Woodland sunflowers - Ask Extension
Hi,
I was wondering if you could give me some help with my woodland sunflowers. There are currently 2 problems.
Some of the leaves have this stu...
Knowledgebase
Woodland sunflowers #874032
Asked June 21, 2024, 8:32 AM EDT
Hi,
I was wondering if you could give me some help with my woodland sunflowers. There are currently 2 problems.
Some of the leaves have this stuff that looks like bird droppings and some are doing the leaf curling.
Is this something you can help with?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Molly,
The first photos appear to be bird droppings. Try gently washing them off with water.
The distorted leaves are some sort of insect feeding on them. Turn the leaves over and look for aphids. Also, carefully open some of the rolled up areas to see if any insect is inside.
The distortion could be from gall forming insects as well- tiny wasps that cause the leaf to distort when the insect is either feeding or laying an egg.
All this on the leaves will not impact the flowers. There are pests of sunflower that do impact flowers and seeds. There are some that consume leaves as well. I am including a bulletin on that so you can watch for those. https://ipmworld.umn.edu/charlet
Pollinator friendly insect control includes insecticidal soap, neem oil, washing with a stream of water.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how-to-control-invasive-pests-while-protecting-pollinators-and-other-beneficial-insects
To get a second opinion, and perhaps an exact diagnosis if there is enough “evidence” left on the plant, you may submit samples and your pictures to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. There is a modest fee for submitting samples. See the lab’s website for how- https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
The first photos appear to be bird droppings. Try gently washing them off with water.
The distorted leaves are some sort of insect feeding on them. Turn the leaves over and look for aphids. Also, carefully open some of the rolled up areas to see if any insect is inside.
The distortion could be from gall forming insects as well- tiny wasps that cause the leaf to distort when the insect is either feeding or laying an egg.
All this on the leaves will not impact the flowers. There are pests of sunflower that do impact flowers and seeds. There are some that consume leaves as well. I am including a bulletin on that so you can watch for those. https://ipmworld.umn.edu/charlet
Pollinator friendly insect control includes insecticidal soap, neem oil, washing with a stream of water.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how-to-control-invasive-pests-while-protecting-pollinators-and-other-beneficial-insects
To get a second opinion, and perhaps an exact diagnosis if there is enough “evidence” left on the plant, you may submit samples and your pictures to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. There is a modest fee for submitting samples. See the lab’s website for how- https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
Thank you so much. I have looked under the leaves and didn’t find any bugs but will look again. I sprayed neem oil on them and hopefully that will help. Will also try soapy water.
Molly Beedon
You are welcome.
I would be careful with soapy water, as some household soap will burn leaves. Insecticidal soap is safe for plants when used as the label directs.
The insects may be gone by now. Sometimes they feed, distorting the leaves, then enter their next life stage and move on.
Be sure to treat the undersides of the leaves, too.
Regards,
Laura
I would be careful with soapy water, as some household soap will burn leaves. Insecticidal soap is safe for plants when used as the label directs.
The insects may be gone by now. Sometimes they feed, distorting the leaves, then enter their next life stage and move on.
Be sure to treat the undersides of the leaves, too.
Regards,
Laura
