Re: Iris Borer
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Iris Borer
- From: A* W* <a*@abacus.bates.edu>
- Date: Sat, 31 Jan 1998 13:54:07 -0700 (MST)
Daryl &Kathy Haggstrom wrote:
>
> Ross wrote:
>
> > I am intrigued with the proposition that iris borer may be contained
> > geographically by temperature (or other) constraints. Let's continue to
> > collect and share our experience. Am I correct that we are not finding
> > borer outside of zones 4-7?
>
> There is no iris borer in zone 3 areas or colder of Alaska. I haven't
> HEARD of any iris borer problems in this state, but have no hands-on
> experience in areas rated zone 4 or higher. The only naturally
> occurring(or introduced, for that matter) pest is an Iris Weevil, which
> eats the seed.
> Kathy Haggstrom
> Anch, AK
> Zone 3
Kathy,
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. I lost several pods of seeds from my varigated I. setosa this
year, amongst a few plants that had damage, and as you may imagine, I
was displeased. (my language may well have been more colorful than the
irises)
