Sick Rhubarb Plant - Ask Extension
Hi,
Our rhubarb plant's leaves are curling and have brown and yellow spots - see photo. We live in Lakewood, OH 44107. The "Picture This&quo...
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Sick Rhubarb Plant #872994
Asked June 13, 2024, 3:26 PM EDT
Hi,
Our rhubarb plant's leaves are curling and have brown and yellow spots - see photo. We live in Lakewood, OH 44107. The "Picture This" plant app on my phone is saying "temperature too high" and "disease infected," and to use a fungicide. I have removed most of the affected leaves and any that have dropped. The new shoots first appear healthy, but within a day or so wilt. There is another rhubarb plant next to the sick one, and it looks much healther, although it looks like something is eating the leaves, although I have not seen any insects on the underside of the leaves.
We have had this plant for over 40 years, and it has never really had any problems, especially this one.
Thanks for your help.
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Dave,
Thank you for the picture. You appear to be on top of your problem. The most common cause of yellowing and curling/wilting is too much or too little water. Our erratic weather (rainfall and temperature) has made a particularly severe problem. The weakening of the plant makes it more susceptible to fungal infections. You are already disposing the fallen leaves. They should be taken off site for disposal, not composted, to reduce the fungus spores for further infection. Fungicides can be helpful, but they do not kill a fungal infection--they deter the initial infection and slow the spread. If you use a fungicide, please follow the label instructions to make sure your selected product is allowed for this problem, and to follow application instructions.
For your information, the following link is to an OSU Extension fact sheet for rhubarb: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1631
Thank you for your question.
Thank you for the picture. You appear to be on top of your problem. The most common cause of yellowing and curling/wilting is too much or too little water. Our erratic weather (rainfall and temperature) has made a particularly severe problem. The weakening of the plant makes it more susceptible to fungal infections. You are already disposing the fallen leaves. They should be taken off site for disposal, not composted, to reduce the fungus spores for further infection. Fungicides can be helpful, but they do not kill a fungal infection--they deter the initial infection and slow the spread. If you use a fungicide, please follow the label instructions to make sure your selected product is allowed for this problem, and to follow application instructions.
For your information, the following link is to an OSU Extension fact sheet for rhubarb: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1631
Thank you for your question.
