Plant Doctor Archive

Rust on rhubarb

My rhubarb has rust-like spots on the leaves and some leaves are dying off.

Your plant has 'rust'. Rust develops over several days of humid mist or rain. Once established, it is hard to eliminate.

Remove and destroy infected leaves, then spray with a suitable fungicide such as Bravo. Repeat sprays at 10-14 day intervals will be required, especially in humid wet weather. Bravo has a withholding period of 7 days — do not harvest until 7 days after spraying.

Advice by Dr Dan Blanchon from Unitec's Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Bachelor of Resource Management.

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