| Rhubarb Pests & Problems | | | --- | | Rhubarb Compendium Quick Index Home Rhubarb Background Rhubarb Festivals Rhubarb History Growing Rhubarb Rhubarb Items Culinary uses Rhubarb Recipes Medicinal Uses Other Uses Rhubarb Toxicity Disclaimer Contact Sub topics of Growing Rhubarb Rhubarb Weeds Rhubarb Bacteria Rhubarb Insects Rhubarb Pests Forcing Rhubarb Rhubarb Propagation Rhubarb Varieties Rhubarb Sources | Rhubarb has relatively few problems, but occasionally they do appear. Most often pests will attack other plants in your garden and move on to your rhubarb when they are done chomping on your carrots and tomatoes. This section will prepare you for dealing with weeds (directly below), bacteria, fungus & viruses (part 2), insects (part 3), and larger pests & interactions with other plants (part 4). WeedsA weed is simply an unwanted plant. A corn plant, for example, is a weed if it is in a rhubarb patch. Most weeds are plants that are generally considered undesirable by gardeners. They are not eaten and not considered particularly attractive. They are frequently invasive and difficult to control. Weeds compete with crop plants for moisture, nutrients and light. They may also harbor insects and diseases, promote other diseases by increasing humidity, decrease vegetable quality and make harvests difficult. A weedy garden or flower bed is also unattractive. Weeds are highly adapted to where they grow. They have large, efficient root systems, grow rapidly and frequently produce tremendous amounts of seeds. Most weeds tolerate drought and low fertility. Little of their energy is used producing lush foliage, large seed or fruit; thus, they often thrive where vegetables struggle to produce. Many spread rapidly by vegetative structures as well as by seed. 71 weed.dandelion.gif (51787 bytes) Dandelion (a common weed) Rhubarb plants grown under weedy conditions will have reduced yields or they may not survive to produce at all (if the weeds introduce a virus, bacteria or fungus). An established rhubarb plant will have few weed problems, the aggressive roots and large leaves are sufficient to choke out all but the most stubborn weeds. Weeds in other areas of your garden can also harbor diseases and problems that can damage your rhubarb. The principal methods of weed control fall into three categories: - mechanical - cultural - chemical | |