Sunflower young plants show retarded growth, surface necrosis and cracks of undersoil stem part, necrosis of leaf petioles, young top leaves are dead. There is no evidence of bacterial or fungal infection on necrotic parts. Damaged plants were found in large spots (10 x 5 m) inside different fields. Soybean and wheat were in crop rotation previously. No any fungicide treatment. Is it virus infection (tobacco steak virus, etc.) or something else?