Thanks for your time, Jason, I appreciate your efforts on my behalf.
It's great to have a buddy like you alongside any grow, because when a grower like me is "too close to the trees (to see the obvious)" your comments come as a reality-check- which is great. When my roses mature and are sold, I'd like to make a donation to your website/time. Additionally I'd like to make you the offer of my time, should you need it.
I bought a 200x magnifier for only £6 from a well-known electronics store. I had a look at Google Images and it's not Thrips, and I'm still trying to identify the bug. For now, until I know for sure I'm going to go for a pressure water spray to physically clean the leaves. Do you imagine the stomata will cope? Thanks, J.
Answer: Kev- a little pressurized water will certainly reduce the populations....and if done every day the extra moisture may also slow down their reproduction. Out of all your options, the pressurized water will be the most gentle on the stomata of your plants. If using a hand pressurized sprayer, I have one more suggestion....put two or three drops of dish soap and one cigarette into a gallon of water and let it sit overnight. Strain it, and use that to spray off your plants. The nicotine from the cigarette kills, and the dish soap breaks up the surface tension of the water (making it coat and penetrate everything more effectively)- it's very mild as far as pest solutions go, and will be more effective than the plain water. You can also add a few cloves or a stick of cinnamon to the soaking water if you like (both of which also contain mild natural insecticides).
Don't worry about a donation, lol. I find this all very rewarding (but thanks- much appreciated). Hope all works out well! -JW
