[Community_garden] Rhubarb leaves

[Mike McGrath]

The leaves (but not the stalks) of rhubarb are toxic to mammals (i.e., us), 
(see gov't copy below) but I've never heard of them being used against 
insects.Garlic sprays have been shown to be insect repellant and neem sprays 
repellant and insecticidal to those what not be repelled.
    But go ahead and try the rhubarb; just don't drink any!

                                            ---McG

Rhubarb contains naturally occurring oxalic acid. The amount depends on the 
age of the plant, the season, the climate and the type of soil. Highest 
concentrations are in the leaves and these should not be eaten.

Oxalic acid poisoning can cause muscle twitching, cramps, decreased 
breathing and heart action, vomiting, pain, headache, convulsions and coma.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Garth Taylor" <gtaylor at mcic.org>
To: <community_garden at list.communitygarden.org>
Sent: Monday, September 24, 2007 4:15 PM
Subject: [Community_garden] Rhubarb leaves


>I read a little while ago that insect predators do not like the toxins in
> rhubarb leaves.
>
> If that's true, then it ought to be possible to make a tea of rhubarb 
> leaves
> and spray it on plants to get rid of insects.
>
> Has anyone ever heard of this? Any ideas on dosage?
>
> Thanks,
> =Garth Taylor
>
>
>
>
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