Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oilseed crop. Several pest are known to attack sunflower crop. Sunflower cultivation in Marathwada region (M.S., India) has recently been threatened by a new pest, the stem borer Nupserha sp. near vexator (Pascoe). The stem borer appeared on sunflowers at Latur (M.S.) for the first time in India in 1993. Severe incidence of the stem borer was recorded in Marathwada region since 1998 which led to poor grain filling and ultimately yield loss to the extent of 30%. This situation led prompted us to test several conventional insecticides with the objective of find ing a chemical that effectively controls the stem borer. A field study was carried out at Oilseeds Research Station, Latur (M.S.), during Kharif 2004-06. Six con ventional insecticides were tested along with the untreated control. Application of quinalphos was found to be most effective and economic in controlling the stem borer, followed by chlorpyriphos and endosulfan.