Western Flower Thrips. They are very visible on light colored roses. They fly in from mowed areas. They are very hard to control because they get into the blooms before showing any color. Cut and bag the infested blooms. Rosarians who show their roses will spray the buds only with Spinosad and rotate with another insecticide, such as Acephate, or Bifenthrin. There has been some research that alyssum attracts predators that eat Thrips. For more information on beneficial insects look at Arbico organics website.
Cut down to the 5-leaves, and throw in trash (do not put in compost!). Apply Bio-Advanced Systemic 3 in 1 ( used to be called Bayer). See if it works. Good luck.
Jemima Seetha - Miami Valley Rose Society - Dayton, OH - Consulting Rosarian
I cut it down to the 5 leaves, now I need to go and buy the 3 in 1 spray…
thank you!