Rose rosette disease is a fatal virus-like disease of the Genus Rosa. The host plant is the Multi Flora Rose which is an invasive plant in many of our open lands. It is vectored by a very small eriophyid mite which can be blown by the wind. Prevention is not a viable option. Typically infections occur in May with symptoms appearing in July. With our accelerated season this is being seen earlier.
The symptoms of RRD are:
Sudden elongation of a stem or stems
Vivid red leaves some of which can be distorted or curled
Yellowing leaves with a mosaic pattern
An abnormal amount of lateral stems referred to as the "Witches broom"
Abnormally large amount of thorns some of which are smaller than normal
This is ually present on one or two stems of the plant only and is taller than the remaining branches
Control
There is no control. The plant should be dug up as soon as possible and put in the trash. Do not compost. Pruning of the affected stem will not cure the disease.
If you suspect this, cleanse all tools that touched the affected plant with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution.
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