No it was not a quote. I would call it an attention getter. Michaelg, isn't the English language your specialty (after trout fishing, of course)? If so please help me out here. What is it called formally?

The follwing was stated by jokewing: "jJust wondering why henry kuska ONLY makes posts having to do with diseases and death? Has anyone else noticed this? Why is he even worried about roses if the thinks they are so disease ridden? " H.Kuska comment: Jockewing, perhaps your own post is a good explanation as to why I feel knowledge about what is known/unknown about rose diseases is important. "Posted by jockewing 9a (My Page) on Thu, Jul 4, 13 at 16:18 Yes Thornton, I hope you are right. With the amazing science we have today, I'm surprised more roses with such qualities have not been released. It just baffles me that the most beautiful flower we are able to grow is plagued with so many problems. Why must that be? There are so many beautiful plants that are such a breeze, but in my opinion nothing is so special as a classic hybrid tea rose. Why must they be plagued with so many diseases and pests? I admire the Knockouts, but I just don't think they are beautiful except perhaps in mass plantings from a distance, say at a commercial building or along the highway. We want giant flowered hybrid teas with the same vigor!!! It really makes me sad that virtually NO ONE I know in my area grows any classic hybrid teas at all, with may the exception of a few here or there, usually in an older neighborhood." http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/roses/msg0715030426702.html ----------------------------------------------- Additional H.Kuska comment: If you are interested in my other contributions to rose growing why not do a Google search with the search terms: "Henry Kuska" and roses or you could get a partial view at the following thread: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/roses/msg0411322117173.html Here is a link that might be useful: link to earlier thread This post was edited by henry_kuska on Sun, Oct 20, 13 at 16:33

It is not currently present in Europe but it is signs have been found in India. The authors aren't sure if India has the actual mites or just some imported roses with the virus. Understandably the authors are very concerned about RRV getting to Europe! They talk a lot about economic impacts and how to prevent it from getting over there. There was an interesting bit about whether it can travel in cut flower bouquets--the answer seems to be "maybe but probably not."

Excellent video, so know we know that the Knockout rose isn't more susceptible. The problem seems to be that it's used a lot commercially and therefore the plants aren't monitored as vigilantly as in home gardens. Or should be. Thank you, Henry.