Dr. Ma, who is originally from China, had a great number of contacts throughout the country which proved to be very valuable. Mr. Mike Shoup from the Antique Rose Emporium, rounded out the Texas connection. Mike brought along a strong understanding of the history of rose development and a keen interest in old Chinese cultivars. Ms. Kathy Zuzek from the University of Minnesota, Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen, MN, Mr. Ping Lim, from Bailey s Nursery, Oregon and Campbell Davidson from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre at Morden, Manitoba completed the team. All of these people have active rose breeding programs and were particularly interested in learning more about rose breeding in China as well as collecting roses.
Roses are among the world s most important ornamental crops.
A significant number of these cultivars where developed as a result of the introduction of Chinese germplasm into Europe around the year 1800. Diseases and insect infestations in roses are numerous and are often controlled with a combination of cultural treatments and pesticides. Increasing pesticide use is leading to a great deal of concern from rose growers around the world. Since China is a major center for wild roses, it is hoped that new, novel genes can be identified from native Chinese species. China is the center of diversity for roses.