The Biology of Rose Rosette Disease: A Mite‐associated Disease of Uncertain Aetiology

Spread of rose rosette disease was best described by a logistic population growth model. In Iowa, peak susceptibility to graft transmission of the disease in the field occurred from May 27 thrrough July 10. Populations of the eriophyid mite vector were low until mid‐July and reached peak levels at the end of August. Host range was limited to multiflora rose and hybrid ornamental roses. No evidence was obtained for seed‐or soil‐transmission of the aetiologic agent and no symptom remission was obtained with either heat therapy or tetracycline treatment. A significant decrease in stored starch corresponded with a major decrease in sucrose and increases in fructose and glucose in infected tissue. Because of its limited host range, the agent may have potential for biocontrol of multiflora rose.