Bacterial rose cancer is a disease that cannot always be recognized in a timely manner. Infection is difficult to treat, but you should not rush to completely destroy the bush either.
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Cancer types and symptoms
Rose cancer can affect the roots or stems. The first form of the disease is considered more dangerous, since not every gardener is able to timely recognize the present pathology. The source of infection is bacteria in the soil. It can get into the soil if you work on the site with infected equipment. Also, microorganisms are often introduced with seedlings purchased from spontaneous markets. The ingress of bacteria from the water with which the flower beds are watered is not excluded. Microorganisms can remain viable for up to 4 years (outside the plant).
After penetration, the pathogenic microflora begins to develop rapidly. It provokes the appearance of seals (tubercles) on the root neck. The progression of the disease leads to an increase in growths. They can be of different shapes and sizes. Altered overgrown plant tissue interferes with the normal supply of nutrients. The hillocks undergo rotting, which also negatively affects the condition of the rose. The bush develops poorly and gradually fades. Bulges on the root collar appear when the root system is already completely infected.
The stage of the pathological process is determined by the number of growths and their size. The newly formed bumps are light in color and soft tissue. Old growths take on a rough wood structure and darken.
Bacterial stem cancer is caused by bacteria that can spread through the air (but other sources of infection are not excluded). Signs of damage manifest themselves in the form of dents formed on the branches. A brownish-brown ulcer forms in this area under the bark. Gradually, the cells of the plant die off and the stem dries up. Dark spots appear on the leaves of the rose.
Treatment and prevention
The most effective therapy is started in the early stages of the disease. With root cancer, you should dig up the rose, peel the roots, wash, and then remove the affected areas. After each cut, the knife must be treated with alcohol. When the diseased parts are removed, the root is dipped in a solution of copper sulfate (1%) for 3-4 minutes, and then washed with water. Alkyd paint will help protect the cuts. After processing, the root is immersed in a sandy-clay mixture for 2-3 seconds. The bush is planted in the ground, but in a new place.
With bacterial stem cancer, the affected branches are removed. Places of cuts are treated with copper sulfate (5% solution) and covered with linseed oil.
If the disease has completely affected the plant, then you cannot leave it on the site. The bush is dug up and burned.
You can prevent the onset of the disease if you follow these recommendations:
- treat with antibacterial drugs;
- carry out seasonal pruning during the dormant period;
- prevent the appearance of pests;
- do not plant in a previously infected area if less than 5 years have passed;
- disinfect garden tools.
If the rose is planted next to cereals, the risk of infection is reduced.
Have you ever had to treat bacterial cancer in a rose?
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Read about caring for roses in the following article:How to properly care for roses in spring