Question
I live in Topeka, KS and my roses look terrible.  Leaves are yellowing and lots of black spot mildew on leaves.  I have been spraying with Maneb, Ortho Rose Pride, Doconil.  It can't be because of lack of water because we have had lots of rain in Topeka this year.  Please advise.

Answer
If you weather conditions are right for Black Spot then any rose that is prone to this fungal disease will get it. However something else that will make roses look poor is using too many different sprays on them as the different chemicals will act negatively on them together. If any spray is used when the weather is hot, especially Doconill, that too will cause a rose to go under stress and stop performing. Use are using two very powerful fungicides, Doconill and Maneb really shouldn't be used with anything else. I would stick to the Ortho's Rose Pride as it is the lest toxic. I would also give the roses a rest from any chemicals until they can recover.