DH found the respirator before we ever sprayed Lime Sulfur the first time. I'll have to ask him where he got it but I know he found it locally. Honestly, we did a lot of research before deciding what fungicide to use in our garden and we don't use insecticides. We wanted the safest thing we could find since I have a huge population of birds, bees, butterflies, etc. I was a nervous wreck about spraying Cygon in our garden but I didn't want to lose my entire garden to RRD either. We sprayed only the affected bush and the bushes closest to that rose. We did not spray the entire garden with Cygon. We sprayed late in the day, covered and dug the infected rose out the next day and we were fortunate not to see any adverse affect to the birds or other critters in our garden. Ann was kind enough to tell me how to handle this with the least amount of Cygon while hopefully protecting the closest roses from mite infestation. I was heartsick and had no idea what to do.

Carol

Those masks can be purchased at good hardware stores. You'll spend a few minutes reading labels to get the right one.

The mask I use is from Lowe's paint department. It states that it is to be used for chemicals. I hate it, and it is super uncomfortable when it is hot, but I use it anyway.

In my opinion, products like this are made primarily for men, and that means that I must keep raising the nose part of the mask so that I can breathe well. Since it is so expensive, I don't mind just raising it as I go along, but the next time I get one, I intend to order it online and get a small size.

You know that the mask and gloves should be in place before you even open the bottle or jar you are using. I have many clear plastic cups, and when I measure, I measure with water first, and mark the line on the cup, pour out the water, and fill the product to the line. I keep special spoons for measuring smaller amounts.

Sammy

I need to read more about this product. I don't know whether to spray all or just infected. I know this RRD has me upset.

Thanks for the advice.

Carla

Carol, you found RRD in your garden? That's scary since you are not that far from me....

Gail, Nice to hear from you. I have noticed you MIA. Hope you're doing ok. Will write you later.

Carla

I still have some Cygon left and a little Funginex, both systemic, which have always been the most affective products for me. I wear a double face mask and the stuff really works. HOWEVER, they have both been lifted from the Canadian market 1-2 year's ago and I believe there are no more systemics, period.
I have put out an SOS here before to Canadian members to see what they are using instead. But I have found out that there are not too many places with the same climate as the Island and lower mainland and actually a lot of the places, they do not even get blackspot and the bugs we get here at zone 8. So I wish for a consulting rosarian to help here!!! I know Lynette lives close, but I believe hers is a no-spray garden. With our trees and dampness and humidity, I have to spray, otherwise blackspot and mildew would take over.
Pauline - Vancouver Island

Moodyblue - I live in the lower mainland area of British Columbia, where it is impossible to find fungicides for roses, other than the "Safer" products. I still have enough previously purchased products to carry me through another one or two seasons. However, two years ago when I heard that chemical fungicides were banned for the home gardener I purchased "Safer's Defender" which is I believe 12% sulphur, and used it on two beds of approximately 30 roses. In that particular year, I had no disease, but it was a very dry year here. If one were to count on "Defender" though, you would need to use it on a regular basis at 7 day intervals to make sure all the new emerging foliage was protected.
It is also extremely expensive if you have a large rose garden, which is why I only used it on two beds to see how it would work for me.
Many of B.C. municipalities have a total ban on chemical pesticides, but publish a list of allowable (presumably) organic products. Safer products are listed as allowable, along with Lime Sulphur/Dormant oil. If you're rose collection is not too large, then it would be worth a try. As far as insecticides go, "Safers Soap" used sparingly will keep the worst offenders at bay until the good guys show up. If one is unfortunate enough to be visited by rose "midge" that could be a battle royal!

If I am over stepping my bounds here....please let me know.

Paul Zimmerman (from Ashdown Roses), the folks from Organic Plant Healthcare here in Matthews, NC and Peter Beales Roses are introducing a new, all natural rose care program. This program includes all natural fertilizers, an all natural fungicide and an all natural product for Japanese beetles. All these products have been tested at the Ashdown nursery and they say have been proven effective. I'm not sure if they ship to Canada but I am looking forward to using them. I'll post a link with more info.

Carole

Here is a link that might be useful: Organic Plant Healthcare

CAROLE, you certainly are not stepping on boundaries here. That was an interesting read, thank you. They say they ship worldwild, so if it cannot be purchased directly from suppliers in British Columbia, then I will see about shipping, prices etc. I am sending that site to My Favourites. Thank you so much for the information. I probably may need to try it out.

SALITA, thanks also. It seems like you are in exactly the same boat as I. I may get by this season with what I have still, but am afraid of seasons to be. Carole, has an interesting alternative, for sure.

I have never tried Safer's Defender, but that certainly could be an alternative to Funginex, though I have been so happy with the systemics. This is what I find too, the more roses you have, the more expensive it is to care for them. So many products including fertilizers do not contain enough product for me and I have to buy in multitudes.

I have not found the Safers insecticides and soaps effective at all. I have had terrible problems, mostly with plants I am overwintering in the house or greenhouse. The aphids love that stuff and think it is champagne. I have had horrendous times with them in the past and the ONLY thing that really worked for me was Cygon. Anyhow, we will have to do the best we can. We certainly must keep in touch and see which works the best for us. I was interested reading your post and it saying that these products have been pulled off the market in BC. Does that mean in other provinces that it is still availab, like Alberta for instance! then all may not be lost. Heehee!!
Pauline. Have a good night!

I'm glad I posted the info. I have no other involvement in these products except that to me they sound like a wonderful idea and I plan on using them all this year. The way I look at it if I can use something that won't hurt me, the animals that wander thru my yard or the good bugs like bees I'll do it. I do have the heavy-duty stuff in my storage closet (including Cygon) but I'd rather have it sit there.

Another benefit of these products (due to the beneficial fungi it adds to the soil) is that the plants require less water which here in SC is VERY important considering the recent drought. All these products have been tested at Ashdown Roses which if you go to their website you can read about how they've gone green.

I'm lucky enough to be within driving distance to Organic Plant Healthcare.

If you'd like more info....from Paul Zimmerman himself I'll post a link to a conversation from another board about the stuff.

Carole

Here is a link that might be useful: Peter Beales Roses Forum

Thank you for the information Carol. After checking out your link, I understand the fertilizer part, but what I'd really like to know is the what they are using for the "fungicide" ingredients in the product. I've also gone to their website, but they don't mention what and how the product prevents fungus disease.

As far as the "organic" fertilizer goes, we make our own organic fertilizer by mixing together, alfalfa meal, blood & bone, kelp etc. What we in Canada need is an organic fungicide that "really" works, and doesn't cost an arm & a leg! However, it's encouraging to see that some people are working hard to develop "organic" alternatives for gardeners to use in the future. Someday, I'm sure, someone is going to produce an acceptable solution to what ails our roses. Thanks again! - I for one will visit the Organic Healthcare website often.

Pauline - have you tried washing the aphids off with a jet of water. I know it can be a nuisance because you must do it often to really discourage them, but it does work. Outdoors, sometimes that's all that is required until the predator insects discover a source of food. Squishing works pretty good too.

I don't really keep track of what's going on in other provinces, but I would assume that our problem in not having a reasonable fungicide for roses is Canada wide. There are however some Municipalities that have not yet banned the use of cosmetic pesticides, so if you reside in one that has not yet done so, a trip across the border may be in order.
Cheers

:::what I'd really like to know is the what they are using for the "fungicide" ingredients in the product. I've also gone to their website, but they don't mention what and how the product prevents fungus disease. :::

I'd like to know myself....hopefully more info will be available when the product is released at the end of the month. The folks from both Ashdown and Organic Plant Healthcare are both going to be speaking at the Southern Spring Show here in Charlotte at the end of February. I'll be there and hopefully will learn more then. I just find the whole idea promising as these products were tested here in SC at Ashdown and Lord knows we can grow some fungi here in the South.

;-)

Carole

Carole, I think I lost your e-mail. If you would, please send it to me. I have not read this entire thread. The other day when I went to that website, it didn't seem completed. I could not navigate around the products. Why does this have to do with Cygon and RRD though? Maybe next year when I hear some people who have tried the next products and I get rid of everything here, I will try them. I'm all for better things for our environment.

Carla

Actually....all this has nothing to do with Cygon and RRD. It is a classic example of a highjacked thread. ;-)

What happened was Miss Pauline from Vancouver Island mentioned that there is now a ban in Canada of chemical pesticides and fungicides. And that she was looking for something to treat blackspot. I posted that there was an all natural fungicide getting ready to be released in the market here in the US that might help her (and others in Canada).

Carole