The sunflower moth, Homoeosoma nebulella (Denis et Schiffermüller ) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): outbreaks and pest management in Linhe, Inner Mongolia 2007–2008

Sunflowermoth Homoeosoma nebulella is the most common pest of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) in China. A large outbreak involving H. nebulella was discovered in Linhe of the Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2007. Different issues related to pest management were investigated in 2007–2008. Irrigation for overwintering could promote pest outbreak in the following year. It is the safest practice to sow from mid-May to mid-June, i.e. not too early. The quantity of larvae could be reduced by the treatment with Bacillus thuringiensis. The effective pest management should include selecting proper sowing date, non-irrigation and B. thuringiensis treatment. Sex pheromone trapping as a potential control measure requires further studies.