What is eating my Rhubarb?

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by Prastio, Jul 25, 2008.

  1. Prastio

    Prastio Gardener

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    Divided a root from a relation's garden last year, dug it a nice pit with lots of goodies in it, took off like a rocket until.......

    Something is eating my leaves! Looks like the work of caterpillars but I can't find any traces of them (or of anything else for that matter). I thought that rhubarb leaves are poisonous (at least to humans) so can't be too appetising.

    Any ideas? (see photo - a bit big so the eagle-eyed among us might be able to spot the culprits)

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Tim D

    Tim D Gardener

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    I must admit, my rhubarb always tends to be like it but as it still produces a big harvest I have never really looked into it.

    It will be interesting to see if anyone knows what is causing it though!
     
  3. daitheplant

    daitheplant Total Gardener

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    I would say slugs or snails. They would feed at night, so unless you go hunting them then, you are unlikely to see them.:thumb::D
     
  4. Prastio

    Prastio Gardener

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    Dai
    I have a big slug problem in this area (a big problem, not a big slug) and there may be a trace of slug/snail slime around beneath some of the rhubarb leaves so you may well be right. I'll put some blue pellets down and see if anything dies in agony.
     
  5. Daisies

    Daisies Total Gardener

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    Yep - slugs and/or snails
     
  6. Prastio

    Prastio Gardener

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    Full marks to all those who suggested slugs. A handful of slug pellets last night, and this morning I have at least 6 fat (dead) slugs and buckets of slime.
     
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