BLACKSPOT REMEDIES

 

One of the most asked questions by new rose growers is “why are my leaves dropping, why do my rose leaves have black spots and turn yellow, why do most of my roses have few or no leaves left on the bush.  What can I do?”

What is blackspot? Blackspot is a fungus disease, which is air borne. This means it is carried by the wind from area to area. Understanding the problem and what causes it is part of the cure.  I have described the symptoms above, but some of the ways we can avoid getting blackspot are:

 

1. Good air circulation, which means proper spacing of roses.  Do not crowd your cultivars.

2. Good garden housekeeping, which means collecting all debris from the garden around the roses and disposing of it by burning or placing it in the garbage.  Do not put it in the compost heap because the spores will remain and you will redistribute them in the garden.

3. Effective control of aphids which secrete a sticky substance that the blackspot spores attach them selves to.

4. Limit nighttime watering until you have the disease under control.

 

How can I get it under control?

 

1. Follow the steps above.

2. Use systemic control, spraying with either Funginex or Benomyl, and alternate these chemicals every 10 days.  Be sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions.  Use rubber gloves to  protect your hands and make sure you wear clothing which will protect your skin.  Do not spray on windy days.  If there is a heavy rainfall, respray.

 

This is the only effective method of control I have found to work.  I would be interested to hear other comments from rose growers.

 

RACHEL FLOOD

 

 

Dr. Campbell Davidson of the AAFC- Morden Research Station has moved to Ottawa to take on a new challenge.  For the past 20 years, Dr. Davidson has led the ornamental research at the Morden location.  This is the site of the Parkland rose program that many readers will be familiar with.  The program will continue in his absence but likely at a somewhat reduced level.  Dr. Davidson has also been co-operating with Claude Richer at the St Jean Research Station on the development of the new Canadian Artist series of roses.  Dr. Davidson’s new duties will be with the AAFC International Science Team – handling the genetic resource file.  Their activities focus on the new FAO treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.  Canada has been a key player in negotiating the Treaty, which works toward access and sustainable use of our plant materials.  After this three year assignment, Dr. Davidson hopes to return to Manitoba.

 

Editor’s note:  Some of our members asked about Dr. Davidson.

CANADIAN ROSE SOCIETY 13TH ROSE SHOW AND EXHIBITION
Saturday & Sunday July 17 & 18, 2004
Sherway Gardens Shopping Centre
The Queensway & West Mall. Etobicoke, Ontario

This show is open to all amateur rose growers.
There is a full range of classes to enter, check the web site www.canadianrosesociety.org

 

Or contact: Rachel Flood – contact information on page 1.
 
Entries will be received between 8.00 am to 10.30 am
Judging begins promptly at 11.30am
Show opens at 1.00pm to the general public

WE ARE ASKING ALL MEMBERS TO MAKE AN EFFORT AND SUPPORT THIS SHOW, BRING 10 ENTRIES OR 1 ENTRY THERE IS NO LIMIT BUT WE DO NEED TO MAKE THE CRS A SUCCESSFUL LOOKING ORGANIZATION TO GAIN NEW MEMBERS