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Bugs eating rhubarb
Celia47
Posts: 14
in Fruit & veg
I was given two young rhubarb plants about two months ago (by a nursery) but having planted them I have noticed that the leaves are being eaten and a couple of the new stems have wilted and dropped off. I found a metallic blue/green beetle on the rhubarb which I am assuming is the culprit but I have never come across this before. What can I do about it, if anything?
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I get those beetles, . Sorrel Beetles, , they will strip your rhubarb overnight, I have to admit to using a spray on them or the rhubarb would be all gone. I get rid of any sorrel I see so as not to attract them, not sure what you can do about them.
Thanks Lyn. I have grown rhubarb in the past without any problems but we have just moved so maybe they are more in this area than where we were before. I had a similar problem with lily beetles though so I guess I'll just have to keep an eye out and get squishing.
Lyn, what spray do you use? Presumably something ok for food crops ... don't want you struck down with something awful ........ ((hugs))
I know you're sensible, but just thought I'd mention it ............
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I have used a normal house plant greenfly killer and not eaten the bits with the sprayed leaves, I have now bought provado especially for vegetables and fruit. Haven't tried it yet as I keep the sorrel out of the garden so don't need to spray anything At the moment. Prevention is better than cure. I don't like sprays at all, but sometimes needs must, they die very quickly you hardly need any spray and they fall down instantly.