Renowned breeder donates miniature rose stock to Texas A&M

Texas A&M University’s Horticultural Sciences Department landed a giant gift in the realm of miniature roses.

Ralph S. Moore, known as the father of miniature roses, is donating all of his breeding stock to the university on the heels of his “retirement.” Moore turned 101 in January and closed his 71-year-old Sequoia Nursery in Visalia, Calif., in April. But Moore plans to collaborate with the university to develop new varieties, said David Byrne, chair holder of the Robert E. Basye Endowed Chair in Rose Breeding at A&M.

“Texas A&M could become the world center of excellence in woody plant breeding and genetics,” Byrne said. “We will be able to improve our research facilities and continue to develop miniature roses which are very compact and adaptable to home landscapes.” Moore developed more than 300 miniature rose varieties.

Besides the breeding stock, Moore’s gift includes 80 rose patents, a book collection and an unspecified cash contribution for program operation.

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For more: David Byrne, Texas A&M Horticultural Sciences, (979) 862-3072; d-byrne@tamu.edu.

July 2008