Disease knocking out city’s roses
Many of the city's Knock Out Roses, like this one, have contracted Rose Rosette Disease.
Rose Rosette Disease, which can affect all types of roses, including Knock Out Roses, has come to North Alabama, as well as the city of Madison, according to Liz Cuneo, president of the Madison Beautification and Tree Board.
It appears to have primarily infected the roses along the cemetery at Hughes Road, the entrance to the Library and in the large group planted at Madison Elementary and on Gillespie Road.
According to Cuneo, RRD is a virus spread by a tiny mite called an eriophyid.
It feeds on the roses, and then travels on the wind to other roses, thus spreading the disease.
As the disease is systemic, once the rose is infected, it is virtually impossible to treat. This is what has happened to some of the roses in Madison.
Along Hughes or Sullivan roads, some of the roses appear different, even having a bunched or distorted look to them.
This is a symptom of the disease.
It has what is called a witches broom appearance.
There are also many, many more thorns, somewhat looking like a bristle brush. The leaves will be bright burgundy in color, which can be misleading, as all Knock Out roses have leaves that color when they first appear. However, if they do not turn green or appear to be stunted or much thinner, then that is another symptom of the disease. Blooms will appear smaller or discolored, and may fall off without opening. As the disease progresses, you will see the rose get more and more of the witches’ broom look to it, and it will eventually die.
There is no cure for this disease. Once you realize your Knock Out has it, the most effective treatment is removal. That is what will be happening on Hughes Road, Sullivan Street and Gillespie. Where the Beautification Board has identified diseased roses, they will be removed. It is hoped that removal, which in effect thins out the roses, will slow down or stop the spread of the disease.
The city of Madison and the Beautification Board, working together, will approach the situation with a three-pronged effort.
First the infected plants will be removed.
Second, the remaining roses will be monitored by the Board, with periodic surveys to spot potential problems. Any others found to be infected will also be removed.
Finally, the Board will replant in areas where removal was required, with a companion plant philosophy and diversification a priority.
The Beautification Board still believes that the Knock Out rose is an excellent plant for this area and will continue to use it.
However, it is believed that the rapid spread of the disease is due to the large numbers of the Knock Out, which have been planted.
While the ‘Knock Out’ rose is disease resistant, no plant is disease proof. As in any landscape, diversity is best.
According to Cuneo, this has been a painful lesson to learn, but the Beautification Board believes it is a good lesson.
The Board will seek companion plants for the Knock Out, plants that will be pleasing in appearance, hardy and drought resistant and provide the beautiful display the citizens of Madison have come to expect.
Cuneo suggests that if residents believe their roses have the disease or want more information, they should contact Ken Creel, Madison County Extension Agent at 256-532-1578 or 256-382-1554.
In addition, the Virginia Cooperative Extension offers information concerning RRD, which can be found at http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-620/450-620.html.
