Roses are, of course, members of the Rosaceae Family of plants. So are things like apples (Malus), mountain ash (Sorbus) and many, many other plants. One of the things that many members of this family have in common is a susceptibility to a number of fungal leaf and stem diseases.

The major diseases of roses would include:

• Black Spot Disease

• Powdery Mildew

• Cane Canker

• Rust Disease

• Rose Virus

Note: We have provided some general information and observations on this topic aimed at the home gardener. Before you take any serious action in your landscape, check with your state's land grant university's Cooperative Extension Service for the most current, appropriate, localized recommendations.