New to iris, and something doesn't look right on some rhizomones?

20 years ago

I have a bunch of iris that were traded to me and I'm wondering if they are healthy. I don't want to take a chance and infect other plants if these have a problem.

They look like something may have been eating away at the outside of some of the rhizomes. They were Huge clumps growing together, as I broke them apart and removed the dead part of the rhizomes I noticed that there were small roundish areas that looked like a small crater. The only thing I saw was what looked like 2 pieces of a dead bug that was black. It wasn't even a whole bug so I don't know what it could have been?

Do you think I can take a chance with these iris and plant them, or should I throw them out?

I'll try to take a picture later but not sure if I have disc space on my camera.

I'll try tomorrow during daylight.

Thanks

Maureen

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Comments (4)

njiris
20 years ago
Its difficult to tell from your description what, if anything, is wrong with your iris. I don't know of any iris pest that could be described as a 'black bug'. Remember on the undersides of any mature rhizome will be little circular holes or depressions that are where old roots used to be. This is normal, not a problem.
If in doubt, you can soak the rhizomes in a bleach bath (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for about 10 minutes which will kill any bugs, rot or other organisms. As long as the rhizomes are firm and have at least some emerging fans, or new increase along the sides, you should be OK.
Laetitia
irish_rose_grower
Original Author
20 years ago
Laetitia, that is great news. Yes, the rhizomes are firm, and otherwise look healthy. These are supposed to be bubble gum scented iris and I really wanted them. I will soak them in a bleach bath.

Thanks
Maureen
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mccommas
20 years ago
I have also seens such holes on mine. Old root holes? Could be, but I seem to recall some holes on top but now I am not sure....

hummm.....
shapiro
20 years ago
The bad bug that sometimes affects irises is the iris borer. It is beigy-pink, not black.