Diagnosis

Diagnose: Rose Aphids

Use these observations to decide what to check next.

Aphids when mobile pear-shaped insects cluster on soft growth

Check new rose tips and the folds around unopened buds. Aphids are soft mobile insects with long antennae and two short tubes called cornicles at the rear, and a colony often leaves white cast skins and shiny sticky honeydew.

Next look for damage and natural enemies. A small colony on a vigorous rose can be watched when new leaves expand normally and predator larvae or tan aphid mummies are present, while rising numbers, distorted buds, and fresh honeydew support active control.

Back to Problem Overview