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Rhubarb pest/virus?

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I have rhubarb plants that have developed globules of pus on the stalk which have emanated from inside the stalk. The pus becomes jellified and when removed shows a scar like a slug has been sucking at it. The leaves appear fine - the plants have been planted for about 2 years




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Unless the crwon of the plant is rotting as well then this gum exudation is fairly normal. It is a result of the weather and the odd rainfall pattern we are having. The skin of the stem basically sets hard, and then more water rises up the plant, the stem cannot contain it and bursts, the water (sap) oozes out.

3 Aug, 2008

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