Noted for their color and scent , roses are one of the most crucial decorative flowering plants grown worldwide , with a annual estimated output of 18 billion stinger stems and up to 80 million potted roses .

In nastiness of the plant ’s popularity and industry grandness , rise viruses have not been study in point in the UK since the 1980s . But , recent betterment in scientific techniques , such as high - throughput DNA sequencing , provide new opportunities to meliorate our understanding of the computer virus . By working with the RHS and industriousness collaborator to understand the craft , the work will help to future proof against new and come out threats such as Rose rose window computer virus .

Rose rosette computer virus causes reddening on newly emerging shoots , excessive spikelet yield , abnormalities and finally found death . Not yet present in the UK , Rose rosette virus is considered one of the plant ’s cracking risks and responsible for the destruction of entire ingathering in the USA and Canada . Recently reported in India , the virus is diffuse by a four - legged microscopical mite transported on plant , insects , fart or contaminated wearable .

The research is being delivered through the RHS and IAFRI , a joint venture between Newcastle University and Fera Science Limited and with the support of David Austin Roses . PhD research worker , Ines Vazquez Iglesias , will canvass hundreds of sample distribution from RHS collections , gardens and nursery across the UK at Fera ’s Sand Hutton research facility with the determination bring out in 2019 .

Common problems afflicting UK garden roses include :

Gerard Clover , Head of Plant Health at the RHS , said : “ Roses are favoured by nurseryman for their wide range of colours and sweet bloom of youth with their versatility make them a stalwart of gardens across the state . With unexampled plague and disease threat waiting in the wings it ’s important we apply the latest tools and techniques to protect garden and support the UK ’s horticultural diligence . ”

Nicola Spence , Defra Chief Plant Health Officer , said : “ We require to be the first multiplication to leave behind the surround in a better state than we find it and protecting our industrial plant , such as roses , from pests and diseases is a central part of that ambition .

“ Rose rosette virus is not present in the UK and we are incessantly working to see that foreign threats are keep away . However , we also need to better understand the threat they nonplus and this inquiry by Newcastle University will provide substantive intelligence on how to harness these emerging gadfly and diseases .

“ Once again , I urge everyone to source their plants from reputable nurseries and to remain vigilant for threats by drill sound biosecurity . ”

Ines Vazquez Iglesias , PHD research worker , say : “ This yr an RHS bursary offer an chance to see first - hand the devastation that rose rosette virus has had in the US . What was once a blooming garden of rosebush had been boil down to one C of utter or break plants . My inquiry is intended to civilize industry and gardener as to the risk posed to the rose by new and issue virus and protect the UK ’s gardens for the future . ”

For more info : Royal Horticultural Societywww.rhs.org.uk