Fungal Diseases

Fungi are EUKARYOTIC ORGANISMS — some are single-celled, others have a body made of long thread-like structures called HYPHAE. Hyphae can grow and penetrate plant tissue, releasing SPORES that spread the infection to other plants.

Rose Black Spot

• Pathogen: FUNGUS

• How it spreads: Fungal SPORES are carried in the WIND or in WATER (e.g. rain splash) onto rose plants.

• Symptoms: Causes PURPLE OR BLACK SPOTS on the leaves of rose plants. The leaves TURN YELLOW AND FALL OFF EARLY, reducing the plant's ability to PHOTOSYNTHESISE, so it grows poorly.

• Treatment: Treat with FUNGICIDES and/or REMOVE AND DESTROY THE AFFECTED LEAVES so the spores can't spread.

• Prevention: Good garden HYGIENE — removing fallen leaves — and spraying with FUNGICIDES.