Tis the season in Rosedom to cut things! Some of you in the southern hemisphere will be pruning for
summer flush. Some of you in the northern hemisphere will be digging for transplant. Some will be
ordering bareroot roses through the mail. And some will even be performing your annual pruning in
preparation for spring. All of you will be cutting stems or roots and making wounds on your roses.
And as you might expect, these wounds provide an entry point for bacterial infection - not the least
of which is gall.
How Galls Get Started
Bacterial galls are tumors caused by a critter called Agrobacterium. Crown galls, those tumors which
attack the root crown of the plant near the soil's surface, are produced by A. tumefaciens; cane and
stem galls by A. rubi. These bacteria live in the soil and can survive long periods of adverse
conditions in soil debris or within the systemic fluids of the plant. When the plant is wounded,
the bacteria enter the tissues and form a soft, spongy tumor. The bacteria proliferate on the outer
surfaces of the tumor. As the gall hardens, some of these outer tissues are sloughed to the ground
carrying with them more bacteria which then re-infect previously non-infected, wounded areas of the
plant.
Susceptible Soil Conditions
If you have acidic soil, consider yourself lucky. A. tumefaciens does not do well in acidic soil. The
bacteria is most prevalent in late spring when soils are moist.
How Plants Get Wounded
The wounds can be caused by pruning, digging, freeze injury, improper fertilization or irrigation
causing cracked stems, and even pest insect damage.
Here are some common scenarios and precautions:
A deal too good to be true: The wounds can be caused by pruning, digging, freeze injury,
improper fertilization or irrigation causing cracked stems, and even pest insect damage. Here are
some common scenarios and precautions.
Pruning with improperly maintained equipment: The use of dull shears or shears with misaligned
blades can cause damage to stems and canes; preventing a "clean" cut. Tissue damage or die-back
areas are prime entry points for pest bacteria. Be certain your pruning equipment is sharp and the
"business end" is working correctly.
Pruning with infected equipment: If pruning lots of plants, the bacteria can be passed from
infected plants to a non-infected plants. Sterilize shears and saws between shrubs.
Transplanting: Digging plants for transplanting causes many damaged roots. Prune away damaged
and broken roots before replanting.
Purchasing bareroot plants: Roots and stems can be damaged or broken in shipment. Prune them
cleanly before planting.
Freeze damage: After severe winters, plants can experience die-back or chafing due to canes
rubbing together. Prune it away.
Stem cracks: After heavy rains or feedings, cracks in stem tissues can appear. Prune it away.
Plant chewing pests: Critters of all types like to chew on the succulent foliage and stems.
Prune away damaged areas and apply repellents to discourage them from returning.
