SolveYourProblem
Roses Article Series
Preventing
Roses From Attracting Fungus
Most rose diseases are caused by attacks on
your plants by different kinds of fungi. The good news is that
no matter what type of fungi is damaging your roses, the treatment
options are virtually the same.
To start, there are several
things to do to prevent your roses from attracting fungus. One way to avoid attracting fungi is
to water the soil, not the actual pant. Fungi will be attracted
to any moisture on leaves, blooms and stems. . Check on a regular
basis for exposed canes because fungi can find its way into
the plants this way. Try to keep the plant cleans and remove
any plant litter, particularly any fallen leaves and petals
that gather at the base. Any canes, leaves or blooms that are
suspect should be removed right away. You should always throw
these away or burn them. You should not use suspect plant litter
in your compost pile – in all likelihood this will only add
to your problems.
There
are different ways to spot fungi. The fungus Diplocarpon
rosae causes the fungal disease known as Black spot. Aptly
named, this disease starts with small black spots surrounded
by a yellow halo on the leaves and can eventually case a complete
defoliation if you do nothing to treat it. This fungus spread
through splashing water and infection can occur if the leaves
are wet for a few hours.
Powdery
Mildew is another kind of fungus that attacks rose
plants. Young leaves can curl and die and young canes may not
grow as fully as they should. You can spot Powdery Mildew from
the white coating on buds, stems and leaves. This mildew spreads
rapidly during humid weather.
The fungus Botrytis
Blight affects the flower buds. Buds can
decay and even die. The fungus is grayish-black in color and
the lesion will develop below the bloom’s head. You need to
cut off and remove any decaying or dead blossoms to prevent
the spread of the fungus.
Rust
– which looks just like the rust that develops on your
car – can first appear on the underside of leaves. If not treated,
orange and brown spots can also develop on the top surface
of leaves.
The Brown
Canker fungus can attack any portion of the plant
that is above the ground. In a worst case scenario, brown canker
can kill an entire stem. If you spot red or purple spots on
the new canes or gray-white lesions on more mature stems then
you might be dealing with Brown Canker.
If you discover that your roses are already infected with
fungi you should try to remove any infected leaves, blooms
and canes. You could spray with a fungicide. You can purchase
this at your garden center or make up your own homemade version.
A mixture of water, baking soda and dishwashing liquid is very
effective in curing fungus problems.
Most fungus spreads through splashing water so it is important
that you are vigilant in removing decayed leaves and infected
canes and blooms. Not removing these makes it very easy for
the fungus to spread from part of the plant to another or even
from one plant to another one. It is also important that you
plant your roses in an area with good drainage and air circulation.
Shady spots will only encourage moisture and fungus attacks.
Fungicide
should really be your last option. Roses do not
take to pesticides well, so it is important to try other options
first. Remove plant litter, prune properly and ensure the drainage
is good before resorting to a chemical cure. In extreme cases,
though, fungicide use may be necessary.
If fungus is a concern, then you should try to plant disease-resistant
species of roses. Though there is no guarantee, with the proper
care you should be able to avoid most major fungi infections.
Some locations are more prone to fungus than others, so if
you live in a damp, humid climate you will need to be alert
about fungus issue and you should take the time to research
disease-resistant varieties.
To prevent major fungus issues, you need to be observant.
Dealing with fungus problems as soon as you spot them will
make all the difference.
# # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
> Home
> Rose
Articles: Main Page
|
