News » 10.10.2025 - Preventing rose diseases with microbiology and resistance

During the very first knowledge event of the Cultivation Group for Roses and Rootstocks (organized under the secretariat of Royal Anthos), researchers from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and the Flemish research institute ILVO presented the latest findings on tackling rose diseases. The event took place last Wednesday at Compas Agro in Venlo and attracted around 40 professionals from across the sector.

Jane Debode from ILVO opened the event with a presentation on the crucial role of microorganisms living around plant roots—the rhizosphere microbiome—in suppressing root diseases. She shared research results showing how adding certain materials to the substrate can influence microbial life. One example was the use of plant fibers from reed or flax, combined with the beneficial fungus Trichoderma. Trials also showed promising effects when using commercially available products containing microorganisms, highlighting their potential in maintaining healthier rose crops.

New varieties faster
Florien Gorter from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) shared the latest insights into how bacterial diseases such as Agrobacterium (crown gall) and Ralstonia (bacterial wilt) spread within rose cultivation. Following her presentation, Has van Hal guided participants on a tour of Compas Agro's trial fields, where ongoing experiments gave visitors a closer look at practical disease management in action.

Next, Katrijn Van Laere from ILVO explained how modern genomic tools like CRISPR/Cas are making it possible to develop new rose varieties much faster—varieties that are not only more resistant to diseases but also better adapted to changing climate conditions. To conclude, René Smulders from WUR gave a deep dive into breeding for resistance. He highlighted that for powdery mildew, specific genetic regions responsible for resistance can already be identified, paving the way for more targeted breeding strategies.

Plans next event
Hans van Hage, chair of the Cultivation Group for Roses and Rootstocks and one of the event's initiators, was pleased with the outcome. "There was a lot of interaction between researchers and growers, which led to valuable new insights. I see great potential for international collaboration, working together always takes us further!"

The Cultivation Group is already planning a second, even larger, knowledge event for 2026, this time focusing on biodiversity.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com

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