A Grower’s Guide for Planting Wildlife Conservation Sunflower Plots

Authors

George M. Linz, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
H. Jeffrey Homan, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center
Heath M. Hagy, North Dakota State University, Department of Biological Sciences
Jon M. Raetzman, North Dakota State University, Department of Biological Sciences
Linda B. Penry, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center
William J. Bleier, North Dakota State University, Department of Biological SciencesFollow

Date of this Version

January 2008

Comments

Published in National Sunflower Association Research Forum Papers 2008.

Abstract

Wildlife conservation sunflower plots (lure plots) are used to protect high value oil and confectionery sunflower. Lure plots are used to draw blackbirds away from commercial fields to reduce sunflower damage. From 2004-2007, USDA Wildlife Services funded a pilot program for growers to plant 20-acre lure plots to test their effectiveness for reducing damage to nearby commercial fields. Damage in the plots ranged from 0% to 100%. We describe here the characteristics of the lure plots that received extensive bird damage. These characteristics provide examples for the proper use of lure plots.