Holes in Leaves of Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a long-lived low maintenance vegetable with very few pests. So when holes appear in the leaves it may cause you to worry.
Several leaf spot diseases can cause small red or brown spots on the leaves and stems. The spotted tissue dies and often drops out, leaving holes in the leaves. Remove diseased leaves and stems as soon as they're discovered and do a thorough clean up in fall.
The rhubarb curculio is an occasional pest of rhubarb, feeding on the leaves and stems. You may notice sap oozing from the damaged stems or notches of missing tissue on the leaf edges. This pest is ½ inch long, has a large snout and its back is covered with a yellowish powder. Remove these pests when found and drop them in a can of soapy water.
Keep the garden weed-free and avoid overhead watering to keep plants healthy.
A bit more information: Some weeds are hosts for these diseases and insects that attack rhubarb. Managing weeds can reduce the risk of pest problems. Fortunately, established plants survive and recover with proper garden cleanup and care.
Related
Audio
Audio
Article
Categories
Upcoming
Events & Webinars
Sept. 11, 2026
Illinois State Master Gardener Conference
Rockford, IL
Register here
Sept. 12, 2026
2026 Knowledge in Bloom Conference
Urban Ecology Center, Milw., WI
Register here
Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting
Register here
Sept. 26, 2026
Pruning Hydrangeas & Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
More information
Oct. 6, 2026
Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference
La Crosse, WI
Register here
Oct. 22, 2026
Wauwatosa Public Library
Wauwatosa, WI
More information
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
MORE UPCOMING EVENT DETAILS
Book an Appearance
Sign up for Melinda's free newsletter for a chance to win 3 Allium, 20 Tulip & 20 Daffodil bulbs from Longfield Gardens
ENTER NOW
