Botrytis Research in Rose Breeding: A Three-Year Collaborative Study
United Selections is a proud participant in a three-year pre-competitive research project focused on botrytis tolerance in cut roses — conducted in collaboration with four fellow rose breeders and Wageningen University & Research, one of the world’s leading institutions in horticultural science.
Botrytis cinerea — commonly known as grey mould — is one of the most significant disease challenges facing rose growers globally. Managing botrytis under real production conditions requires both agronomic expertise and genetic innovation. This research project addresses exactly that.
Our Breeding Director, Paul de Bruin, is a core member of the research team. The project focuses on:
Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind botrytis tolerance in roses
Identifying how selective breeding can reduce disease pressure on farms
Supporting growers with more resilient, productive, and sustainable rose varieties
Breeding as a Long-Term Investment
Paul de Bruin puts it clearly: breeding is not a cost — it is a long-term investment in sustainable rose production. By developing varieties with stronger natural disease resistance, United Selections helps growers reduce crop losses, lower chemical inputs, and improve the consistency of their harvest.
This approach reflects our core belief: value created at the breeding stage must flow through every link in the chain — from the greenhouse to the florist, and ultimately to the end customer.
A Customer-Focused Rose Breeder
Participating in collaborative, science-led research positions United Selections as more than a variety developer. We are a partner to growers, agents, florists, and buyers who need roses that perform reliably — in every market, at every altitude, in every season.
Our rose varieties are trialled across Kenya, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Colombia, the Netherlands, and Japan — ensuring real-world performance under diverse climate and altitude conditions before they ever reach your farm.
Read the Full Research Coverage
For a comprehensive look at the botrytis research project and its implications for the global rose industry, read the full coverage on Thursd and Floral Daily.
Breeding a Colourful Future — with you in mind.
