Slugs, snails and beetles are the main culprits. Before rushing to the chemical cabinet though, remember that you don’t eat the leaves. So, unless the damage is very extensive, it may well be best to simply ignore the pests.
What do you spray rhubarb leaves with?
Mix one teaspoon of the dishwashing detergent with a cup of cold water. Stir this mixture into some of the infusion. A ratio of 1 part rhubarb leaf to 2 parts soapy liquid is ideal. Alternatively, pour the soapy mixture into a clean spray bottle.
What eats the leaves of rhubarb plants?
Rhubarb Pests
- Remember, it’s the stalk you are harvesting, so imperfections on the leaves does NOT mean than you cannot use your rhubarb stalks!
- These rhubarb leaves (see photo above) have been damaged by aphids, slugs, beetles, or other insects.
- Aphids.
- Flea Beetles.
- Slugs.
- Rhubarb Curculio Beetle.
How do I stop slugs eating my rhubarb leaves?
Natural Slug Control and Prevention
- Preventative Measures. Obviously, the best method of slug and snail control is prevention.
- Thin Plants.
- Avoid Night-time Watering.
- Hand Pick the Slugs.
- Flower Pot Traps.
- Beer Slug Traps.
- Sharp Barriers.
- Encourage Natural Predators.
What kind of bug eats rhubarb leaves?
Tarnished Plant Bug
They can damage rhubarb by feeding on young leaves. Tarnished plant bugs are mainly a pest of new plantings. Keep plantings and adjacent areas weed free.
What is eating holes in my rhubarb leaves?
Slugs, snails, leaf beetles, beetles, and deer are the culprits you should look out for. These pests are the most commonly known for eating rhubarb leaves.
How do you protect rhubarb?
Use 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) of organic compost to enrich the soil for the next season and provide crown protection. Protecting rhubarb in winter with a layer of mulch preserves the crown from excessive cold, while allowing the necessary chill to force new spring growth.
What is attacking my rhubarb?
Slugs, snails and beetles are the main culprits. Before rushing to the chemical cabinet though, remember that you don’t eat the leaves. So, unless the damage is very extensive, it may well be best to simply ignore the pests.
Do slugs eat rhubarb leaves?
Slugs eat rhubarb leaves but the mesh would obviously not stop them, so it is something bigger. Possums will also eat the leaves and seem to survive the Oxalic Acid they contain. Birds such as Pukekos will also eat the leaves. You could try setting a possum trap and see if that is the culprit.
Do coffee grounds deter slugs?
Coffee grounds are already recommended as a home remedy for keeping slugs and snails at bay. Grounds repel slugs, Hollingsworth found, but a caffeine solution is much more effective, he says: “Slugs turn back immediately after contacting the [caffeinated soil].”
What causes slug infestation?
Apparently one of the reasons slugs may venture into the house (particularly an old house) is because they are likely to be cool, dark and moist so if you have a damp problem that could be one reason. Another is pet food. Slugs have a great sense of smell so will make a beeline for it especially if it’s a rainy night.
How do I stop slugs and snails eating my plants?
1) Crushed eggshells/gravel/woodchip or mulch Molluscs don’t like travelling over rough ground, so if they sense sharp edges, you can use this texture to deter them. 2) Coffee grounds. Slugs don’t like the bitter taste of coffee grounds. Sprinkle coffee grounds on the soil around your plants to deter them.
Should I remove yellow leaves from rhubarb?
In the first year it is best to leave a few leaves on the rhubarb rather than harvest them all as that is what is supplying the food to the crown and helping it regenerate next season. Make sure it is in free draining soil rich in compost as they don’t like drying out.
Do earwigs eat rhubarb leaves?
It could be slugs, earwigs, or tent caterpillars that are eating your rhubarb. Earwigs are nocturnal hiding during the day and wreaking havoc at night.
What is insecticidal soap for plants?
Insecticidal soap is made with potassium salts of fatty acids, and it’s commonly used by gardeners to curb infestations of insects and pests on their plants. Soap sprays are effective for soft-bodied insects such as mealybugs and aphids. Insecticidal soap does not harm the plants.
Can I use copper fungicide on rhubarb?
Examine stalks for watery spots which enlarge as the rhubarb disease progresses, Leaves will wilt and die. As soon as you spot this rhubarb disease, apply a fixed copper or sulfur-based fungicide every seven to 10 days.
What are clear jelly on rhubarb stalks?
The jelly is sap from the rhubarb… the beetle lays in eggs in the stalk then in some plants the larvae burrow down the stalk -but in rhubarb the larvae can’t grow..so it doesn’t really harm the plant but marks the stalk.
What is rhubarb curculio?
The rhubarb curculio (or rhubarb weevil) is a large snout beetle, about 1/2 inch long. It is dark colored, with a yellow powdery material dusted on its back. The yellowish covering easily rubs off when the insect is handled.
Is it OK to put rhubarb leaves in the compost?
A: Yes. Although the leaves of rhubarb plants contain a high level of oxalic acid and should not be eaten, they are safe to add to the compost pile. The oxalic acid degrades rapidly in the pile and has no impact on compost quality.
What is the best fertilizer for rhubarb?
For the highest yields of rhubarb stems, fertilize your plants three times per year. Apply 2 to 3 inches of composted manure, compost or ½ cup of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, around each plant in early spring (now).
How do you get rid of black fly on rhubarb?
Methods of removal
Rub the aphids off between your finger and thumb. Blast them off every few days with a strong jet of water, don’t forget the underside of the leaves. Spray with a weak solution of washing-up liquid and water, as this kills on contact don’t forget the undersides of the leaves.