| I use banner maxx and mancozeb on my roses to prevent black spot.Can you recommend something as effective to use which doesnt require a mask suit and gloves.Thanks Again |
| There are several organic ways to control black spot. Most of them rely on regular monitoring and upkeep. None of them are difficult, and can be accomplished while you're admiring your roses. Plant roses in full sun. If you give your roses a spot where they receive a full six to eight hours of sun per day, you'll not only have plants that grow more robustly, but also plants that are more able to resist black spot. Black spot loves moisture, and, in shade, water evaporates much more slowly. In full sun, evaporation happens more quickly, which not only helps prevent black spot, but other fungal diseases as well. Plant roses in an area with good air circulation. This accomplishes the same thing as planting in full sun: moisture evaporates more quickly. In addition, with plenty of air circulation, hopefully breezes will blow any newly-germinated black spot spores away from your roses. In an area with poor air circulation, the spores have nowhere to go but back onto your plant and the surrounding soil. Water correctly. Try to avoid overhead irrigation, which wets the foliage. It's more efficient to water at ground level anyway; you lose less water to evaporation. Also, avoid watering late in the day. Water evaporates much slower in cooler evening and nighttime temperatures. Remove leaves that show signs of infection. As soon as you see black spot on your rose foliage, remove any infected leaves. Throw these leaves away. Don't put them in your compost pile. If you check your roses regularly, and remove infected foliage immediately, you'll have a good chance of keeping black spot under control and keep it from infecting other parts of the plant. Keep a clean garden. Pick up and throw away any fallen rose foliage regularly. Especially in late winter, rake up the area around your roses, dispose of any debris, and give the entire area a good three inch deep layer of mulch. If you do this before new foliage begins to emerge, it's fairly unlikely that you'll have any major issues with black spot. Choose resistant cultivars. If you've had persistent problems with black spot, be sure to make sure that any new roses you add to your garden are resistant. Your local cooperative extension service will be able to provide you with suggestions. If you discover symptoms of black spot, dust with sulfur powder. Sulfur will not kill the fungus spores, but it will prevent a new generation from germinating. Or, spray with a solution of 1 tsp. baking soda mixed in 1 qt. warm water in the early morning hours. Spray roses with a dormant oil or Bordeaux mixture when plants are dormant (usually in winter). Best wishes with your roses! |
