Re: [SG] Peony root chewing insect S.O.S.
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] Peony root chewing insect S.O.S.
- From: C* P* <E*@AOL.COM>
- Date: Sat, 5 Dec 1998 00:49:33 EST
In a message dated 12/4/98 11:07:01 PM Eastern Standard Time, mtalt@CLARK.NET
writes:
<< One of my readers on the Suite has come up with a problem I've never
encountered. Seems some boring type insect that closely resembles and Iris
Borer is eating the roots of his herbaceous Peonies. >>
I have been on the iris-talk list for a few years and iris borers are a
popular subject. The borer (if you have found one) is easily ID'ed. It is
large, fat, pinkish in color with a darker head. It is a cannibal so only one
will be found in a root. It is not specific to tall bearded iris. It is the
natural predator insect of the native iris versicolor. Iris borers will
infest siberians and Japanese plus any others around when they are hungry.
It is the TB which succumbs the most readily.
The moth is a weak insect which does not fly much laying eggs in summer.
Depending on where your questioner lives more than one hatch is possible. A
hollowed out root is found and the caterpiller is usually in the root until
late summer. Iris growers cut off the infested section and replant. They
dust with a fungicide to prevent a rot that is common on iris. Your
questioner could determine if iris borer is present by having a look at the
roots which can resemble a large TB.
BTW, some evidence has been published on iris borers damaging other genera.
Columbine specifically is mentioned.
Claire Peplowski
East Nassau, NY
z4
