On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 04:39:00 GMT, Mike wrote:

On Thu, 13 Nov 2003, dave weil wrote:
Yes, dear friends, I have witches broom on my rather extensive and
sprawling Old Blush climber. Here's the evidence.

http://www.pbase.com/image/23272504
http://www.pbase.com/image/23272556

I'm rather down about it at the moment. I'm assuming that this 20 foot
rose bush has to go, right?

Please, somebody tell me I'm wrong.

Please.

Hi Dave,

You may not have to remove the entire bush. Have the symptoms just recently
appeared and have you just noticed the disease on this one cane? You may be
able to save your rose by removing entirely the one infected cane - burn it
or wrap it tightly in plastic before throwing it out. If it is too late to
save the rest of the plant, you will know soon enough as this disease
spreads rapidly. If you notice any more symptoms after removing the one
infected cane, you will have to remove the entire plant, disposing of it as
described above, or your other roses will be at serious risk.

The problem after that remains concern over the mite (Phyllocoptes
fructiphilus) that transfers rose rosette. It is not affected by
traditional miticides. You must use a systemic insecticide/miticide
containing dimethoate, not an attractive option if you are an avowed "no
spray" person.

You have my deepest sympathies as this is definitely a dagger in the heart
of anyone who grows roses. I'm going to hope you caught it in time to save
your valuable mature climber.

Mike

Mike - thanks for the advice. Same goes to Cass. I've contacted Ann
Peck and am hoping for an answer soon.

I'm really hoping for the NEEM oil abuse scenario. I'd really hate to
lose this plant, not only because it will leave my fence bare, but it
will be a real mess to remove. Plus, I'm quite fond of it as it was my
first rose planting.

Here's a question about the mites (if it turns out that this is indeed
Rosettes). Should the first frost have taken care of them (last night
we got our first deep frost)? If so, can I assume that my upcoming
dormant spray application would also take care of them until spring?