Rose Rosette Disease
Among the major diseases of roses, rose rosette disease (RRD) is the most destructive. Rose rosette disease causes severe thorn proliferation and rapid elongation of branches. Multiple stems also may be produced at the ends of branches with small twisted leaves, resulting in a “witches’ broom” appearance.
Other symptoms include unusual reddening of the leaves that persists even with age, unusual leaf shape, leaves developing from flower bud tissue, dying branches, and severe yellowing and stunting of the plant. Plants infected with RRD usually die within one to two years.
Rose rosette disease is spread by a tiny eriophyid mite, so small that it cannot be seen without magnification. There is no cure for RRD so infected plants must be destroyed. However, the disease may be prevented from spreading to healthy plants by using a combination of good cultural practices and effective management of mite populations.
While the disease has cause trouble in other parts of the country, RRD is currently not established in Florida. Infected plants have been identified on commercial shipments to Florida, but were intercepted and destroyed by UF/IFAS in collaboration with Florida’s Division of Plant Industry.
Symptoms of RRD are often confused with other ailments, such as herbicide damage. If you think your roses might be infected, contact your county Extension office.