CORVALLIS — Mild winter weather will most likely coax roses into bloom early, which means dealing with the usual diseases and pests earlier, too.
When it comes to one of the country’s most popular perennials, the “big four” problems are powdery mildew, black spot, rust and aphids, according to Jay Pscheidt, a plant pathology specialist with the Oregon State University Extension Service.
Downy mildew, which looks strikingly similar to black spot, can also become an increasing problem…