower Insect Monitoring [PDF] Appendix 7 - Sunflower Insects Scouting and Identification [PDF]

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