Developing Ornamental Plants to Meet Urban Expectations: Improvement of Ornamental Species – The Case of Zero-Pesticide Roses

In recent years, rapid societal changes such as urbanization, lifestyle shifts, and economic crises have reshaped the ornamental plant sector. Heightened awareness of synthetic pesticide risks, reinforced by the Labbé Law, demands new management and breeding approaches. Rose breeding programs now prioritize disease resistance alongside aesthetic traits like flower color, fragrance, and plant architecture. However, stacking multiple desirable traits extends the breeding timeline. To address this, researchers and private sector partners at IRHS are investigating the genetic basis of resistance and developing novel characterization tools, aiming to streamline the selection of ‘zero-pesticide’ ornamental rose varieties that meet urban market expectations.