Marin Rose Society

FAST FACTS - HERBICIDE DAMAGE
by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian

SYMPTOMS

Cupped leaves, twisting or bending of leaf petiole

Distorted and stunted fan-shaped leaves

Strange looking, thickened growth, often dark red or purple in color

Prominent leaf veins, reduction of leaf interveinal areas

Delayed leafing in spring

Chlorosis

Plant death

CAUSE

Exposure to postemergent herbicides like Roundup (glyphosate)

OPTIMAL CONDITIONS

May appear any time after exposure

Often seen in spring after plants have been exposed in fall or winter, during dormancy

Dry weather (must remain dry for 24 hours after exposure to the herbicide); any amount of wind that results in spray drift

TREATMENT

Prevention:

Don’t use this type of herbicide in the garden

Protect plants from spray drift from adjacent properties if possible

Elimination:

Cut out damaged portions of plants if not too extensive

Improve vigor of plant with good cultural practices especially sufficient water

Remove badly damaged plants; they are not likely to recover

GOOD GUY / BAD GUY?

A very bad guy – it can destroy roses and any other plant it contacts

Photo of Herbicide Damage is by Baldo Villegas from the extraordinary webpage: http://members.tripod.com/buggyrose/iabioticdisorders.htm

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