What is happening to my rhubarb? - Ask Extension
Last year, and again this year, my rhubarb starts out healthy looking, then goes through a series of leaf deteriorations. The plant has been here for...
Knowledgebase
What is happening to my rhubarb? #650688
Asked June 14, 2020, 10:52 AM EDT
Last year, and again this year, my rhubarb starts out healthy looking, then goes through a series of leaf deteriorations. The plant has been here for over 30 years. Can it be treated, or should I remove it and start over in a different location?
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
“There are two rhubarb leaf spot diseases that are common in Minnesota, Ascochyta rhei and Ramularia rhei. Manage them through selective harvesting of infected stalks combined with removing and destroying all leaves after the first hard frost in the fall. “. This appears to be a form of rust. So for right now just remove the leaves that are affected and in the fall remove all the leaves. The disease can overwinter in the soil if leaves are left on the plant which is why you continue to see it. See the website for more information: https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-rhubarb Also see: https://www.rhubarb-central.com/rhubarb-diseases.html
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