Leda with possible rose midge or chili thrips?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Hello. I have a problem on my young Leda. Just planted last summer so this is the first significant bloom and I have been waiting and watching carefully. First I noticed some aphids which I wiped off. The buds appeared undamaged, but as they opened some flowers were misshapen. Most flowers were fine so I ignored it. Now today I see damaged buds. Very small buds that are completely brown and dry, larger buds are tannish and clearly in the process of dying. I don’t see any thrips in the flower petals. I have removed most of the damaged buds and spent flowers and sprayed the remaining normals buds with water. I was surprised to find the normal buds were very sticky, perhaps residue from the earlier aphid/ant visit? The aphids have been gone for at least a couple of weeks and we have had plenty of rain. Do you guys think I have taken appropriate action? If not, what do you suggest ?

I am concerned about rose midge and/or chili thrips, both would be new problems in my garden. I am attaching a couple of photos. One is out of focus, but it is impossibly windy here today.

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Comments (5)

Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I don't believe we have Chilli thrips here yet and that is not Midge damage. I actually don't know what it is but I've had aphids that I believe introduce something to small potted roses that I believe killed them. It looks like something is eating that last bud.
Deborah MN zone 4 thanked Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley
stillanntn6b
5 years ago
Part of the bud problem may be the rains youall in KY have had for the past week. Lots of rain combined with temperatures twenty degrees hotter than the previous week with just enough unfiltered sunlight can lead to burned sepals (which I think is a part of your problem.)

I'm seeing a lot of petal burn from those factors on some of my roses that don't have that happen when they go through a spring of normal length (not the two weeks we seem to have had this year.)
Deborah MN zone 4 thanked stillanntn6b
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Yes chilli thrips may be a real problem on many levels. It will be interesting to see how it plays out the next few years. BTW, I am not convinced that imidacloprid does not transfer to flowers and is not toxic to bees and butterflies, etc.. "As a systemic pesticide, imidacloprid translocates or moves readily in the xylem of plants from the soil into the leaves, fruit, flowers, pollen, nectar, and guttation fluid of plants. Bees may be exposed to imidacloprid when they feed on the nectar, pollen, and guttation fluid of imidacloprid-treated plants. "Experts believe there are many possible causes of bee decline, including imidacloprid, and a recent bee malady termed colony collapse disorder (CCD). In 2011." Years ago I applied imidacloprid to daylilies that were covered with aphids. Weeks later I read about using daylily buds in salads. Wondering what they tasted like I popped one in my mouth. Yuk -- strong insecticide taste!!! I spit it out quick, but my tongue held the horrible taste for some time. At that point I decided not to use systemics anymore ... LOL. Later I stopped spraying insecticides on plants. After a couple of years of going chemical free I was really surprised how little insect damage the plants experienced by letting nature balance itself with good bugs taking care of bad bugs, hand picking, beneficial nematoes, and other non toxic remedies. Unfortunately, that may not happen for awhile with chilli thrips. So in the meantime we just do the best we can. Here is a link that might be useful: About imidacloprid ...
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I was reading what I could on it. It certainly won't hurt and would it ever be nice to have a less toxic way to fight something for a change. In your environment the roses should like the antitranspirant. Please update on the results.
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Vesfl, Going by the further information you provided it is sounding more like midge fly damage, especially with how extensive it is. It's very unlikely RRV hit all your roses at once, but midge fly certainly does. Still, keep a lookout at any RRV looking growth/foliage. Imidacloprid is the systemic midge maggot killer. My niece whose husband is an organic food proponent, caused her to resist using the Bayer product with imidacloprid, and opted for Monterey Garden Insect Spray with spinosad. Either she did not apply it correctly or its effectiveness is poor for midge fly control, I do not know. I cannot truthfully recommend it. I do know that the Bayer, imidacloprid does work for me the way I spray it, so so I will stick with it, and recommend it. Moses.
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Vaporvac, Glad you appreciated my insights into pigeons, a much maligned creature. I regularly let the 'flock,' out to bathe in a tub, then they walk around enjoying the garden a while, but not too long. Unfortunately, back into the loft I usher them because I am plagued with hawks who will grab a pigeon right in front of me. Looking forward to your pm. Rose Canadian, I deal with chronic vertigo, so I know the drill very well. Sorry you have vertigo. Hope it is a curable form. The pigeons puffed-up throats are air held back in their crops, much like the air in a frog's throat. They never deflate their crops completely, even at night, especially the males. Rottweilers intimidate me too. I'm not one that says the bad rap they get is unfair. It is justified. They are capable of doing tremendous damage. Since they were originally bred by the ancient Romans to guard the cattle they drove throughout Europe to supply meat for their invading Roman troops, they still have a strong instinct for aggressive behavior being that they had to fight off: bears, wolves, lions, and leopards. They stayed with the cattle outside all day and night, were never pets or house kept, so a stubborn independence and anti-social trait was also bred into them. Passiveness and congeniality would not be assets in their cattle guarding roles. As much as I loved my Rottie, I would never get one again, nor recommend one as a house pet. Poodles=A+ pet; Rotties=D- pet. KS Seattle, Glad you liked my 'tribute,' to pigeons.😁 Moses
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portlandmysteryrose
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Deborah, I'm seeing what Vaporvac and Ann are seeing. In Portland, I spot brown buds like that every spring, usually on Marie Pavie, Cardinal de Richelieu, Alba Blush Hip (which may be Blush Damask) and Buff Beauty. The smallest buds dry up completely like little crispy Hershey's Kisses. The larger buds are softer but turn brownish, and I just pick them off and sigh. I get really annoyed when this damage happens to once bloomers!

The other damage looks like a hungry critter. My eyes aren't truly compatible with my phone screen, but as a guess, caterpillar/worm damage. Is that a hole in the bud? In my imagination, the critter is something with big insect teeth and a voracious appetite You might pop out at night with a flashlight if the hungry beast has hit numerous blooms. Sometimes you can catch the culprit in the act!

Sending sympathy for your Leda! But I am so thrilled you're growing her in spite of the trials. She was in my last garden, and I miss her passionately! Such a lovely, delicately and uniquely colored Damask. There's nothing like her. Carol
Deborah MN zone 4 thanked portlandmysteryrose
Deborah MN zone 4
Original Author
5 years ago
You guys have made me feel much better. I certainly appreciate your willingness to share your experience and expertise. This rose growing can be nerve wracking!
portlandmysteryrose
5 years ago
Roses! We can't live with 'em, and we can't live without 'em. :-) Carol

Leda with possible rose midge or chili thrips?

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Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley

stillanntn6b

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Leda with possible rose midge or chili thrips?

Comments (5)

Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley

stillanntn6b

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portlandmysteryrose

Deborah MN zone 4Original Author

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