Roses on the Midland College campusJuly 06, 2021

by Jeff Floyd, MC grounds supervisor

Midland College is part of a special research project developed by the American Rose Trials for Sustainability (A.R.T.S.)  The trial garden is located on the west side of the Dollye Neal Chapel on the main Midland College campus. 

The research consists of twenty different varieties submitted by American and Canadian rose growers.  To mimic the toughest growing conditions, they’ll be grown maintenance-free and without the use of fertilizers or pesticides.  Those roses that perform exceptionally well during the two-year trial may go on to gain national recognition.  

During the trial Midland College grounds crews will be on the lookout for at least one nasty disease that is notorious for killing roses.  That pathogen, known as the Rose rosette virus, has been spotted in Midland—almost as far west as the virus has spread in Texas.  There is no cure.  Once a bush is infected, its demise is simply a matter of time.  

Rose rosette is spread from rose to rose by hitching a ride in a microscopic mite.  Mites are not insects; they are closely related to spiders.  When a tiny mite sucks the juices from a plant leaf, it also releases some of its saliva in the plant.  Not all mites carry the virus; however, those that do pose a serious risk to roses.  

The virus tends to infect bushes that are close together.  The mites move readily.  They have a fascinating way of traveling.  As the wind reaches just the right speed, the tiny little creatures climb onto the end of a leaf, raise their front legs and are swept away.  Who knows why!  The point is they don’t seem to have any trouble moving.   

To deal with an infected rose, the solution is to remove the plant.  That has to be done very carefully because the mites also travel on garden tools, clothes and even on insects and animals.  Carelessly digging up an infected rose is certain to place nearby bushes at risk.  The best way to remove a sick rose from the garden is to cautiously cover it with a large trash bag and dig up the entire pant and root system.    

Fortunately, the roses that were received for the Midland College A.R.T.S. trial were inspected prior to shipment, but they will be closely watched for signs of the virus, nevertheless. 

The next time you find yourself out for an evening stroll enjoying the campus, stop and smell the roses.  You won’t be disappointed.