Lyn, please don't take this the wrong way but no, that actually did not answer my question. I did have a quick look at that link but to tell you the truth, I have a slight aversion to those articles, no offence to the authors, but I would rather hear about your personal experiences than read some long article.
Anyway, I did know that bs spores over-winter in old mulch, the infected fallen leaves and even on the stems. That is why I try to eradicate all possible sources of infection which include continual removal of the fallen leaves during the season, the removal of mulch during my winter clean up and dormant spraying before the roses leaf out in spring.
Maybe I didn't express myself clearly enough. I wanted to know if NOT putting on a new mulch layer this spring could have contributed to the increased black spot I experienced this year.
In other words, my question again:
Does a NEW mulch layer in spring, after dormant spraying, help to reduce the spread of black spot?
My logic says yes but I wanted to hear other opinions.
