Rose species and cultivars vary from highly susceptible to apparently immune. Environmental conditions most conducive to black spot are wet plant surfaces, high humidity, and temperatures of 68 to 75 F for several days. Under these conditions, spore germination and infection occur within one day, symptoms are apparent after four to five days, and fruiting bodies with a new generation of spores form within 10 to 11 days. Multiple cycles of black spot develop each year. The first cycle is normally initiated by spores that are dispersed with splashing water from overwintering fruiting bodies on fallen leaves or on diseased canes.
Good ventilation suppresses black spot by promoting rapid drying of rose leaves.
Avoid growing susceptible cultivars together because this intensifies and promotes rapid spread of the disease. Development of the disease is retarded in plantings where susceptible and resistant cultivars are mixed. There are many rose species or cultivars available with resistance to black spot. Black spot infection can be suppressed or prevented with the use of fungicides, starting in the spring. Diseases of Roses .