Question: I live in Pioche, and I seem to have a problem with my flowers and roses, mainly when they are budding. The edges are brown, but the flower does bloom later, and the edges are still brown. I give them rose food, and the other flowers, I give Miracle-Gro and water as I should. Any ideas?
Flower thrips will go in and cause some damage that causes the edges of the petals to brown. These insects have what are called rasping mouth parts. This means their mouth parts rip and shred plant tissue, which then allows them to take up plant liquids. This is the same critter that damages nectarines, first working over the flowers and then attacking the fruit, causing it to scar heavily. Thrips are very small and hard to see, but they can fly. Spray with a pesticide, such as pyrethrums or spinosad, as soon as the flower buds emerge, and repeat the sprays.
Bob Morris is an associate professor with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. He can be reached at morrisr@UNCE.unr.edu or 257-5555.
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