Neither.

This is insect damage - probably Sawfly larva (Rose Slug)

Thank you Paul. I’ve not seen any sawfly larva or the slugs and the damage is to the same extent on almost all leaves of my 45 bushes. Could it be something else?

Paul nailed it.

The rose slug infestation may be over, and they have progressed to their nymph, then to their adult stage.

Rose slug can sneak up on you as if overnight. By the time you discover it the preliminary damage is done, and irreversible. The way your foliage looks in shot #3, the bushes look more cosmetically damaged and still capable of photo synthesizing adequately enough to sustain the bushes, only moderately diminished.

If you are not averse to conventional means of rose slug control, spray them with the systemic Bayer Complete Insect Control at 1 T. per gallon of water. Do it every two weeks. That should prevent any future damage very nicely.

Moses

Yes, by the time you notice the dameage they have dropped to the groud to pupate and begin their cycle again. Some only bother us once a year, but mine visit multiple times a year. I really helped mitigate the damage by puttin a barrier down in the Spring to stop them from emerging. It didnt get them all, but did help. I also apply a systemic to all band and new roses growing them in pots over a solid non-soil surface. This way I dont inadvertantly re-infect my soil. This last tip has been the most important for me with slugs, but especially with midge.

Thanks to you all!!! I’ll try the Bayer. Is the Bayer Complete insect Control the same as the Bayer Complete Insect Killer??

How has midge control been with that regimen, Vaporvac? I haven’t been able to use barriers due to underplantings (perennials - though many did not come back this year, likely resulting from combined effects of 2022 rabbit assault and drought). Good steps you take with new plantings.

As you noted @Rifisrif @rifis, the barrier around roses is difficult unless put down early for new plantings when theyre sallmall. I cant do that once they get big. Taking care of new roses with systemic insecticide and isolation over hard surfaces has worked great, especially with cuttings. I have imported midge from nurseries so Im always careful now.

Sorry for my error. It's Bayer Complete Insect KILLER, not CONTROL.

Moses

Thank you!!