Conditions for sunflower planting were ideal in Manitoba this spring, with many fields starting to emerge.

Daryl Rex, research agronomist with the National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC), explained where things are at.

"They're anywhere from just popping through the ground to pretty much V2 stage right now."

It's recommended that weed control be conducted early as sunflowers are not very competitive in the early stages of growth.

Rex commented on the weed situation.

"It's looking fairly well right now, I know the weeds will probably start taking off once temperatures warm up again."

He adds farmers have also been spraying for cutworms.

Scouting should begin as soon as plants emerge, and should be checked at least twice per week.

The economic threshold is 25-30% stand reduction.