I’m looking for advice for my Belinda’s Dream. It’s well established (4-5years), but this year it’s had some strange growth. I live in Central Texas and it’s been a atypical summer with the typical heat but also heavy and frequent rains this spring and more rain this summer than normal. I’m suspicious of RRD, but it doesn’t have the classic thorniness or red stem. The new growth does look off, however, and the leaves are pale and misshappen despite fertilization. Thank you!
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Your first photo resembles Rose Rosette Disease (RRD). The other two more resemble Chilli Thrip damage to me. Chilli Thrips flourish in hot areas and are known to be in Texas. Unfortunately, so is RRD.
Thank you! I’m considering cutting out the affected canes, treating with spinosad and seeing what happens next. Then if the next growth looks like RRD, then pull the plant. Does that sound like a reasonable plan?
You’re welcome. RRD can literally kill the plant and is systemic. Removing the symptomatic growth reportedly has appeared to work for some, though it’s up to you if you want to take the chance of it possibly spreading to your other plants. Spinosad doesn’t do anything for RRD. It’s one of the insecticides used in a cocktail to kill off the Chilli Thrips. Their damage is not systemic so once it is either removed or the mites killed, it doesn’t affect the plant. I know some simply use Spinosad and report some success but the disadvantage is using only one product can too quickly, easily lead to the thrips becoming resistant to that product. Ideally, you use several products either together or in rotation to prevent the thrips from developing resistance to it. What you choose to use is up to you, but using only one type can too easily lead to it not having any effect on the thrips.
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I am not an expert on RRD. Until someone answers you, I would cut it off, throw it in the trash and sterilize your cutters. I would also check the underside of the leaves for insects or fungus.