BP-26-W
Botany and Plant Pathology
Paul C. Pecknold,
Extension Plant
Pathologist
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publication is not intended
to be an endorsement to the
exclusion of others which
may be similar. Persons
using such products assume
responsibility for their use
in accordance with current
label directions of the
manufacturer.
Ornamental Diseases
Rose Diseases
Three major diseases of roses which cause the greatest concern to Indiana rose
growers are black spot, powdery mildew, and crown gall. Knowledge of the
symptoms and how to manage these diseases is necessary for successful rose
growing.
Black spot
Black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) is the most common and damaging disease of
roses in Indiana. As the name suggests, black, circular spots form on leaves during
spring and summer. Infected leaves eventually yellow and drop prematurely.
Severe infection may cause some canes to become completely defoliated, thereby
making them more prone to winter injury.
The fungus that causes black spot thrives under wet conditions. Therefore,
infection occurs primarily during spring (May and June); it is this period when
fungicide sprays are most needed to prevent black spot. Effective materials are:
Common Name Trade Name
chlorothalonil Daconil 2787
myclobutanil Immunox
propiconazole Banner Maxx
thiophanate-methyl Cleary’s 3336, Domain, Fungo-Flo
thiophanate methyl + mancozeb Zyban, Duosan
triforine Triforine, Funginex
These chemicals are often included as a component in commercial rose pesticide
formulations. Check label to determine chemical composition. In the spring as
daily temperatures reach the high 50F range, begin applying a fungicide every 2
weeks. As the leaves emerge, make fungicide applications each week. Continue
to spray according to label directions. Note: Triforine or thiophanate-methyl are
recommended for rose varieties which are also highly susceptible to powdery
mildew.
Prevention of black spot is helped by following good sanitation procedures
through the year, i.e., rake and destroy infected leaves. It is also helpful to
maintain plants so they have an open center. This allows good air circulation and
rapid drying of foliage. If plants have excessively dense growth and are planted
too closely, air circulation is impeded and black spot may be more severe.
Purdue University • Cooperative Extension Service • West Lafayette, IN 47907

Blackspot
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa) ranks
second to black spot in terms of occurrence and injury
caused. The mildew fungus grows over the upper
leaf surface and is easily recognized from the white,
powdery patches formed. Severely infected leaves
become brittle and wither and die. Infected stem
tissue has a withered, spindly appearance and may
also be coated with the white, powdery growth of the
fungus.
Unlike black spot, powdery mildew does not require
wet conditions for infection to occur. Mildew does
best when the temperature is cool and relative
humidity is high. Often mildew is a mid- to late-
season problem, not becoming apparent until
July or August. However, be on the lookout for
mildew throughout the growing season. Fungicides
need to be applied at the first sign of powdery
mildew. Immunox, Banner Maxx or Triforine are
recommended for rose varieties which are highly
susceptible to powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew is most severe in heavily shaded
areas. Avoid such locations when planting roses or
other plants susceptible to mildew, i.e., lilac, zinnia,
dahlias. Follow suggestions for good air circulation as
outlined under blackspot.
Crown gall
Unlike black spot and powdery mildew, crown gall
(Agrobacterium tumefaciens) is a soilborne bacterial
disease which infects root and/or stem tissue rather
than leaves. Galls are most frequently seen as round,
rough-surfaced growths near the plant’s crown or on
roots. These “crown” galls will eventually girdle the
plant, resulting in poor growth and eventual plant
death.
Crown gall is a difficult disease to control once a
plant is infected. It is best to rogue diseased plants as
soon as they are detected. Where possible, remove
and discard all soil in which the root system is
growing and replace with sterilized soil. If crown
gall is a recurring problem in an area of your yard, it
is best to rotate the area with a nonsusceptible grass
crop for 3 or 4 years.
Where a gall is restricted to stem tissue only, cut off
the entire cane and immediately seal the cut surface
with pruning paint. Always sterilize cutting tools with
rubbing alcohol after each cut.
Crown Gall
To prevent crown gall, inspect all new rose plants
before purchase for signs of swelling near the bud
union or on roots. During and after planting, take
special care to avoid any and all wounds, especially
near the soil line. Provide good winter protection
to prevent bark cracking or other cold injury to bud
union area. Never use crown gall-infested soil to
mound over bud union for winter protection.

REVISED 5/01
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