If you notice holes that have been made into your rose stems, then you can be sure that the rose stem borer has been visiting.
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When: |
Prevalent after pruning, but can occur any time of the year |
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Remedy: |
Seal stems with Steriseal, PVA paint or mud after cutting |
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Frequency: |
Usually once should suffice to make the wasps move on |
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Effect on plant:
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Not very detrimental as stem will sprout from eyes below and above |
| Info: |
The wasps drill a 2-3 cm hole into the pith of rose stems. They do this to lay their eggs into the hollow. The eggs are protected and it is a suitable environment for the eggs to hatch into grubs. |
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Alternative combat:
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Accept their presence |
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If no action is taken:
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The rose will sprout from the eyes below the hollowed out part of the affected stems |
The wasp drills a tunnel only approximately 3 cm deep.
The wasp in action.
A close up of the wasp in the hollowed out tunnel in the middle of the rose stem.