Sunflower varietal resistance to sunflower moth larvae

Damage to sunflower heads and seeds by larvae of the sunflower moth, Homoeosoma electellum (Hulst), is usually economically important. As an alternative to chemical methods of control, it appears that resistant sunflower varieties can be developed. Resistance or tolerance to larval feeding by the sunflower moth has been found in a few of our varieties, but only in those plants with a phytomelanin layer in the hull of the seed. Russian scientists, who term this the “armored layer,” have found that this layer offers resistance to the larvae of the species of the sunflower moth commonly found in Russia.