maggots or worms on my rosebuds?

Hi everyone, i've recently noticed that the buds on my zeperhine droughin rose (only planted last year) have been shrivelling and dying and that something has been eating them. I first thought it was slugs because the damage was quite "flat" across the top and they looked almost glued up and unable to open but today found 2 maggots/worms on two different buds. One lying on the bud from the tip to the bottom, the other hidden under a sepal. They are about 1cm+ long. Any ideas??

Glad to have finally posted something (though wish it was a nicer subject) - i've been reading this forum for months and think its brilliant - i've really learned a lot and i love all the photos!!

 

anyone any ideas at all?

 

Hello!!

Was it a caterpillar?

What colour was it?

 

Hello again!! :D

I have been doing some research to try to solve your problem.

It appears that your problem could be the Tortrix moth caterpillar. This caterpillar eats flower buds & also spins leaves together with fine silken treads.

The caterpillar can be either brown or pale green. But in most cases they are a pale green.

If you disturb them, they wriggle backwards & drop on a silk tread.

Have you found silken treads around your plant leaves?

If this is the problem, it is recommended to either pick off the caterpillars & destroy in mild cases. If its a serious attack, then spray your plant with either one of the following:

Sprayday,
Multirose,
Long-last,
or Fenitrothion

Hope this may shine some light on your problem.

 

Thank you Big Bird, there was a small amount of fluffy silk beneath the buds so it could well be this. Only come across 2 of the caterpillars so far although have removed quite a few damaged buds, so will remain vigilant for now.

Thanks again!!

 

Oh - by the way they were pale brown. Bit like mini mealworms that we buy dried for the birds.

 

It definately sounds like the Tortrix caterpillar!!

Well good luck!!