Black Spot

[NOTE: Diplocarpon rosae causes black spot on roses (Rosa spp.); Septoria and...

15 host plants · Fungal

Last updated

Circular black spots with yellow halos develop on leaves. This fungal disease favors wet foliage. Improve air circulation and remove fallen leaves.

Plant cultivars known to be resistant in your area. Note that the cultivar Carefree Spirit was the first landscape shrub to survive for 2 years in AARS tests without any fungicide and voted a winner.

What Should I Do?

  • Plant cultivars known to be resistant in your area.
  • Note that the cultivar Carefree Spirit was the first landscape shrub to survive for 2 years in AARS tests without any...
  • Avoid dense plantings and shaded areas.
Full management details ↓

Quick Reference

Agent Type
fungal
Causal Agent
[NOTE: Diplocarpon rosae causes black spot on roses (Rosa spp.); Septoria and...
Host Plants
15
Spread
Rain splash from infected fallen leaves to new foliage; overhead irrigation extends wet periods that favor spore germination.
Favorable Conditions
Infection occurs when temperatures are 65-75°F (optimum 72°F) with 7+ hours continuous leaf wetness. Spore germination requires free water on leaf surfaces. Disease most severe during warm, humid weather with frequent rain or overhead irrigation. Below 60°F infection slows significantly; above 85°F spore germination is inhibited. In western WA, the spring/fall moisture requirement is frequently met. Source: Horst (1983) Compendium of Rose Diseases; PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook.
Now: Active Spread & Lesion ExpansionModerate Risk

Secondary sporulation from leaf lesions drives repeated infection cycles through wet weather. Severe cases cause progressive defoliation.

Management

Vulnerability Window

Apply frequently in wet spring weather and occasionally in summer.

What Triggers Infection

Infection occurs when temperatures are 65-75°F (optimum 72°F) with 7+ hours continuous leaf wetness. Spore germination requires free water on leaf surfaces. Disease most severe during warm, humid weather with frequent rain or overhead irrigation. Below 60°F infection slows significantly; above 85°F spore germination is inhibited. In western WA, the spring/fall moisture requirement is frequently met. Source: Horst (1983) Compendium of Rose Diseases; PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook.

Cultural Controls

  • Plant cultivars known to be resistant in your area.
  • Note that the cultivar Carefree Spirit was the first landscape shrub to survive for 2 years in AARS tests without any fungicide and voted a winner.
  • Avoid dense plantings and shaded areas.
  • Avoid overhead watering that keeps plants wet for extended period of time.
  • Rake up and burn all leaves in a rose planting at season's end.
  • Prune canes back to two buds if canes are infected.
Regional Notes

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Host Plants (15)

Sources & References

Data Maturity
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