Survey of the rose community: desired rose traits and research issues

In 2012-2013, an online survey run by the Rose Hybridizer Association and Texas A&M University asked the rose community for input on the importance of rose traits in the selection of rose cultivars. When ranked on importance compared to other traits, the most important trait was disease resistance. The comments confirmed this rating among both recreational gardeners and breeders with the most mentioned disease being black spot followed by mildew, rust and rose rosette disease. Pests mentioned were Japanese beetles and thrips. Among abiotic traits that were mentioned, cold hardiness was the most mentioned followed by heat, drought, and shade tolerance. For horticultural traits, the most desired trait was improved fragrance. The preliminary results from a new survey supports the previous conclusion that the most important rose traits are disease resistance, fragrance, number of flowers produced, and plant size.