Is there a problem with my yellow lady banks rose?

Are the leaves of your lady banks rose curled and distorted?

Are the leaves of your lady banks rose distorted, yellowed, and stippled?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are there any dark purple or black patches on the upper leaf surface?

Does the crown have swollen, tumor-like growths?

Are there any angular or circular green to gray spots with brown borders on leaves?

Distorted and curled leaves in yellow lady banks roses are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Leaves stippled with yellow are caused by mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plant's leaves causing yellow flecking on the upper leaf surfaces. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from below to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. Any commercial fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Dark purple or black patches on the upper leaf surface are caused by Blackspot disease. Black spot requires free water to reproduce and grow. Generally, it is not a problem during dry summers, but overhead sprinklers can or rainy or humid summers can provide favorable conditions for the fungi. Provide good air circulation around bushes, and water earlier in the day so that leaves never remain wet for more than 7 hours.

Bacterial disease Crown gall causes wartlike swellings on Yellow Lady Banks rose crowns. Plants can become stunted, subject to drought stress and wind damage. Large enough galls may cause girdling which results in plant death. Avoid injury to the plant. If the plant is only slightly infected, prune off diseased growth. Destroy severely infected plants and avoid replanting tayberries or any other susceptible plant species in the same spot.

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Cercospora leaf spot. This fungal disease only occurs in very warm climates. Spots develop a “frog-eye” appearance with light centers and dark edges. Spray plants with copper as soon as symptoms appear to prevent further symptom development.

Yellow, stunted plants and roots that have swollen galls indicate root-knot nematodes. Other symptoms are plants wilting during bright, hot days. Prevent root-knot nematodes by applying chitin or introducing parasitic nematodes to the soil before planting. Solarizing the soil also helps in preventing root-knot nematodes.