Sunflower Pathology

Project Director: Samuel Markell, North Dakota State University

Approximately 85-90 percent of the 2 million acres of sunflower planted annually in the U.S. are in the North Central region. According to the National Sunflower Association, diseases are the most significant biological yield-limiting factor for sunflower production. Despite this, few pathologists work on sunflower, and limited reference and Extension literature on sunflower diseases exist. Consequently, disease identification is challenging for growers and limited IPM recommendations have resulted in a reliance on fungicides that are sometimes not effective for disease management.

Project Updates

The Sunflower Pathology Working Group (SPWG) brings together experts on sunflower diseases across the country and the globe. Members work in North and South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, California and Queensland, Australia. 

Past projects have included the development and distribution of outputs aimed at growers, grower advisors, students, diagnosticians, agro-chemical and seed companies as well as other researchers. Outputs have been distributed around the globe and translated into several languages. The SPWG enjoys close relationships with many public and private sector partners, who continue to multiply messaging and impact.

In the past year, the SPWG created and/or developed 18 disease pages on the National Sunflower Association website, published a chapter in the new APS Diseases of Field Crops book, and was awarded multiple research grants. 

In 2023, the SPWG expects to have completed the first “Sunflower Nutrient Disorder Diagnostic Series,” the first Plant Disease Lesson on sunflower rust, and a new "How to diagnose a Plant Disease" card set for growers and their advisors.  In addition, we anticipate submission of additional grant proposals to continue to develop and deliver disease management information to growers and their advisors.

Achievements