Research is focusing on the protection of germinating and emerging sunflowers from wireworms using insecticide and fungicide seed treatment. Data was generated in 1994 and 1995 on the influence of seed treatment on the biological quality of seed and the growth and development of the sunflower plant. France I conducted research in France on the biology of the European Pyralidae of sunflower a few years ago with several students and was able to show, with some colleagues from INRA the composition of the pheromone and develop a trap. Numerous animals and insects occur in sunflower in France, but most are not considered pests because infestation levels are too low or severe damage is uncommon. After emergence and from the vegetative stage until the bud stage numerous caterpillar species, bugs, and leaf miners are present.
Some varieties are more susceptible than others.
Diseases such as Sclerotinia also are present. After flowering and during the seed development stage there are usually few pest problems. Most insecticides that are used are for pests at the establishment stage. Seeds are usually treated to prevent damage from birds. If there have been problems in the past the pellets are used as a preventative treatment on seedlings rather than waiting for damage to appear.