buford, a rose can have cryptic viruses in their lineage since these viruses are passed through the seed. A cryptic virus has been found in RRV infected multiflora. http://www.sipav.org/main/jpp/index.php/jpp/article/view/664/451 I think I read recently that one of the blueberry type viruses that also infects roses and is passed through the seed has been found in RRV infected roses. Perhaps either of the above is what you heard. Often virus coinfections are much "harder" on a plant's immune system than a single virus infection. Here is a link that might be useful: link to cryptic virus discussion

That's what John Starnes told us. And he's the person who knew those roses best. It doesn't surprise me. I've seen it happen in other places. They don't want the roses in the way of "maintenance." They don't want the roses to obscure the tombstones. And the roses CAN -- there is some legitimacy to that concern. (SEE BELOW) But if you respect the history, and the people, and the families who buried them, you should, I think, respect their choice, to put roses there. Jeri

Hello Henry: Nothing new- we get called to a lot of "problem situations" that turn out to be RRD. We saw our first RRD in garden situations some years ago- about the same time Terry did - might have been some before that misdiagnosed as weed killer damage. I've got to assume it had already showed up on wild multifloras. I used to tell people to bring their infected roses to their county extension - I don't even bother with that any more. They've probably seen enough of them. Wild multiflora roses have become significantly reduced in this area in the past few years - even the ones that were planted as highway barriers are significantly reduced. That's got to be from RRD. I assume the ones that are left are somewhat resistant to the virus. Since this virus requires a vector, that might be succumbing to natural predators as well. Here is a link that might be useful: Featured Creatures: eriophyid mite vector of Rose Rosette Disease (RRD)

As one poster observed: ".... have been preaching it to the newbies for some time." If I was still in a local rose society, I would include a copy of this article in a welcome packet to give to new members.