Other Iris Pests
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Other Iris Pests
- From: I*@aol.com
- Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 03:20:26 -0700 (MST)
In a message dated 98-01-31 15:55:28 EST, Andy writes:
<< It is iteresting that you mention the Iris weevil. We have that as
well in Massachusetts and I was wondering if anyone knows about their
life cycle. They are not so bad a pest as borers or orthachita (how
exactly id that spelled?) since they do not affect vegatative growth or
blooms, yet they are quite a pest for breeders, since they can evacuate
a chamber of a seed pod or even all three, without showing significant
damage. >>
How about a small flying insect that eats beardless iris pollen? I have had
this happen to me for two seasons and it is most distressing. Sometimes they
leave me enough to sneak out a cross or two - but other times, they strip the
anthers. Anyone have intelligence on what this is and how to get to the
pollen first? They appear to do no other damage - and Cygon notwithstanding,
I do not wish to add more chemicals to my garden.
Kathyguest... of the shiny JI anthers