There has been more than one specimen from Bakersfield that has been confirmed to have RRD. I do not know the specific locations where the specimens were collected except that they appear to have been in subdivisions. I understand that experts are attempting to identify the source of these infections now. The first plant to have been identified was not newly planted and it is my understanding it had been in the landscape for some time. That information would implicate virulent eriophyid mites as the source of infection - which were ultimately confirmed on the sample.
In our Earth-Kind Modern Rose Trial that was planted in the Houston medical center (the epicenter of chilli thrips populations since 2007) the following roses were not bothered by this pest: Gaye Hammond and Wedding Bells. Plum Perfect also proved to be tolerant (I can't say it was resistant because there was one evaluation in the 4 years of study where one plant had a few leaves that had damage but that was less than 1% of the foliage). In this trial it was common for us to see chilli thrips in all other cultivars from May through September.
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Roses with resistance to chili thrips in Houston
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