Also, see the link that the article gives:
http://go.ncsu.edu/rosette

I have heard about what is in the contrails or chemtrails, but do not know how that may affect my garden --- or me.

Around here there are many rosarians who believe that RRD is diagnosed far too often, and that there may be many causes of the irregular growth we see in roses. We had months of drought and the hightest temperatures ever this year and last, and this winter it will more than likely get very cold.

I wish there were more interest in this subject in this part of the country. Each area has its own unique weather patterns, and I am not sure that what I see occasionally is RRD, chemicals, or weather.

Sammy

I wonder if besides RRD, the roses could have irregular growth that might look like RRD if the purchased soil, compost or mulch has been treated or contaminated. We must purchase these products since our ground is mostly clay. Some of the dirt comes from Georgia, Louisiana, and all over. We just buy whatever Lowe's has.

Sammy

The article also says that RRD is on the rise, not herbicide damage.

From what I am reading the thorniness is the one distinction.

I am only a gardener, not a scientist, and am looking for a simple answer. Thorniness works because my roses do not have the excessive thorns. They have the redness and many other attributes, but not the thorns. Therefore, I make a note of them, watch them, and hope they will survive. (they often do)

However, if I see the thorniness, they are history. That really helps me.

Sammy

H.Kuska comment: I suggest that the above be modified to: "RRD may cause excessive red growth that last longer than normal along with soft thorny canes."

The reason for the modification is that both Ann Peck and others show RRD infected roses without the red color. In the Pathologist's article linked to here see the growth on the left side of the picture labeled: Leaf and flower deformation (L); Red coloration, shoot elongation and hyperthorniness (R). (note there are 2 sick branches or roses, the (L) stands for the symptoms of the branch or rose on the left, the (R) stands for the branch or rose on the right

Now, with that modification there is still a problem with the "last longer than normal" part of the statement as the point is to remove the cane with symptoms or bush early before the "possibility infected" bush becomes a source of further infection in one's rose garden.

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Regarding "Hyper thorniness"
Ann Peck's book states: "Hyper thorniness is not a dependable indication of RRD, it does alert rosarians to be vigilant. It appears on some HTs, but sick OGRs and roses related to 'R. multiflora' may have thorns no denser than ususal. Further confusing diagnoses, many classes of old garden roses are extremely thorny and no one could look at a sick rugosa, damask, or spinossissima and declare it�s hyper thorniness to be aberrant. Likewise basal breaks on some healthy HTs appear thornier closer to the bud union, but become less thorny with increasing healthy growth. This year, I have also seen a characteristic of some roses from cold hardy breeding programs to have denser thorns near the base; these roses have a built in rodent deterrent that I had not noticed until a question from New Brunswick about the possibility of RRD in that part of Canada."

1) "Management. The jury is still out on how to best manage rose rosette, so the following recommendations are provisional. This could be called the "RSVP" approach: removal, spacing, vigilance, and patience."

H.Kuska comment: please note "jury is still out" and "provisional".
AND
2) "Patience. As plant pathologists and entomologists continue to do experiments over the next several years, we'll be in a better position to know what works and what doesn't."

H.Kuska comment: please note "better position".

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I realise that there are those who are frustrated that I cannot give them "do this" and "do not do that" answers but nature is complex. An example that I would use with my students is that we are like blind men, fixed in position, trying to describe an elephant from what each of us is able to touch.

He has been continually vilified while making every effort to caution us about the complexity of the symptoms.

Having been a student, a teacher, and a mentor in various roles in my life, I know that holding an instructor in reproach for one's own inability to fully grasp a concept is not just disrespectful; it is extremely offensive and just plain wrong.

No level of frustration justifies such reprehensible behavior.

I like the RSVP approach for now. I think we are all concerned about RRD.

Essentially, Henry often posts studies about Rrv- which apparently he has a abiding interest in. Some folks don't appreciate his opinions and have been a bit bullyish suggesting he should buzz off. Why would it bother anyone to read a study? And if it does- quit reading them. It's not like he is telling everyone to quit using herbicides.

I've seen Henry posting studies which do suggest RRV is more likely the culprit for excess thorns than herbicides too. He's canvassing the issue well, i think.
Knocking on wood- I've not had any RRV yet but I've twice had a scare when new growth seemed too thorny. Those who suffer RRV regularly, understandably promote a "if it looks suspicious -pull it out yesterday approach". But thankfully, There's a middle camp that recognizes people may be throwing out the baby with the bathwater (especially in low pressure areas).
Everyone is trying to get to the bottom of it.
me, I like henry's info. It's a lot like the cold/ hot climate divide on pruning. It really depends on your perspective.

I have not berated anyone. Mr. Kuska's name is the only name in my post. And I have certainly not berated him.

If in future should the behavior continue, anyone can post a link to this thread.

Perhaps the best thing is for us all to return to the original topic now. RRV.
Im heading out to my garden to enjoy Mr.lincolns last blooms. (Long into our hard frosts). You all enjoy your evenings too!

Peace!