Rose Rosette Disease - Part 2
Neem products - Neem oil, a proven, low-toxicity botanical miticide, may be of some effectiveness against Phyllocoptes fructiphilus. Because its mode of action is to interrupt the molting cycle of the pest when it chews on plant material sprayed with the product, it will take time before you notice any appreciable decrease in population. Don't expect overnight results. It is also possible the rose may become infected in the process, meaning you must monitor the rose for disease symptoms while you are waiting for this miticide to work.
d. Predatory mites - There is no efficacy data to indicate predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis can indeed control Phyllocoptes fructiphilus. They are, however, relentless in their pursuit of prey and reproduce twice as fast as many pest mite species. This affords you an opportunity to control pest mite species without the use of potentially toxic pesticides.
e. Insecticidal watering wands - Tests performed by Texas A & M University indicate that these devices, expressly manufactured to control pest aphids and mites, may be of some help. On some tests, their effectiveness was equivalent to that of many synthetic and organic pesticide sprays.
Bottom line: According to Dr. Philley, Rose Rosette Disease will continue to be a problem throughout North America until such time as the wild R. multiflora stands decrease in size to a point they can no longer support the mite suspected to be the vector of this disease. If you find the disease in your garden, take quick action to control it. If that means "shovel pruning" your rose, then....
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