Rose Rosette Disease & the Eriophyid Mite,



Red knockouts & white crepe myrtle in background.
Prolific bloomers. Who doesn't have one or more?
Using roses in our urban landscapes has become greatly popular, esp. the use of knockout roses. They are so hardly and easy care, home gardeners can't resist adding the color and long lasting blooms knockouts offer to their landscapes. Sold at the big box stores, the sale prices mid summer are hard to resist as well.

But, with the popularity of certain shrubs, trees, and plants, we run the risk of over use and over planting esp. in smaller areas like our yards and home gardens. Diseases and pests become more problematic. The many benefits can come with some risks we should learn to recognize. 
Colorful easy care. Blooms April to December

Up close and wonderful

More benefit, they are large enough for a privacy hedge row

When to have Concerns
Check your rose shrubs frequently, & know what to do to keep your roses healthy. The following gives some background about what to do if you see any signs of decline. If so, it's time for concern.
Rose Rosette Disease  
The following was researched and submitted by Reno County Master Gardener Sharon Hixson:
“Rose rosette disease is a well-known infection of roses…first discovered in 1941 in North America …and is now prevalent throughout most of the Midwest….


Rose Rosette Disease Is… (Reference #1)….The causal agent associated with rose rosette was initially considered a virus-like organism, but may be an aster yellows phytoplasma …However it has been suggested that the causal agent is a negative-sense RNA virus, Emaravirus. … Rose rosette is vectored or transmitted by the eriophyid mite, Phyllocoptes fructiphilus
More history in Reference #6 and #7. More about the mite (Reference list #5)
“Eriophyid mites have 4 legs and are yellow to brown in color. These mites are not visible to the naked eye; they are less than 1/200 inch long, which is about 3 to 4 times smaller than an average spider mite. These small mites move easily with wind currents.” Also by contaminated gloves, clothing, tools, and leafblowers.
Symptoms (Reference list #1)
Plants infected with rose rosette disease may display the following symptoms:
 rapid stem elongation
 leaf distortion
 leaf reddening
 leaf chlorosis with yellow mosaic patterns
 abnormal narrow leaflets or smaller leaves than normal
 thickened stems R5 premature lateral bud development
 excessive thorn production
Suggestions for Roses in the Landscape (Reference list #4)
“1. Interplant roses with other non-rose species whenever practical and aesthetically pleasing. Use tall barrier plants on the windward side of the garden.
2. Visually scout roses for RRD symptoms bi-weekly during the growing season.
3. Immediately remove plants when RRD is confirmed. Pruning symptomatic shoots is inconsistently effective.
4. Deadhead roses through the season and place debris in a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of debris off-site.
5. Pruning in winter is warranted on an annual basis.
6. Always work with healthy roses first and RRD-suspect or infected roses last. This will prevent the mites from being spread to healthy plants on skin, tools, gloves, clothing and other equipment.
7. Visit nearby landscapes and natural areas. Eliminate carriers (wild roses including Rosa multiflora) when possible. Educate neighbors to follow these guidelines and take action as needed.
9. Roses are irreplaceable and should continue to be grown throughout Oklahoma [Kansas] without hesitation.
Much more information available. Gathered by Sharon Hixson April/May 2017, 620-899-1549.
1. Cloyd, Raymond A., (2013). Rose Rosette Disease. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service: MF-2974. http://www.plantpath.k-state.edu/doc/extension-factsheets/rose-rosette-disease1.pdf
2. Problem: Rose Rosette. Update: (2/3/2016). Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. http://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/common-pest-problems/common-pest-problem-new/rose-rosette.pdf
3. Upham, Ward. Rose Rosette. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. http://www.ksuhortnewsletter.org/newsletters/category/rose
4. Olson, J., Rebek, E., Schnelle, M. Rose Rosette Disease. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: EPP-7329 http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-9207/EPP-7329web2017.pdf
5. Davenport, M., (06/13). Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Rosette Virus. Clemson University: HGIC 2109. http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/flowers/hgic2109.html
6. Hong, C., Hansen, M.A., & Day, E. Rose Rosette Disease. Virginia Cooperative Extension: Pub 450-620. http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/450/450-620/450-620_pdf.pdf
7. Hartzler, B., (February 5, 2003). Multiflora Rose and Rose Rosette Disease. Iowa State University ISU Weed Science Online. http://www.weeds.iastate.edu/mgmt/2003/multiflorarose.shtml
8. Rose Rosette. Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/viruses/rose-rosette.aspx
9. Smith, J., (October 17, 2013). Garden Calendar: Rose Disease On The Rise. LJWorld.com. http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/oct/17/garden-calendar-rose-disease-rise/
10. Cummings, I. (June 3, 2012). http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article303691/Rapidly-spreading-killer-virus-ravages-rose-gardens.html Rapidly Spreading Killer Virus Ravages Rose Gardens. The Kansas City Star.
11. Holloway, K., (02/18/2015). Deadly Virus Is Killing Rosebushes In North Texas. Gardening, Dallas News. https://www.dallasnews.com/life/gardening/2015/02/18/deadly-virus-is-killing-rosebushes-in-north-texas
12. Staying Ahead Of Rose Rosette Disease. (May 9, 2016). American Nurseryman. http://www.amerinursery.com/plants/staying-ahead-rose-rosette-disease/
13. Aspinwall, C., (April 13, 2014). Tulsa Rose Garden Walloped By Mite-Borne Disease. Tulsa World.com. http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/local/tulsa-rose-garden-walloped-by-mite-borne-disease/article_4f8452f4-a8e0-5d6d-8c65-e775b1c6138e.html

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