Last week I had the opportunity to meet with an entomologist and environmental horticulture specialist on the use of beneficial insects for the rose garden (a/k/a biocontrol). This was a follow up to an ARS webinar in August on the use of predatory mites in sachets/banker plants to manage Chilli Thrips. The discussion was fascinating and I learned a lot. Wondering if anyone is using such insects as Lacewings, pirate bugs and/or Phytoseiulus persimilis to control aphids, spider mites, thrips etc? Is this a topic you would want to learn more about? Thanks - Diane
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I am very interested in learning more about bio control. I am trying to incorporate more plants to bring in the beneficial insects. I would like to hear more about this. Thanks, Diane.
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I would be very interested in learning more!!!
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Yes, this would be very interesting.
My garden is very diverse and I don’t spray. I do have lots of good bugs (and bad, lol) but it seems my ladybugs are never around the same time as the aphids! Why? So yes, I’d like to learn more about this topic!
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I am very interested in this subject. I am starting alyssum plants from seed as well as lemon mint plants to help host pirate bugs in my garden.
I moved from CA to TX a few years ago and the chili thrips have devastated my roses. I lost many to them before I realized that it was the thrips and not the heat. Arrgghh!
So now I am using Conserve and hoping to use bio controls.
Thank you,
Holly
I’d suggest you contact crack hybridizer Tom Carruth, curator of the Huntington Library’s rose garden, on this topic. The garden was strictly organic before chili thrip moved in and every kind of biocontrol he could find was used, but it took so long for any kind of control to kick in that he finally felt compelled to resort to Spinosad. I don’t think he was happy about it at all.
Yes, please provide as much CE about biocontrol as possible. It is the best option for our roses, and for our environment.
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I am very interested in learning more about this as well. I have a small greenhouse and struggle with aphids and spider mites. because it is enclosed I dont have the natural wind to blow them around.
I agree about the lady bugs… I’ve purchased lady bugs and put them in the greenhouse only to have them disappear. I planted marigolds with the roses and that seems to help.
Thank you for your interest. We are working with the ARS to confirm support and funding for a special program on this topic. Stay tuned!
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Has anyone tried Aphids Colemani, Ervi mix to control aphids? My reading says it is a wasp that lays its eggs in the aphid nyphms and the eggs hatch and use the aphids as food. Sounds too good to be true!
I am also very interested in bio control. There are so many bad bugs out there!! Trying to keep the garden as organic as possible.
Your post has perfect timing! The Greater Milwaukee Rose Society and the Sierra Foothills Rose Society are. co-hosting a webinar on the use of Predatory Insects in place of chemicals in our rose gardens. The webinar will take place on Saturday, April 5th, at 11AM CT. All members of the Rose Forum are welcome to join us! CR credit will be given to all ARS Consulting Rosarians [[Biocontrol for Roses]
Preregistration is Required:
(https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5906186583418833502)](https://)
About the program:
Biological Control for Roses
Saturday, April 5th 11AM – 1PM CT
Roses are among the most cherished flowers in the garden, but like many plants and flowers, they attract numerous pests. In the past, many growers relied on pesticides; however, concerns about environmental impact, human exposure, pollinator safety, and pesticide resistance have led to a search for alternative pest control methods.
This is where nature’s own systems come into play. Biological control—the use of beneficial insects, mites, and microbes to manage pests—is proving to be an eIective option. This talk will cover the key pests aIecting roses and the beneficial organisms that can help keep them in check. ARS Consulting Rosarians will receive one education credit for attendance at this program.
Our speaker, Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, is a horticultural entomologist specializing in integrated pest management. With over 30 years of experience in the Green Industry, she focuses on biological control and the responsible use of pesticides. She holds degrees in Entomology and Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida.
Throughout her career, Suzanne has helped businesses across the U.S. and internationally manage plant pests in a wide range of settings, including ornamentals, cannabis, vegetables, botanical gardens, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), interiorscapes, and theme parks.
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