"Jelly" on my rhubarb?

Baldy · « **on:** July 04, 2014, 21:45 »

OK - meant to ask this last year.
This evening I was washing rhubarb readying it for the fermenting bin when I came across some jelly like material - I'm guessing it is protecting some insect beneath. Sort of translucent - I had to rub a thumbnail across it to remove it. Also seemed a little more prevalent on the less healthy looking stems. As its going into a rhubarb wine brew I'm not too bothered (most things turn to alcohol in my experience) just interested to know what it is. I've attached a photo though I'm not sure how helpful that will be,
Cheers,
Bladers

um
Balders

mumofstig · « **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2014, 22:28 »

I think that rhubarb stems do this whenever they're damaged - so if something takes a bite then this gunge seals the damage, a bit like a blood clot.........

I've never found any insects inside.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2014, 22:30 »

I agree with Mum.

Yorkie · « **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2014, 23:29 »

I just rub it off and carry on as normal

Baldy · « **Reply #4 on:** July 04, 2014, 23:41 »

That's very interesting Yorkie...
what about this jelly stuff on my rhubarb?

Cheers,
Balders

Goosegirl · « **Reply #5 on:** July 05, 2014, 11:45 »

Balders - found this for you on gardenersworld.com forum:
I think I have found out what causes the clear jelly...the Rhubarb weevil/snout beetle. The jelly is sap from the rhubarb... the beetle lays in eggs in the stalk then in some plants the larvae burrow down the stalk -but in rhubarb the larvae can't grow..so it doesn't really harm the plant but marks the stalk. The only way to get rid of them that I've found is to keep the surrounding area clear of weeds -especially docks. Rhubarb TART anyone??

mumofstig · « **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2014, 14:15 »

I don't think we have those

Quote

the Rhubarb weevil/snout beetle

in this country

Annen · « **Reply #7 on:** July 05, 2014, 14:30 »

Don't know why but I always thought it was wasp damage, because you get the same sort of clear crystals on plums.

Are you a seed "chitting" or "no-chit" sort of person? Started by JayG on Grow Your Own	45 Replies 18183 Views	July 09, 2013, 12:00 by crh75
Beetroot ... which is better "Solist" or "Monika" Started by wbmkk on Grow Your Own	5 Replies 3741 Views	February 22, 2014, 22:33 by Hampshire Hog
Comfrey Tea - "Press" or "Steep"? Started by Kristen on Grow Your Own	14 Replies 8756 Views	May 30, 2014, 15:38 by noshed
brassica's need moving(""edited"") Started by vegikev on Grow Your Own	6 Replies 3475 Views	February 15, 2008, 13:03 by gobs

"Jelly" on my rhubarb?

Baldy

"Jelly" on my rhubarb?

mumofstig

Re: "Jelly" on my rhubarb?

Aunt Sally

Re: "Jelly" on my rhubarb?

Yorkie

Re: "Jelly" on my rhubarb?

Baldy

Re: "Jelly" on my rhubarb?

Goosegirl

Re: "Jelly" on my rhubarb?

mumofstig

Re: "Jelly" on my rhubarb?

Annen

Re: "Jelly" on my rhubarb?

Similar Topics

Are you a seed "chitting" or "no-chit" sort of person?

Beetroot ... which is better "Solist" or "Monika"

Comfrey Tea - "Press" or "Steep"?

brassica's need moving(""edited"")