Articles from the May 23, 2015 edition

May 23, 2015

Rust disease By Kym Pokorny Charmingly warm weather coaxed roses into bloom early this year, which means dealing with the usual diseases and pests earlier, too. When it comes to one of the county’s most popular perennial plants, the “big four” vexations are powdery mildew, black spot, rust and aphids, according to Jay W. Pscheidt, a plant pathology specialist with Oregon State University’s Extension Service. More recently, downy mildew, which looks strikingly similar to black spot, has become an increasing problem. “People are confusing...