Fight the ‘big four’ foes of roses

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 them,” he said. “It’s difficult to tell the two apart.”

However, the black spots made by downy mildew spores are not as dark and can have an angular appearance. Under moist conditions, you might see a gray, downy-looking growth on the undersides of the leaves.

After the relatively dry weather this year, black spot will be less of an issue, Pscheidt said, while the incidence of rust may be greater than normal. Rust, which begins in spring and peaks in early summer, appears as orange pustules that can blanket the foliage in worst-case scenarios.

As the name suggests, powdery mildew shows up as a white powder covering the leaves, but without the black blotches typical of downy mildew and black spot, he said. It usually hits roses during the transition into summer’s driest time, particularly when dry days are followed by nights with high humidity.

Insects are less of an issue with roses. Aphids are about all gardeners have to worry about in Oregon and are fairly easy to control, according to Gail Langellotto, Master Gardener coordinator for Oregon State University’s Extension Service. Her first line of defense would be to squish some with her fingers to release a chemical signal that attracts natural enemies like lacewings, ladybird beetles and parasitoid wasps. Follow that with a strong spray of water from the hose to wash the remaining aphids to the ground.

“Aphids are poor climbers,” she said, “and are less likely reestablish because they run a high risk of getting eaten by ground-roving predators, such as spiders and beetles.”

Since aphid numbers can explode on nitrogen-rich plants, it’s a good idea to use an organic fertilizer, or a slow-release synthetic fertilizer that will give them less readily available nitrogen.

As for diseases, the best strategy is to start with disease-resistant cultivars.

“Buy fisherman roses,” Pscheidt said. “The types that you can plant and then go fishing. Breeders are always coming up with new plants that resist pests. Local retail nurseries will generally have a good list for you.”

But just because a rose is an older variety doesn’t mean they don’t fight off disease. OSU Extension’s Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Control Handbook offers a list of classics that fight the good fight against black spot, rust and powdery mildew. Longtime favorite hybrid teas ‘Just Joey,’ ‘Chicago Peace’ and ‘Mr. Lincoln’ are on the roster. ‘Gold Medal’ and ‘Queen Elizabeth’ grandifloras made the cut, as did the well-known floribunda roses ‘Playboy,’ ‘Sexy Rexy’ and ‘Iceberg.’

In addition to careful selection, prevention is the next best strategy and Pscheidt has some recommendations:

* Don’t crowd plants. Space adequately so sun will penetrate and air will circulate to dry foliage quickly after rain or watering.

* When pruning roses in late winter, clean up foliage thoroughly with a rake or leaf blower and remove diseased stems.

* Use soaker hoses to water when possible. If using an overhead sprinkler, irrigate so that foliage has time to dry out before evening.

* If desired, spray early with an organic or chemical fungicide or pesticide. Always follow label instructions.

For more information, refer to the OSU Extension publication Controlling Diseases and Aphids on Your Roses or get help from a Master Gardener in your area.

Image above: Rust disease could affect roses at a higher than normal rate after the relatively warm, dry winter.

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