Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 July 1891 — Rose Insects. [ARTICLE]

Rose Insects.

A little aphis or green fly is the worst insect enemy of the rose, and the rose grower must be always alert to destroy this pest. Whale-oil soap in water, one pound to eight gallons, is very commonly used for the purpose. The liquid is best applied with a garden syringe. A very excellent mixture for this use is as follows: Take four ounces of quassia chips, boil ten minutes in a gallon of soft water; strain off the chips and add four ounces of soft soap, which should be dissolved in it as it cools, stirring it before using. In half an hour after using either of tho above liquids the plants should be well syringed with clear water, which will wash the foliage clean. The whale-oil soap solution is effective against the red spider, which sometimes infests rose-bushes, and also the b'ack slug. One of the most annoying little insects is the rose-hopper, or thrips, yellowish white, very active, jumping from place to place. It goes in little swarms and works on the under side of the leaves and can do a great deal of damage in a little time. Syringing the under side of the leaves with water in which is mixed insect powder—-pyre-thrum —has the effect to lessen their ravages. Although the rose needs some attention, yet it will repay it with beautiful bloom, and what care it needs it must have. Many years’ experience enables us to say that the rose, when its requirements are understood, is not a difficult plant to manage, and that many plants are given more care and make far less returns for it— Vick's Magazine.