Sunflower Bird Pests

Linz, George M.; Hanzel, James J.

doi:10.1016/b978-1-893997-94-3.50013-1

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Although the damage is clumped and localized, it seems to have had a pervasive effect on regional production by discouraging unaffected producers from planting sunflower. Localized damage may be 100% in extreme circumstances but is generally 1-3% regionally (Linz and Hanzel 1997, Linz et al 2011, Klosterman et al 2013, Linz and Hanzel 2015.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Potential Use of Perennial Sunflower to Reduce Blackbird Damage to Sunflower

Linz¹,

Hulke²,

Kantar³

et al. 2014

vertebrate_pest_conference

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Wildlife Conservation Sunflower Plots (WCSP) have shown potential to reduce blackbird (Icteridae) damage in commercial sunflower. Also known as lure, decoy, or trap crops, WCSP are strategically placed food plots that provide an easily available and proximate food source that entices blackbirds away from valuable commercial crops. By providing an alternative food source, WCSP reduce direct damage to commercial fields, while also lowering indirect costs that producers incur attempting to prevent blackbird damage. However, cost inefficiencies have deterred widespread use of WCSP. Cost-benefit ratios of using WCSP would be greatly improved if a perennial sunflower were used instead of the annual types currently available. Perennial sunflower would reduce seed cost and planting cost, and perhaps lower opportunity costs, if able to thrive on poorer quality soils. In the near-term, scientists are focused on producing a perennial sunflower sufficiently productive to replace annual WCSP plantings. In 2013, scientists from the University of Minnesota, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, and USDA Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center evaluated a test plot of an open-pollinated variety of perennial sunflower resulting from genetic crossing of a domesticated annual species (Helianthus annuus) and a perennial wild species (H. tuberosus). Here, we report on results from the 2013 field test and discuss the outlook for development of perennial sunflower, which would help lessen damage to commercial sunflower when used in WCSP; provide a pesticide-free food source for beneficial insects, such as honey bees; help stabilize highly erodible lands near wetlands; and provide year-round habitat for wildlife. Lastly, we provide an initial strategy for using perennial sunflower to reduce blackbird damage in commercial sunflower.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Potential Use of Perennial Sunflower to Reduce Blackbird Damage to Sunflower

Linz¹,

Hulke²,

Kantar³

et al. 2014

vertebrate_pest_conference

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“…To manage blackbird damage, sunflower producers can use several techniques, singly and in combination Hanzel 2015). Options range from using firearms, propane cannons, and pyrotechnics, to thinning dense stands of cattails (Typha spp.)…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effectiveness of Foliar Applications of 9,10-Anthraquinone for Reducing Blackbird Damage to Sunflower

Linz¹,

Werner²,

Niner³

et al. 2014

vertebrate_pest_conference

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Anthraquinone is an effective chemical seed repellent that protects newly planted crops from depredation by granivorous birds. We are experimenting with foliar applications of 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) to reduce blackbird (Icteridae) damage to ripening sunflower. Sunflower heads generally turn downward as the achenes mature. With the methods currently available for spraying crops, application of AQ directly onto sunflower achenes is nearly impossible. Blackbirds sometimes remove sunflower bracts prior to eating achenes. Thus, getting AQ droplets directly on the achenes may not be necessary, and spraying the heads should expose blackbirds to AQ as they remove bracts. Studies using caged red-winged blackbirds showed that AQ sprayed onto the backs of sunflower heads reduced damage. However, field trials using fixed-wing aerial sprayers and ground sprayers produced inconclusive results. We are currently experimenting with methods to increase spray coverage of AQ while simultaneously attempting to reduce AQ contamination of achenes, thus reducing the likelihood of having to establish food tolerance limits for this comparatively long-lived compound. In this paper, we summarize results from several AQ studies and speculate on when a repellent might be available for sunflower producers.

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Bird damage to sunflower: international situation and prospects

Sausse

Levy

2021

OCL

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Bird damage to sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) degrades the profitability of this crop and calls into question its place in rotations. Our international literature review shows that sunflower is one of the crops most vulnerable to bird attacks. However, these predatory pests are not specialized: if the sunflower is affected in one region, then the other crops sharing the same cycle could also be affected to varying degrees. All production areas are affected by flowerhead damage at maturity. Damage at emergence has recently become more visible in France, Italy and Switzerland, probably as a result of global changes and evolving farming practices. Birds are highly mobile pests with complex behaviour. The problem needs to be tackled in a hierarchical framework that takes into account field, landscape, and regional scales, along with processes at different timescales from rapid field selection to long term demographic trends. Moreover, the distribution of damage is asymmetrical: few fields are affected, but with a high severity. At this time, there is no single effective method for preventing damage, and coordination at the landscape scale should be initiated to find potential solutions. Finally, there is a gap between theoretical and applied knowledge, even though initiatives in North America have helped to move research forward. These difficulties imply an integrated approach combining partially effective methods, the association of several stakeholders, and the coordination of several policies (agricultural, environmental, and recreational hunting or wildlife management). Additionally, data collection appears essential to acquire knowledge about economic damage and efficacy of control programmes. Digital technology can be useful for such purposes. Finally, this review advocates international networking to consolidate a research community on this topic and on the wider issue of bird damage to crops.

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Sunflower Bird Pests

Cited by 3 publications

References 21 publications

Potential Use of Perennial Sunflower to Reduce Blackbird Damage to Sunflower

Potential Use of Perennial Sunflower to Reduce Blackbird Damage to Sunflower

Effectiveness of Foliar Applications of 9,10-Anthraquinone for Reducing Blackbird Damage to Sunflower

Bird damage to sunflower: international situation and prospects

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