Crown Gall

The cause of this is a soil-inhibiting bacterium ( Agrobacterium tumefaciens) This bacteria will effect not only roses, but ornamental plants, and fruit trees as well.

The bacterial causing Grown gall, is usually brought to the garden initially on stems or roots of an infected plant that spread with soil,and contaminated pruning tools. (Always dip your pruning tools in bleach water, to disinfect them)

This rose disease (bacteria) will enter the plants in a wound in the stem or roots. Once inside the plant, they produce a compound that stimulates rapid cell growth in the plant, that causes the formation of the Gall. Although this Gall does not usually kill the plant, it does disrupt the flow of nutrients and water from the stems and roots, which will weaken and stunt the top of the plant.

If the plant has many galls, it will appear weak: leaves will turn yellow, and growth is slowed. Branches or the entire plant may die back. Such gardening pests, (Crown Gall) are rounded, with rough irregular surfaces, and may be dark colored and cracked. They look like an ugly cracked growth.

Gardening Pests Solutions

The bacterium will remain in the soil for up to three years, so if you decide to replace the infected plant, select a new one that is resistant to crown gall.

Go from Crown Gall back to Rose Diseases and Pests

You might also like to read:

Downy Mildew

Aphids on roses

Japanese Beetles

Thrips

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