Organic Spray for Roses

Common rose plant pests and diseases can be treated using organic sprays.

Unfortunately for rose enthusiasts, roses can suffer from infestations of numerous pests and diseases. To combat these assaults, homemade or commercial organic sprays can be applied preventively or to already affected rose plants.

Benefits

Organic sprays provide rose growers the opportunity to control the common pests and diseases that attack roses without the use of synthetic toxins, which can be safer for the gardener and the environment. Additionally, homemade organic sprays typically cost less than commercial products.

Common Pests and Diseases

Organic sprays can be used to prevent and manage numerous pests and diseases that plague roses. Roses are particularly susceptible to fungal diseases such as black spot, powdery mildew and rust. In addition, pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, midges, rose slugs, sawflies, scales and stem borers prey on the stems, leaves, shoots and buds of rose plants.

Control Sprays

Both commercial and homemade organic sprays are available for roses. However, homemade versions can be prepared easily using common household ingredients. For example, a multipurpose organic spray contains baking soda, biodegradable soap, vegetable oil and Epsom salt. Others combine water and vinegar. Commercial organic sprays use horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, fish emulsions and seaweed.

References

• All-America Rose Selections: Regional Growing Guide
• The Master Gardeners: Some Timely Tips for Caring for Your Roses
• Fine Gardening: Pest Patrol: Rose Slugs
• Good Earth R.O.S.E. Care: Mildew and Blackspot Control Options
• Green Harvest: Healthy Roses -- The Organic Way
• Cornell Gardening Resources: Integrated Pest Management of Roses