Gardeners urged to keep an eye out for 'killer' disease in garden

Daily Mirror

18 hours ago

Black spot leaf disease is a common fungal infection that affects roses and can be more prevalent in wet conditions - here's how to spot it and stop it from spreading in your garden
Roses are a stunning feature for any garden, yet vigilant horticulturists must be on the lookout for the dreaded black spot disease, which poses a serious threat to these blooms without swift intervention. Manifesting as ominous dark spots or patches on rose leaves, black spot leaf disease is a pervasive fungal infection typically emerging from late spring through to early autumn when roses are in full bloom.
While not directly fatal to roses themselves, this malady precipitates the distressing loss of greenery, foliage turning a sickly yellow and flowering ceasing abruptly – all of which render the plant feeble and more susceptible to a host of opportunistic ailments and invasive pests.
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The contamination of garden soil by this persistent fungus spells arduous efforts to eradicate; however, David Domoney, esteemed horticulturist and familiar face on Love Your Garden, assures us that with vigilant care and attention, it's straightforward to either prevent or manage outbreaks effectively.
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His advice is clear-cut: "There is no cure for black spots on roses. However, there are several things you can do to minimise the effects and avoid plants succumbing to it in the first place."
Securing your roses against black spot begins with fostering an environment conducive to good health – that means ample airflow between plants and astute watering practices to stave off any excess moisture build-up.
Sharing his expertise, David stated: "Avoid overcrowding around rose plants to allow air to circulate around them. Try to water in the morning so leaves will hopefully dry out quicker than if watered in the afternoon or early evening."
Always ensure roses are watered thoroughly at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can help prevent disease spread, reports the Express.
It's common practice to prune roses in late winter or early spring at least annually to decrease the likelihood of fungal diseases. However, summertime pruning is ill-advised as it may overburden the plant during hot conditions, heightening its vulnerability to disease.
At such times, instead of full pruning, opt for deadheading to remove any dead or diseased foliage without harming the plant - but this should only be done with certainty of disease presence.
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David advised: "Pick off infected leaves when first seen in the spring to help minimise its spread. Do this only if you've had a definite diagnosis that the blotches are black spot. This is because removing leaves can limit the plant's ability to grow well."
Catching black spot disease early is critical, so regular monitoring of your roses is vital. A common natural remedy for rose ailments involves using a baking soda solution, yet for concerns like black spot disease, seeking professional advice from a garden centre or using fungicides might be necessary.
David mentioned: "There are also proprietary chemical sprays available at most garden centres including sulphur-based products. It's crucial to start spraying early in the season and apply every four to six weeks."
He further stated: "With this guide on black spot on roses, you're one step closer to having thriving beautiful roses clear of disease. If you need specialist advice, you can get in touch with your local garden centre who will be more than happy to give you any tips and advice."