Rose rosette disease
witches’ broom in roses
CLASSIFICATION
Viruses, Fimoviridae, Emaravirus, Emaravirus rose rosette virus
ABOUT
Rose rosette disease is a viral disease transmitted by eriophyid mites, causing a characteristic symptom called witches' broom - the plant grows deformed stems, leaves, and flowers. Other symptoms include thick or elongated stems with red color, flower buds in small clusters (rosettes), and stunted or yellow leaves.
How to treat?
- Biological
If possible remove and destroy the infected plant. Burn it or toss it into the garbage. Do not compost.
- Disease prevention
Eliminate potential disease carriers (e.g. eriophyid mites).
Do not immediately plant new roses in the place where the infected plant used to be.
Disinfect tools, infected flower pots, and hands to avoid disease transmission.
Prune the plant. This will help remove wintering mites, which transmit the disease.