The threat of mites looms large in the minds of many gardeners, particularly red spider mites because they breed rapidly and pierce holes in roses.
One of the main reasons these garden pests become problematic is the frequent use of insecticides target the spider mites’s predators.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society: “Both immature and adult mites pierce plant tissues with their mouthparts and feed on cell content.
“The mites are small. Up to one millimetre long and are just visible to the naked eye when present in large numbers.”
Fortunately, experts have divulged rose care tips which will better your chances of a beautiful spring display, even if mites are at work on your roses.
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According to researchers at UC IPM, there are several plant extracts formulated as acaricides that exert an effect on spider mites. They note: “If treatment for mites is necessary, use selective materials, preferably insecticidal soap or insecticidal oil.”
These include garlic extract, clove oil, mint oil, rosemary oil, and cinnamon oil, which can be spritzed onto the plant to have effect.
Experts at Garden and Home stress the importance of a fortnightly spraying regimen throughout November to keep unwanted pests away.
They say: “To prevent pests, continue the fortnightly spraying regimen using the combination spray recommended in October. Keep a lookout for red spider mites on the underside of the lower leaves.
“At the first indication of speckled leaves, increase watering and spray Milberknock Miticide or Ludwig’s Rose Spider Mite on the underside of the lower leaves.”
Other signs suggesting spider mites have taken hold of the foliage are discolouration and bronzing of the foliage around the shrub.
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When an entire population of spiders is at work on the plant it will likely produce some webbit on the plant, providing the spiders and their eggs protection from predators.
“Left untreated, foliage injury can lead to leaf loss and even the death of the rose plant,” explain experts at Gardening Know How.
Fruit chafer and CMR beetles, which pose problems of a similar nature, can be removed by hand or sprayed with Garden Ripcord or any other cypermethrin insecticide.
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