Two Stories: One Lasting Legacy
The Texas A&M University Rose Genetics and Breeding Program is a direct result of the generosity and dedication of Robert E. Basye and Ralph Moore. Dr. Basye began the Rose Genetics and Breeding Program by endowing the Chair in Rose Genetics in the early 1990s. His goal in breeding was to “develop the bush on which to hang those wonderful flowers,” and he focused on rose bush adaptation and disease resistance. As a result, he developed amphidiploids, which he then crossed with the commercial tetraploid garden roses. He also used some native North American species in his work. He believed that a university was the natural choice to ensure a long-term research program “where the torch can be passed.” After the chair was established, the program focused on germplasm and resistance development, studying the genetic basis of disease resistance, understanding the genetic structure of rose germplasm, and integrating genomics tools for rose improvement.
Ralph Moore enriched the existing program with his rose germplasm contribution. He was a commercial rose breeder and heralded as the Father of the Miniature Rose. He also successfully worked with unique rose traits such as striped flowers, moss roses, halo flowers, and variegated flowers. He helped to incorporate a wide range of genetic material into the modern rose germplasm and was well-known for both his enthusiasm and generosity. It was with this humble and generous attitude that he donated both his cultivars and materials to the Texas A&M Rose Genetics and Breeding Program in recognition and support of Dr. Basye’s work and research.
Interestingly, while both of these inspirational men knew of the other’s work, they never met, resulting in a unique legacy. Both were passionate and operated on the belief that a privately endowed program at a university, in this case, the Texas A&M University Rose Genetics and Breeding Program, was the best option to continue their legacy of developing sustainable, well-adapted, and beautiful roses.