Q: I have nearly two hundred roses. Recently I’ve noticed several plants with bizarre buds/leaves/stems. I am convinced that I’m dealing with rose rosette virus. One plant looks like it came from outer space; the thorns are truly like shark’s teeth!

A: Viruses are carried by insects from plant to plant. Therefore, your best strategy is to destroy all affected plants and then to embark on a regular insect spray program, including a systemic drench at the roots of each plant each spring. Learn to identify planthoppers, thrips and aphids since they are the main vectors of viruses.