Question
I have brown spots on the stalks of my rose bush.What is this and can it be treatable without cutting back so far?

Answer
The brown spots are a fungus and can be treated with any rose fungicide for Black Spot disease. If the spots are just on top of the skin of the canes, then spraying is all you will have to do. However if the spots are large and have gone through the outer skin, then it would be best to cut back below the mark. You can easily tell how much the fungus has effected the rose by looking at the leaves and growth above it. If they are normal then simply spray the canes. Small, stunted leaves and growth means the fungus has gone in deeper and should be cut out.