Newbie - Critter problem, Need help!!
Chris M. Bordelon
interested in roses. I just bought four. Sterling Silver, Tropicana,
Mr. Lincoln and Peace. The Peace is blooming along great. Seven buds
and all will be open in a few days. Here is the problem. I have
small bugs under the petals. They are whitish/yellowish and tend to
hang around the base of the flower more than not. They could be
thrips or rose midge, I THINK! Thing of it is, there appears to be
nothing wrong with the flowers. They opened big and are clear, no
spots, holes, edges curling, etc. The unopened buds look equally
well. Is this a problem and do I need to do something about it now?
I would assume that I do, but being a newbie, I am a little hesitant
about what to do and if it will harm the plant. I would very much
appreciate any help that someone out there can possibly give. Thanks
in advance!!
Chris
FARHRZNS
M. Bordelon) writes:
>They could be
>thrips or rose midge,
Don't know what they are, but do know what they aren't. They aren't thrip,
which are brownish, hang out inside pastel flowers, and are so small they look
like slivers. You can't see midge at all...only their damage. The growing
tips of the stems look like someone burned them with a teeny blow torch. I
suspect they are aphids, but need more info.
Paula Ballin
Chris M. Bordelon
Thanks for your reply! It really helps to hear from someone with
experience. These critters do look like slivers. I did write that
they hung out at the base of the flower, my error. I meant the inside
of the flower, on the petals, but close to the middle of the flower.
That is what I was meaning when I said the base. You have to lift the
petals to see them. Few are on the outer area but most are close to
the middle. Sorry for the confusion.
So if I can't see midge, I know that isn't it 'cause I can see these
bugs. lol So, can this still be thrips? They still seem as you
described except for the color. They may be brownish, heck, they are
tiny and it is hard to tell on the pastel yellow flower. Assuming
most critters are not good for roses, what can I do to eliminate this
pest? Thanks again for any help that can be provided.
Chris
FARHRZNS
M. Bordelon) writes:
> These critters do look like slivers. I did write that
>they hung out at the base of the flower, my error. I meant the inside
>of the flower, on the petals, but close to the middle of the flower.
>That is what I was meaning when I said the base. You have to lift the
>petals to see them. Few are on the outer area but most are close to
>the middle. Sorry for the confusion.
Okay...thrips it is! They will pass in time, but will give you brownish
streaks on the petals, and sometimes the petals will seem like they are glued
together from the rasping done by the thrips. I hesitate to recommend an
insecticide. Many on this news group are very environmentally cautious, which
is, of course, their right. If you do intend to spray, a light wafting over
the blooms is all that is necessary. No need to douse the plants.
Paula Ballin