Rose mosaic is found virtually everywhere roses are cultivated in the U.S., and unfortunately this virus disease is a fairly common problem in plantings across Mississippi. Like most virus diseases, rose mosaic reduces plant vigor and flower quality but rarely kills infected plants. While the symptoms are somewhat variable, suspect mosaic when yellowish or light green mottled areas appear in leaves.
Symptoms start showing up late spring and are present throughout the growing season.
Transmission of the virus is through vegetative propagation of infected plant material. Infected grafting material can include buds, scions, or root stocks. It is also suspected the causal virus can be spread through infected pollen, although this route of infection is not considered an important avenue of transmission. First, if you feel you have plants which could be infected, it would be a good idea to contact your County Extension Office for information on how to obtain a definitive diagnosis. A specimen may need to be sent to the Extension Plant Pathology Laboratory for an examination.