CHILLI THRIP UPDATE - From the WA Rose Society Inc
Chilli Thrip – Surat Tindale reported at the April WAGS meeting there was no definitive “cure” proposed by the WA Rose Society for this pest. However, they have since done some further research and added a post to their website which is well worth reading.
From the WA Rose Society:
This year, as you are all aware, there have been huge problems with the infestation of Chilli Thrip affecting our roses. The Rose Society of WA, together with professionals in the business, have worked hard to find the best method of overcoming this problem.
THIS IS A YEAR-ROUND SPRAYING PROGRAMME.
Do not trim back infected growth until you have completed the following spraying programme.
In the cooler months, spray your roses in the late afternoon (first check to see that the bees and ladybirds have gone to bed). Once the weather begins to warm, take note of the temperature. The ideal spraying temperature needs to be below 25 ͦC. Spray with either Conguard or Confodor, Yates Success Ultra, Rose Shield Concentrate, Spectrum or Rogor. You will need to use double strength for non-commercial products.
Add dishwashing detergent to the mix at about 5mls/litre so that the mixture runs right down into the plant. If possible, avoid rainy days.
Heavily swamp your plants until the spray drips off and make sure you spray the ground surrounding your bushes as these insects lay eggs in the soil and mulch.
Spraying needs to be done on consecutive weeks (about every 7 days) for three weeks.
Cut the bush back about the 4th week since initial spraying.
After trimming off infected growth, it is a good idea to solarize infected trimmings in sealed black plastic thus killing any remaining thrip as well as eggs Then dispose of solarised and sealed plastic in the general waste bins. Do not put in a compost tumbler.
Good luck!!
