Rose Rosette Disease is caused by the Rose Rosette Virus that came over to the United States in the 1800s with Asian wild roses. Many of these roses were planted by settlers all over the United States and have become naturalized. Rose Rosette Disease is now infecting cultivated roses throughout the United States, but especially in the South.
Symptoms of Rose Rosette Disease
The symptoms of rose rosette disease are varied, which complicates diagnosis. Among the most common symptoms are elongated shoots that form into witches brooms on the end. Often, the leaves in these witches brooms are red and misshapen. Flowers may be abnormal, missing petals and being mottled instead of solid color. Canes may have a profusion of soft green or red thorns that may become brittle later. This is always proof of the presence of rose rosette disease.
Carriers
Plants with rose rosette disease may not show all of these symptoms. They may only show a few symptoms, especially at the beginning of the infection. However, infected roses die within two to three years of infection.
The Culprit
Rose Rosette Disease is carried by the eriophyid mite Phyllocoptes fructiphilus. This mite is microscopic, so its presence is difficult to confirm on a rose. The mite bites into the rose and the disease is transmitted in its salava. Eriphyid mites can crawl short distances between roses, but it is mainly airborne. Your rose can get the disease even if you only have on rose.
No Treatment
There is not a treatment for infected roses. The only effective control is to remove infected plants and destroy them. It is important to dig out every bit of root from the effected plants as the roots serve as a reservoir for the disease and will spread it. Put them in a garbage bag and throw them away.
Management
Rose Rosette disease can be managed by a severe pruning in late winter and early spring before the buds open. This should be followed by an application of horticultural oil. Monthly applications of horticultural oil when the temperatures are low enough to use it helps.
Roses are beautiful and should be used in gardens despite rose rosette disease. Oklahoma Extension has a useful article on their website discussing the risk versus the reward of planting roses.
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