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One of the largest and most productive varieties
Pests & Diseases Common to Rhubarb
Fungus [Botrytis Rot]
May cause a leaf, stem and crown rot of forced rhubarb which intensifies where there is poor air circulation and high humidity. Botrytis rot is most common during rainy weather. Plant in well-drained areas. Remove infected plant parts and protect plant buds from damage caused by invertebrates , slugs .. .
Control: Apply recommended fungicideat first sign of disease and weekly thereafter
See Also : Cornell University Fact sheet :Botrytis Rot
Leaf Spots
Circular spots, variable in size Beige centers surrounded by red . When affected tissue dies, it may drop out, leaving large ragged holes in the leaves.
Control: Remove and destroy leaves following the first frost. During harvest, remove stems with spotted leaves first. Apply fungicide
See Also University of Minnesota: Rhubarb Leaf Spots
Viruses
Several viruses are also known to occur in rhubarb. turnip mosaic, arabis mosaic and cherry leaf roll virus are common. These viruses have wide host ranges and cause mottling and ring spotting of leaves. They may be introduced in infected stock.
Control: Obtain and plant healthy nursery stock. Avoid planting virus free crowns near virus contaminated crowns.
Insects
Potato Stem Borer [See Worms]
Characteristics: The potato stem borer is a caterpillar, which when fully grown is about 3.5 cm in length and pinkish-white in color. The first stages of the insect attack only weeds, couch grass in particular. Later they move into plants with thicker stems, such as rhubarb. They may move from stem to stem, boring into the centre of the stalk. The adult moths lay their eggs on the stems of grasses in August. The eggs do not hatch until the following spring. Damage can be expected in June and early July. Serious infestation can lead to an unmarketable crop.
Control: This pest is not a problem when couch grass and other weeds are controlled in and around the rhubarb plantation. Weeds should be controlled to make the field less attractive for egg laying by the adult moth. Early spring burning of affected fields or field margins will effectively control this pest.
Tarnished plant bug [Click Here for Image]
Characteristics: Adult tarnished plant bugs are light brown to reddish brown in colour and about 5-6 mm in length. They occur throughout the season. They are very active and quick moving. They can damage rhubarb by feeding on young leaves. They pierce the stalk with their mouthparts and cause wilting and distortion of the leaves. Tarnished plant bugs are mainly a pest of new plantings.
Control: Keep plantings and adjacent areas weed free. Avoid planting adjacent to legumes.
Slugs and Snails
Characteristics: Slugs may be a problem in plantings with heavy soils, poor drainage and in weedy situations. Slugs fed at night, by rasping the surface of stems, leaving unsightly scars, which reduce the saleability of the stem.
Prevention: Provide good soil drainage. Keep weeds under control. Remove leaves and trash from the field when harvesting. Do not use manure and/or mulches in areas of field prone to slug damage.
See Pest Control for more extensive data
Purported medicinal properties of Rhubarb
Use of rhubarb has been recorded as early as the 1st century AD in China and it has been cultivated in the West since the 18th century. Its primary medicinal use is as a laxative safe even for young children due to its gentle action. It is also effective in the treatment for many digestive problems.
**It is a laxative when taken in large doses but has a constipating effect in smaller ones.
Warning : Rhubarb contains oxalate, which has been reported to cause poisoning when large quantities of raw or cooked leaves are ingested, the stalk, which is what we eat contains very little oxalates and is not considered a threat.Additional References
Rodale's Garden Problem Solver : Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs
Burpee : The Complete Vegetable & Herb Gardener : A Guide to Growing Your Garden Organically
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How to Grow Rhubarb
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