By Steragram
Pembrokeshire,
United Kingdom 
HELP! Sick rhubarb!
The stalks of one crown have gone very soft and are collapsing. At the base there is white froth like what we always call "cuckoo spit" . I haven't investigated to see whether it has a little creature in it.
The rhubarb was moved (only a yard!)last autumn when I widened the bed. In forty years of trouble free rhubarb growing I have never seen this before. What is it and how do I stop it spreading? Last year's crop was excellent.
8 May, 2011
Answers
Thanks Bamboo. I wouldn't have thought of that. I've been down on my knees and its doesn't smell bad - just pleasantly loamy. But maybe I damaged the crown when I moved it - in fact thinking about it, I'm pretty sure I did. Its not easy to get right down and remove the whole root without breaking it.
Looks as though that bit's had it then - I will dig it up and have a look.
9 May, 2011
Sounds like some kind of canker or rot has got into the crown, possibly bacterial - does it smell? I'd remove the crown and inspect it thoroughly, and dispose of it (not on the compost heap) if the whole crown is soggy and rotting.
9 May, 2011