The Degree of Damage Caused by the Sunflower Moth (<i>Homoeosoma nebulellum</i> Den. et Schiff.) to Different Sunflower Varieties

The European sunflower moth (Homoeosoma nebulellum Den. et Schiff.) is one of the earliest documented pests of sunflower. The literature considers it a two-generation pest, but a third partial generation may appear depending on weather conditions. However, due to global warming, the emergence of a third generation is becoming more frequent and more complete in east-central Europe. In the years 2021-2022-2023, we observed the swarming dynamics of the pest. Our study compared the infection rates among the Kisvárdai breed, the widely cultivated confection hybrid, Jaguar, and the oil hybrid NK Neoma, which is extensively grown in the region. Our results show that the sunflower moth is now a three-generation species in east-central Europe, likely due to global warming. There is significant variation in susceptibility among the studied species. Varieties lacking a protective pericarp (like Kisvárdai) should be excluded from cultivation, and instead, resistant hybrids such as Jaguar and Neoma should be grown.