| dc.description.abstract | Rose rosette virus (RRV) is a (-) ssRNA virus that is vectored by an eriophyid mite, Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, and has an exclusive plant host, roses. Roses become infected with the virus through vector feeding on plant tissues. The virus produces a wide array of symptoms on the plant, with the most common one being witches’ broom, or rosette, giving the infection on plants the name of Rose Rosette Disease (RRD). Currently there is no known resistance to RRV in roses, however there are approaches being taken to discover tolerance, resistance, or immunity to the virus, such as resistance screening of currently available cultivars. In addition, the creation of new seedlings from parents with varying degrees of resistance, discovery of affordable treatments for the vector, and research on effective treatments for the virus are all being utilized for better management of RRD. These approaches have resulted in some preliminary data to inform/guide future focus of this area of study. One area of focus for this research has been RRD resistance screening field trials. Through field trials in north Texas, over 200 cultivars of roses have been screened for resistance since 2016, with some possible RRV tolerant cultivars identified. Correct diagnosis of RRV in infected plants is another important factor in finding a source of resistance. Through development and optimization of sensitive RRV extraction and detection protocols, RRV detection has been greatly improved, allowing for more rapid screening of trial plants. The third methodology that is being investigated are alternative transmission pathways for RRV virus infection. Anecdotal evidence suggests that RRV may be spread through roots of infected plants to healthy plants. Additionally, other typical methods of viral transmission such as seed, grafting, and mechanical will be examined in regard to RRV transmission. All preliminary data gained through this study on RRV has been used to contribute knowledge and improve understanding of RRD with the goal of finding RRD resistance. | en |
