If you're one of those rosarians that likes to keep their roses blackspot free, you probably already know there are several preventative sprays on the market. Having a garden free of this disease just adds to the beauty of the blooms and overall vitality of your garden.

Some of these fungicidal sprays include Immunox by Spectracide, Funginex from Ortho and Banner Maxx from Novartis. These fungicides work as a systemic rather than as a contact such as Daconil which is offered by several different manufacturers. The difference is that a systemic fungicide works from within the leaf and a contact fungicide works on the surface of the leaf. All of these chemicals are more of a preventative than a curative of blackspot.

Rose growers are at a disadvantage in detection of blackspot because by the time it is visible on the plant, the infection has been in place for several days. It means that the fungus has gotten a good foothold on your rose and correcting the problem has never been easy. That is why it is so imperative to keep up a scheduled spray program throughout the growing season. Now something new is beginning to show signs of success among rosarians in their arsenal against blackspot. Some growers from different parts of the country are reporting that by adding Miracid by Miracle Gro to their systemic fungicides, they are seeing great results in stopping established blackspot on their hybrid teas, florabundas, O.G.R.'s and climbers. Although there has yet to be a definitive study reporting the effectiveness of this technique, initial comments from growers in most parts of the country inidcate success against the battle with blackspot. The addition of Miracid added to a systemic fungicide seems to stop blackspot dead in its tracks when mixed at the recommended rate of one tablespoon per gallon of spray.

So far this year, I've mixed Miracid with just about every fungicide appliication that I have used on a rotational basis. The only blackspot I've seen appeared on Sally Holmes which had been given to me as a rooted cutting at the end of last year. I nursed it through the winter in my house sitting on a window sill with southern exposure. The characteristic black spots showed up early in the season before I had started my spray program. One application of Immunox and Miracid and the blackspot disappeared with a minimum of leaf loss. My garden for the most part has been blackspot free since and that's the best personal testimonial I can give. Sometimes blackspot reminds me of the old adage". No news is good news".

Keep in mind that this technique has not been successful when used on rugosas. In fact, when Miracid is applied to these roses, it is found to be detrimental to the growth pattern sometimes even killing the plant.

If you are contemplating the use of this product in conjunction with a favorite fungicide let me suggest that you first test it in a small section of your garden. This can help to assure the grower of no adverse results in their particular climate. If you are spraying in warm weather be sure your roses are well watered before to minimize leaf burn.

Remember the best results have been obtained when Miracid was used in a combination with a systemic fungicide. Always test its use on a small section of your garden first and do not try this technique on rugosas.