Staff \u2014 May 9, 2016
\nPhotos: Mary Ann Hansen<\/p>\n

\nIt\u2019s been around for a while, and it appears that it\u2019s not inclined to go away very soon. Although research is continuing, the approach, for now, remains the same.<\/p>\n

According to Mary Ann Hansen, Instructor in the Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science at Virginia Tech, the disease remains \u201cpretty widespread, if the number of symptomatic samples we get in our lab every year is any indication. Luckily, the rose industry is working with researchers and Extension folks to try to find ways to control the disease. Hopefully breeding programs will eventually bring us some new roses that will have resistance to this disease!\u201d<\/p>\n

Perhaps through the work of the National Clean Plant Network-Roses program, resistant varieties can be identified (see \u201cKeeping Roses Clean,\u201d by David C. Zlesak, on page 16). Until then, we\u2019ll revisit information we published last year, in hopes that more vigilant adherence to scouting and management can stem the tide of rose rosette disease.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

These samples display nearly every sign of the presence of rose rosette virus.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHere goes:<\/h3>\n

Rose rosette disease (RRD) can be tricky. Its transmission involves three players: a virus, which is vectored by an eriophyid mite (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus), and the wild and sometimes invasive multiflora rose. For rose rosette disease to be successful, those three elements must be present. To break the cycle of this disease, eliminate one of the trio. Sounds easy. It\u2019s not.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s believed that all cultivated roses are susceptible to the disease; this includes shrubs, hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras and miniatures. So even if there\u2019s no evidence of multiflora in the immediate area, other roses may already carry the pathogen and can transmit it to your presumably clean stock. Once that happens, removal and destruction of the affected plants is your only option.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The dramatic difference in new growth\u2014deep red foliage and elongated, twisted stems\u2014points to rose rosette disease.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat to look for<\/h3>\n

Symptoms of rose rosette disease can be difficult to recognize and confirm, as some signs mimic normal new growth. Many rose varieties are known for their richly colored young foliage, with leaves emerging a deep red to purple in spring. These generally turn green during the growing season, so if a plant continues to display intense red foliage throughout summer, it may have been infected.<\/p>\n

Flushes of massed, tangled growth, similar to a witch\u2019s broom, can signal the presence of rose rosette virus (RRV). This may be more evident in plants that have been infected for more than a year. Infected plants may display unusually large masses of distorted buds, most of which fail to open. Reddening and\/or flattening of the cane can occur. Excessive thorn growth is an obvious sign.<\/p>\n

Several of these symptoms appear similar to the signs of herbicide damage \u2013 which just adds to the challenge of confirmation.<\/p>\n

Plants infected with RRV will decline and eventually die, but the disease may not be fatal for three to four years, by which time nearby plants may have been affected. Some speculate that rose rosette disease has become widespread in recent years due to the popularity of mass plantings, positioning plants close enough together to give the mite \u2013 which cannot fly, but can \u201cballoon\u201d on the wind \u2013 easy access to its next victim. So vigilance is key.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A plant struggling with RRD produces deformed buds and flowers.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow to manage rose rosette disease<\/h3>\n

Ultimately, the rose rosette virus is fatal. Once a plant is infected, it will not survive, so management of the disease is about preventing its spread to other plants.<\/p>\n

Scouting for symptoms is vital to the long-term survival of nursery stock or landscape installations. It\u2019s a good idea to inspect plants before they\u2019re purchased, and take a look at neighboring plants, as well.<\/p>\n

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A once-lush planting that graced a building on the campus of Virginia Tech was devastated by rose rosette disease. Planted closely together, the roses had provided a wealth of blooms. Their proximity, however, likely encouraged the spread of RRV.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Although selective pruning of affected canes has been suggested as a possible means of management, this has proved \u2013 so far \u2013 to be ineffective. If signs of the disease are detected, the affected plants must be rogued. Many plants infected with RRV may remain asymptomatic; it\u2019s a good idea to remove plants immediately surrounding them, providing a safeguard against further infection. Rogued plants should not simply be removed from the site, but bagged where they stand prior to removal.<\/p>\n

Miticides have been suggested as possible \u201ccure,\u201d but to date, these methods have been unsuccessful.<\/p>\n

A quick and dirty checklist of symptoms<\/h3>\n

Symptoms can range from what appears to be a flush of new growth to grotesque mutations that disfigure the plant. The most easily spotted signs of a rose rosette attack are:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
• increased growth and\/or rapid elongation of shoots<\/li>\n
• new leaves and twigs have an abnormally bright, rich red color<\/li>\n
• leaves may be distorted, curled or twisted<\/li>\n
• an overabundance of foliage may be produced<\/li>\n
• spiral pattern of cane growth<\/li>\n
• canes produce excessive, red-tinged thorn growth<\/li>\n
• atypical flower coloration, such as mottling<\/li>\n
• deformed buds and flowers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  Witches\u2019 brooms are a sure sign of rose rosette infestation, although at first the odd growth may appear to mimic the effect of herbicide drift. Where canes overproduce thorns, the growth may be so excessive that stems are covered.<\/strong><\/p>\n

  The most effective way to fight rose rosette disease: Vigilance; early detection; roguing of affected plants.<\/p>\n

  There\u2019s an excellent online resource at AmericanHort\u2019s Knowledge Center, including a webinar and videos that help to explain the how\u2019s, the what\u2019s and the why\u2019s. Go to http:\/\/www.americanhort.com, click on \u201cKnowledge Center\u201d and select Be In The Know.<\/p>\n

  Read more: Downy mildew of rose<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Staff \u2014 May 9, 2016 Photos: Mary Ann Hansen It\u2019s been around for a while, and it appears that it\u2019s not inclined to go away very soon. Although research is continuing, the approach, for now, remains the same. According to Mary Ann Hansen, Instructor in the Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-525","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nursery"],"yoast_head":"\n