It occurs virtually everywhere in North America and is common in Nebraska. Like most rose virus diseases, rose mosaic reduces plant vigor and flower quality but rarely kills the plant. Often more than one virus can be isolated from plants showing symptoms of rose mosaic. All have been reported separately or together in field-grown roses and will produce a variety of symptoms recognized as rose mosaic. Symptoms Symptom expression of rose common mosaic is erratic and depends on the rose variety, season, and the virus strain.
Symptoms often appear on the first flush of growth in the spring and on new growth after pruning.
Temperatures from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit favor symptom expression. Rose common mosaic can be recognized by light-green to yellow mottle patterns on the leaves. The chlorosis is often more intense at or near the midvein. Even though only a few leaves may show symptoms, the entire plant is affected. Infected plants are usually less vigorous, may be stunted, and produce fewer blossoms.