3.1.4: Fungal diseases
Not started yet — this one needs some love.
Rose black spot is caused by a fungus and affects rose plants.
Symptoms: purple or black spots on leaves; leaves turn yellow (chlorosis) and drop early.
Effect on plant: less healthy leaf area and less chlorophyll reduce photosynthesis, so less glucose is made for growth.
Spread: spores are carried by water or wind.
Control: use fungicides and/or remove and destroy affected leaves to reduce spread.
Common exam mistakes
Rose black spot is caused by a fungus — not a virus or bacterium.
It is spread by water or wind — not exclusively by direct contact.
Leaves turn yellow because photosynthesis is reduced — the mechanism is reduced chlorophyll/leaf loss.