My roses has Mosaic Virus Disease - What can I do about it, short of pulling them up and throwing them away?

Answer 1

Viruses cannot be treated. There are no 'viruscides' that will kill a virus. The only thing you can do is unfortunatley toss the plants. If you choose to plant roses again in that spot, make sure you get a VIRUS RESISTANT variety. I wouldn't plant roses in that spot again because the virus could be in the soil.

Also try to control the insects in your garden that are on your roses. They can transmit viruses, so by controlling them, you can limit the spread of the virus. Insects like white flies, aphids, and thrips can spread viruses.

One more thing are weeds. They often harbor viruses, so if you see some weeds that look like they have a virus, get rid of them too!

Answer 2

I really feel for you!

Mosaic virus Disease in roses is very bad and many grower and Universities around the country have been studying this for several years now, because of the risk to roses that date to over a 100 years ago. They recommend the total destruction of the whole plant, by burning all the parts. further more they say that it is spread by insects, and also lives in the soil for as long as 50 years. They also state how important it is to remove all the material from under the bushes, such as mulch, plant parts that have fallen, and any other surrounding plants that show symptoms.

May I suggest you starting over slow, with new plants, placing them in a different area of the yard first? I kept roses in container pots for several years prior to planting in the landscape.

Before you destroy them, are you sure that they do have mosaic virus disease for sure? The University in Florida that has been studying this problem said that it is very hard to know for sure without microscopic exam. In the case that you may not know for sure, try "neem oil" sold at gardening stores. However, you may want to be careful if it is, because you can spread the disease by spraying water that in turn over sprays other areas of the garden.

Good Luck, and I'll cry with you as I also have roses and love them!

Answer 3

According to one rose expert no drastic measures are required.Before throwing out the rose try this regimen: Feed the rose generously. Sprinkle one handful of Rose Food around the plant before the leaves are fully open and then every month till the beginning of August.(Southern B.C. Canada) Every second week apply a liquid fertilizer like Miracle Grow with a sprayer for foliar feeding. From August on use only Potassium to strengthen the canes.
A virus infected plant should not be used for propagation.

Answer 4

Aw that is a shame! They have to go honey, or they will mess you up with a lot of other things as well.
just grit your teeth and do it. then turn the soil under with a lot of lime and leave the area fallow for at least two years, Plant more resisitant types in a different place that get a lot of sunshine. and keep the weeds away from them as well as those nasty mites that build webs in the new growth,

Answer 5

The disease is in the plant tissue, and there is no treatment. It is not carried by insects.

Plant rose varieties that are more resistant .

Answer 6

Sorry about your beauties. Here is a little info:

http://www.countyofsb.org/agcomm/html/cmv.htm

Answer 7

there is no chemical remedy just remove the leaves that are effected but best thing ti do is start again

Answer 8

I AGREE FONGARID IS THE BEST PRODUCT OUT ON THE MARKET. IVE USED IT TOO AND MY ROSES THAT WERE ALMOST DEAD BECAUSE OF MOSAIC DISEASE ARE BLOOMIN' NOW.

Answer 9

FONGARID IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR ROSES ITS LIKE GIVING THEM A TRANSPLANT. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GO TO YOUR LOCAL NURSERY AND TRY AND FIND IT. IT WILL DEFINATELY REVITALISE YOUR ROSES PRUNE BACK YOUR ROSES AND LEAVE THE THREE MAIN WATER STALKS ON THEM BEFORE THE APPLICATION. ONLY DO THIS PRIOR WINTER AND SPRING TO GIVE THEM BACK THEIR BOUNCE