Preventing fungus-based rose diseases

If you are unable to stop the spread of fungus-based diseases by simply cutting back the affected areas, see you garden supply professional and ask about commercial fungus treatment products.

Tips to reduce the chances of your roses being affected by fungus:

• Always water the soil around the rose plant and never water the plant itself.
  
• Clean your rose beds regularly and remove all clippings and fallen leaves.
  
• Cut any diseased canes or blooms and dispose of them in your trash can.
  
• Practice regular pruning and pay special attention to pruning out the center of the bushes to allow air to circulate.
  
• Seal all cuts. Elmer's Glue works fine. It's safe, effective and inexpensive.
  
• Feed your roses regularly. Well-fed roses are more resistant to infection.
  
• Choose disease-resistant roses whenever you can. This is especially important for the New England rose gardener due to the summers with high heat and humidity. Remember, however, that disease-resistant does not mean disease-free. It only means that there is a less likely chance of the plant becoming infected if you follow all of the tips that you read here.

Treatment

Usually you can keep fungus-based diseases from spreading simply by pruning back the affected areas. If this does not solve the problem, ask your garden supply professional  about commercial fungus treatment products.