by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian
SYMPTOMS
- Wide variety of different chlorotic line patterns including yellow zigzags, bands or ringspots on leaves
- Green or brown banding of veins (a dark green or brown color that parallels the veins) on leaves
- Vein clearing on leaves
- Leaf blades that are puckered and somewhat distorted around the chlorotic areas
- Canes that have shorter than normal internodes, resulting in stunting or dwarfing of the plant
- Possible reduced flower production, flower quality or overall plant vigor
CAUSE
- A variety of different viruses; most commonly rose mosaic virus (RMV)
OPTIMAL CONDITIONS
Most pronounced in spring; may disappear in summer and reappear as temperatures cool in fall
TREATMENT
Prevention:
Purchase roses that are grown on virus-free rootstock
Elimination:
Tolerate symptoms if they have not impacted overall plant health
Destroy infected plants
GOOD GUY / BAD GUY?
Mostly a nuisance if you don’t like the unique markings on the leaves
May be a bad guy if overall plant health deteriorates