Marin Rose Society

FAST FACTS - ROSE MOSAIC VIRUS
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

Rose Mosaic Virus 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

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