Treating Rose Diseases

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Robert J. Dolezal

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Most rose diseases are caused by fungus. They can be prevented and treated, especially if caught early on before the disease progresses.

Roses have undeservedly earned a reputation as being fragile garden beauties that take tons of time-
consuming care, but the fact is they’re as durable and pest-resistant as most other woody landscape shrubs. And choosing varieties with strong disease resistance and pest tolerance – and giving them excellent care – is the ticket to a thriving garden.

To keep your roses healthy, start by giving them regular, adequate waterings and fertilizing them properly – just as you would any other plant in your garden. After all, healthy plants are much more able to fight off soil- and wind-borne diseases, insect infestations and other problems.

Second, avoid indiscriminate chemical spraying and pesticide application. Natural predators exist in nearly every environment that help control insect pests naturally and compete with disease organisms. An organic, thriving garden is best able to ward off pest and disease problems than one treated with chemicals!

The USDA’s Agricultural Extension also recommends that gardeners practice IPM – Integrated Pest Management. Its basic tenets are to inspect garden plants often to detect pest and disease problems early, to promptly treat infestations and infections using hand-picking and spot applications with the least-toxic remedies, and then to use cures of increasing strength to obtain control while limiting damage to the rest of the landscape garden and environment.

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Some diseases, like mosaic virus, are viral – and incurable. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed as soon as infection is confirmed. (Never put infected plants in the compost pile!)

The key word is “control.” It’s rarely possible to completely exterminate pests or eradicate disease, so your goal should be to control them. Start by looking closely at your plants every few days as you care for them – when weeding, watering, fertilizing and pruning – as well as when enjoying your garden.

Many rose diseases are caused by fungus, including the most prevalent conditions affecting roses: black spot, rust and powdery mildew. They’re difficult to cure once established, so scouting for them is always a good idea so you can nip the problem in the bud before it gets out of control.

For small infections, you can remove and discard infected leaves in the garbage (never in the compost pile), then spray the plant with a solution of 1 part household bleach mixed with 9 parts water, allowing it to dry before evening. Infections affecting larger areas should be treated with a garden fungicide that lists the specific disease and plant on its label. Always carefully read and completely follow all label instructions. Wear protective clothing, gloves and a respirator when applying any garden chemicals, and follow the steps shown in the pictures and described in their captions.

With a good eye toward disease prevention and good, regular care, it’s easy to keep your roses in the pink – or red, peach and yellow…or whatever gorgeous color they happen to be.

Warnings

Always carefully read and follow label instructions before using any chemical treatments for diseases or pests, and only apply control agents that specifically list your roses’ disease problem. Wear protective clothing, gloves and a respirator when applying, and keep all chemicals out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of mixed treatment solutions and empty containers only as directed on the label. Keep all mixing implements and applicators used with chemicals separate and secure from any other tools.
Fungicides are environmentally persistent chemicals, and they pose hazard to water supplies. Use them only for active infections at their earliest stages.

Facts

The most common disease of rose plants is black spot. It appears as a rash of black or brown spots on leaves, which is caused by the fungus killing the cells. Hybrid plants have been developed that are highly resistant to this disease.
Viral diseases seldom respond to treatment. Roses infected with a viral disease should be destroyed as soon as possible before the disease has a chance to spread to other plants. Note: Do not put infected plants in the compost pile – dispose of them in the trash!

Tips

You can promptly head off disease and pest problems in your garden by frequently inspecting plants and implementing good watering and fertilizing practices. Taking these steps helps ensure your roses are strong and able to fend off both bugs and diseases.
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The Dark Side of Black Spot
Roses and gardeners beware! Black spot can attack plants and leave your garden looking miserable. Here’s a look at how to protect your roses from this notorious leaf disease, as well as some black spot-resistant varieties.
Powdery Mildew in the Garden
Do your plants look like they’ve been covered in baby powder? Chances are they’ve got a case of powdery mildew. Learn how to keep this nasty fungus at bay and away from your plants.
Integrated Pest Management: Part 1
Want to keep the pests away without using chemicals? Practice integrated pest management! Learn the basics of this important method – from what IPM is to how it helps prevent pest problems.

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