What's eating my timperley early rhubarb?

Timperley Early rhubarb — forced or open-ground — is most vulnerable to slugs on emerging crowns in late winter and early spring. Crown rot encouraged by waterlogged soil can kill plants. Aphids appear in spring but rarely cause lasting harm. Forcing pots reduce slug access. Ensure sharp drainage and protect crowns from late-winter slug attacks.

Gnaw into the soft base of early-emerging stalks; damage is worst when forcing pots are removed and crowns re-establish in open ground. Scatter iron-phosphate pellets before replacing forcing pots in winter; use grit around the crown base; torch-and-pick patrol on damp evenings.

Colonies on leaf undersides in spring; sticky honeydew soils stalks; nuisance rather than a yield threat on vigorous Timperley Early crowns. Wash off with water; insecticidal soap spray; ladybird and hoverfly predation normally keeps numbers in check by early summer.

Stems bored and oozing rust sap; tunnelling into the crown reduces vigour over successive years. Remove dock weeds from the area; hand-pick beetles; cut and destroy affected stalks to reduce larval population.