Causal Agent

The fungus Diplocarpon rosae 

 

Hosts

Rose. 

 

Symptoms

Black spot occurs wherever roses are grown. Black lesions more or less circular develop on leaf surfaces throughout the season. The margins of the lesions appear to be fringed, which is diagnostic. Infected leaves turn yellow and drop. Repeated severe defoliation weakens the plant so that it produces fewer and poorer quality blooms, and is more sensitive to winter cold. Rose species and cultivars vary from highly susceptible to apparently immune. Environmental conditions most conducive to black spot are wet plant surfaces, high humidity, and temperatures of 68 to 75 °F for several days. Under these conditions, spore germination and infection occur within one day, symptoms are apparent after four to five days, and fruiting bodies with a new generation of spores form within 10 to 11 days. Multiple cycles of black spot develop each year. The first cycle is normally initiated by spores that are dispersed with splashing water from overwintering fruiting bodies on fallen leaves or on diseased canes. 

 

Control

Good ventilation suppresses black spot by promoting rapid drying of rose leaves. Avoid growing susceptible cultivars together because this intensifies and promotes rapid spread of the disease. Development of the disease is suppressed in plantings where susceptible and resistant cultivars are mixed. There are many rose species or cultivars available with resistance to black spot. Black spot infection can be suppressed or prevented with the use of fungicides, starting in the spring. Please contact your local county extension office for current information.