In my garden, it would leave. If I had only a few plants and were 90, I'd probably patiently await warmer weather. In pruning, I'd be vigilant about sanitizing my pruners between cuts---not that anyone can prevent the spread of something the size of a strand of DNA, but that wouldn't stop me from trying until more is know about this virus. It was detected in virus-indexed roses. Most are symptomless, but R. multiflora seems especially vulnerable.

Initial research shows that RSD may be transmitted by a couple of different species of aphids. Whether it can also be transmitted by root grafting is not known, but is a possibility, since the researchers found the incidence of RSD in adjacent rows of roses.

Viruses are so small that highly specialized equipment and training is required to detect them. Viruses are now sometimes detected while a microbiologist is studying another virus. When we are dealing with...not even an organism...on that scale, I consider it prudent to recognize the limits of our knowledge.

Here is a link that might be useful: Read about viruses

Can you tell us what part of the country that this rose was found in? (This information will help follow this infection.) Also, do you know the name of the infected rose and the approximate date that the picture was taken. Has she reported any more RSD infected roses since then?

Thank you,

Henry Kuska

I have created a web page for rose spring dwarf virus which summarizes what I could find about this rose virus. Please let me know if there is anything to add.

https://sites.google.com/site/rosespringdwarf/home