Major Diseases of Rose and Their Control Measures

Roses are famous for their beauty and fragrance. They are not only used to adorn celebrations but are also valuable in the production of incense sticks, perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. Rose plants bloom throughout the year and have good storage capacity. However, rose cultivation is affected by some major diseases that impact the growth of the plants and the quality of the flowers. Timely control of these diseases is essential for the healthy growth of plants. Here, we will discuss in detail the prominent diseases of roses and the measures to manage them.

Major Diseases of Rose and Their Control Measures

Damping Off

• This disease primarily affects young plants in nurseries. The affected plants' stems turn black and begin to rot. Plants may die quickly, and flower development is adversely affected. This soil-borne fungal disease is caused by species of Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia. Symptoms manifest as seed rot and plant rot, with infected plants collapsing just above the ground. The impact of this disease in nurseries can be as high as 90%.

Control Measures

• Treat seeds with 3 grams of Thiram per kilogram before sowing. This protects against fungi and bacteria.
• Keep plants stress-free with proper irrigation and avoid waterlogging. Overwatering or underwatering can make plants more susceptible to diseases.
• Remove and destroy infected plant parts, keep tools clean, and maintain a hygienic growing environment.
• Spray with Metalaxyl M 4% + Mancozeb 64% WP at a rate of 450 grams per liter.
• Spray with Fosetyl-Al 80% WP at a rate of 1-1.2 kilograms per acre.
• Prune plants for healthy growth. Follow recommended practices and avoid excessive pruning.

Rust Disease

• Rust disease is a common problem for roses, affecting the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plants. The disease begins as small yellow or orange spots on the underside of the leaves. Yellow spots then appear on the upper surface of the leaves, causing infected leaves to wither and fall off. Orange spots can also form on the stems and flowers, which hinders the overall growth of the plant.

Control Measures

• Remove and destroy infected parts of the plants, keep cleaning tools sanitized, and maintain a clean growing environment.
• Reduce the buildup of disease-causing organisms in the soil by rotating different crops in a specific area each season.
• Planting disease-resistant varieties can help reduce the occurrence and severity of diseases.
• Use Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC (DeHaat Synpact) at 1 ml per liter of water.
• Spray with 200 grams per liter of Kresoxim-Methyl 44.3% SC.
• Use Tebuconazole 25% WG at 200 grams per acre.
• Mix 500 grams of Copper Oxychloride 50% WP with 200 liters of water and spray it over the field per acre.

Leaf Spot Disease

• Black and purple spots appear on stems, leaves, and flowers. Leaves turn yellow and start to fall off. Small, round, light to dark brown spots form on the leaves, surrounded by a brownish border. Spots merge to form irregular shapes. The disease negatively affects the yield of the plants.

Control Measures

• Spray Mancozeb at a concentration of 2 ml per liter of water 2 to 3 times at 15-day intervals.
• Spray DeM-45 (Mancozeb 75% WP) at a rate of 600-800 grams per acre.
• Remove affected leaves and stems, and isolate infected plants from healthy ones.
• Use clean and certified seeds.
• Mix 500 grams of Copper Oxychloride 50% WP in 200 liters of water and spray it on the field per acre.
• Use Hexaconazole 75% WG at a rate of 27 grams per acre.
• Use Azoxystrobin 4.8% w/w + Chlorothalonil 40% w/w SC at a rate of 1200 ml per acre.
• Treat seeds with 2 grams of Thiram + 1 gram of Bavistin per kilogram of seeds.
• Prepare a solution with 286 grams of Thiophanate Methyl 70% WP and spray it per acre.

Powdery Mildew

• Occurs in cool and dry weather conditions. A white powder-like layer forms on the stems, leaves, and flowers of plants. If the disease progresses, buds do not bloom. White to light brown spots appear on the leaves, gradually covering many of them. If the disease affects the stems and buds, flowers do not bloom, and leaves start to fall off.

Control Measures

• Practice crop rotation; avoid planting bitter gourd in the same location every season.
• Remove infected leaves and stems, and keep healthy plants away from affected areas.
• Avoid excessive irrigation, and use drip irrigation if possible.
• Spray DeM-45 (Mancozeb 75% WP) at a rate of 600-800 grams per acre.
• Use Sulphur 85% DP at a rate of 6-8 kilograms per acre.
• Spray Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC at a rate of 150-200 milliliters per acre.
• Maintain adequate spacing between plants to allow good air circulation and prevent the crop from getting wet.
• Spray Tebuconazole 6.7% + Captan 26.9% w/w SC at a rate of 400 milliliters per acre.

Are you also troubled by diseases affecting your rose plants? Share your answers and experiences with us in the comments. For more interesting and important information like this, follow the 'Agri Doctor' channel now. And if you liked the post, don't forget to like and share it with your fellow farmers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: In which month is rose cultivation done?

A: Rose plants are tolerant to cold, so they are usually cultivated in the winter season. The exact month for cultivation may vary based on the specific location and climate conditions. Generally, rose cultivation is done between October and March.

Q: How can I increase the yield of roses?

A: To increase the yield of roses, it's essential to provide the plants with adequate nutrition, water, and sunlight. Regular pruning and removing dead flowers can also encourage new growth and boost yield. Additionally, using organic fertilizers and pest control methods can help maintain plant health and improve their productivity.

Q: What is the lifespan of a rose plant?

A: In India, the lifespan of a rose plant depends on various factors, including the variety and maintenance practices. Generally, most rose plants can live for 5-15 years or even longer with proper care and maintenance. However, some varieties may have a shorter lifespan, while others can live up to 35 years.