"Bob Bauer" wrote in message
...
Gail said
Nice to see you posting again. I've tried
to stay active here, along with a few other
folk. I'm certainly willing to get into
discussions..

Hi Gail, I guess I need to ask specifically if you are aware if
there
has been any posting here by the folks who previously destroyed
this
group in the last year or two? I really would like to know.

I'd say no.

Posting has been light enough that you could
search google groups www.groups.google.com
by name (if you recall names) or simply by
a range of dates. See if you see anything
or anyone problemmatic.

So here's my comment and question:
I seem to have trouble with crown gall or
canker...

It sounds like you have long experience with this problem. I have
no
first hand knowledge, but have read quite a bit about crown gall.

Crown gall is a bacterial infection that triggers a DNA anomaly in
the
plant tissue producing a growth hormore that makes the cells grow in
an uncontrolled cancer like manner.

The bad bacterium is called Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Being a
bacteria that has a "saprophyte" or dormant form, it can live in
organic debris for several years. It is spread from soil to plant
by
ground water or by rain splashing, and causes a new infection if
that
soil or splash hits a fresh scape or gouge within 24 hours or so of
the injury.

Recommendations I have seen say to not replant in the same area at
all
for 5 years. Although that seems pretty extreme to me unless you
have
unlimited space.

I have a ton of unused space but my body
will no longer tolerate me digging large
holes (for rose beds) in heavy clay!
I've read a number of sources including
Peter Schneider who say there is no
reason to avoid replanting as long as you
replace the soil. I've had roses do great in
locations where earlier roses died due to
crown gall or canker.

Spraying both the soil and the plant with insecticide to prevent
chewing insects that cause plant wounds is recommended also.

I really should try that. I have fire ants
(which love my lightweight soil in raised
beds) as well as a number of rolly pollys
(there's probably an official name) and I've
read the latter can do damage in numbers.
Wasps could also be a possibility. I
know I have several different kinds around.

Good luck. Sounds like a real headache!

Bob Bauer
http://www.rose-roses.com/

Thanks!

Gail
near San Antonio TX Zone 8