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Keep Roses Disease Free With A Common Kitchen Ingredient
By SAKSHI KHAITAN
Although popular among gardeners, rose bushes are prone to fungal spores. Luckily, baking soda can help tackle the spores before they spread further and damage your roses.
Diplocarpon rosae is a fungal pathogen that leaves ½-inch wide black spots on the stems and foliage of roses. It can spread, causing defoliation, poor blooms, and a loss of vigor.
Baking soda is alkaline and, when applied to leafy surfaces, turns them basic. This deprives the fungus of the acidic environment it needs to germinate, preventing further spread.
Start by pulling and cutting the infected foliage from its abscission point near the stem. Combine 1 quart of water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a spray bottle and spritz.
This solution only works on mild infestations, so for better results, blend it with horticultural oil, which will improve its effectiveness and adherence to the foliage.
Mix 3 tablespoons of the oil with 1 ½ tablespoons of baking soda in 1 gallon of water. Shake well and coat the foliage profusely, reapplying weekly throughout the growth season.
Use baking soda when it’s cooler outside to reduce the risk of foliar burn from sun exposure. Stop using it if signs of sodium buildup appear, which can stunt stem growth.