Other disease problems, including various fungal leaf spots and stem canker, are also common in Louisiana. Insects Insects and mites attack rose flowers and foliage. The most common insect damaging rose flowers is thrips. Buds infested with thrips will not open properly, producing distorted blooms with discolored edges on the petals. Thrip conlrol measures include applicalions of malathion, Orthene or Mavrik at recommended rates.
Aphids are probably the most common insect found on roses in Louisiana.
These insects attack the young, growing foliage and buds, feeding on plant juices. Although a problem, aphids are easily controlled with regular applicalions of most general use insecticides. Several species of spider mites occur on roses. The most common are the red spider mite and the two-spotted spider mite. Kelthane, Pentac, oil sprays and Talstar can be used for control.