ID needed for plant problem - Ask Extension
My neighbor identified a problem with my knock out roses as "Witches Broom." I am seeking confirmation (or not). Also, nearby, I have euonym...
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ID needed for plant problem #803959
Asked August 01, 2022, 9:26 AM EDT
My neighbor identified a problem with my knock out roses as "Witches Broom." I am seeking confirmation (or not). Also, nearby, I have euonymus that's got something. Can you provide a diagnosis via photo?
Richmond County Virginia
Expert Response
The rose appears to have Rose Rosette Disease. A virus of roses. Symptoms include witches brooming, hyper-prickliness, and leaf-redding and distortion. All of which appear in your picture. There is no cure for Rose Rosette Disease and it can easily spread to other roses by way of an insect vector. Remove and destroy the affected rose. https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstream/handle/10919/48805/450-620_pdf.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
As for the euonymus, there are some leaf diseases, but none would cause the plant die-out exhibited in your picture. Heavy scale insect infestation can cause die-out, but I'm not seeing the scales on the leaves in the picture. Euonymus can develop phytophthora root rot (https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/documents/w289-d.pdf). You could see portions of the plant die out. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this root rot. Prune out affected areas and reduce stress on plant, including not allowing plant to be overwatered.
As for the euonymus, there are some leaf diseases, but none would cause the plant die-out exhibited in your picture. Heavy scale insect infestation can cause die-out, but I'm not seeing the scales on the leaves in the picture. Euonymus can develop phytophthora root rot (https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/documents/w289-d.pdf). You could see portions of the plant die out. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this root rot. Prune out affected areas and reduce stress on plant, including not allowing plant to be overwatered.
Thank you for your quick response. I can now proceed w/ taking out the doomed rose bushes with the knowledge that it is the only option