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Organic Rose Growing

help with thrips

22 years ago

Hi everyone! I have been on another rose forum for a while and can not believe the amount of chemicals being used.I have always been organic and decided to finally look you guys up.I am in Knoxville,Tn and new to this area.Have never had a thrip problem before now.I am spraying with Safer insecticidal soap but have used a whole bottle and no change.All of my yellows and pink blends are suffering even the minis.PLease advise! - Laurie

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Comment (1)

michaelg
22 years ago
The main predators of thrips are orius bugs (minute pirate bug and insidious pirate bug). These are flat black bugs about the size of a paper match head with a triangle design in the middle of the back. If you see some of these in the flowers, maybe they will gain control of thrips after a while. Usually thrips are less of a problem in the second flush.

Thrips populations apparently vary from year to year with the weather, and usually it is a temporary and minor problem in an organic garden. If it's intolerable for you this year, spraying the flowers and upper foliage every 2-3 days with pyrethrins (considered organic) will knock the population down. It will also kill the orius bugs if you have any.

Also see posts on this board about beneficial nematodes.
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