Question
My roses, this year, are withering on the new growth, turning black,and any buds dry up.  We have had a wet spring and I'm wondering if this is a "fire blight".  I don't have any books on rose diseases although I was a Master Gardener for ten year and have an extensive library.
I've never had trouble with roses before.  The variety of roses effected are:  Buck rose "Amiga Mia", Graham Thomas' and now my "The Fairy"  These roses have been healthy and hardy in the past 2-6 years.  Other roses in other parts of my garden are not affected, yet.  

Answer
Hi Barbara,

You may be quite right.  The symptoms you describe are characteristic of "fire blight" caused by _Erwinia amylovora_.  Although fire blight is most often associated with the fruiting members of the Rose family (peach, apple, cherry, etc.), it is also a disease of landscape roses as well.  

Cultural Control
During the late summer when bacterial growth slows, all infected twigs and branches should be pruned out and burned or buried. Because the bacteria are usually found somewhat in advance of the obviously diseased tissue, the cut should be made through healthy wood 6 to 8 inches below the point of visible infection. Cankered areas on large branches and trunks should be pruned out during the dormant season. Pruning tools should be sterilized frequently with rubbing alcohol or dilute household bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) during this operation to prevent introducing the bacteria to new wood.

Fire blight is worse on succulent tissues. Avoid excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers and excessive pruning, both of which promote succulent growth. Remove water sprouts (suckers) that form on susceptible species as they appear. Water sprouts are very susceptible to infection and can provide direct access of the bacteria to the stem and rootsystem.   

Chemical Control
Chemical control is not generally recommended for fire blight in home landscape situations.  

Keep a close eye on all of the other roses in your garden as well.  Be especially careful in the fall to dispose of all litter from the base of the roses.  These precautions will limit the spread to the new growth next year.