[Community_garden] Rhubarb leaves

[Catherine Vandermeulen]

Hi Garth,

I made a tea with rhubarb leaves last summer to spray my tomato plants.  It
killed the aphids.  My approach was experimental.  I boiled five rhubarb
leaves in a small pot.  I let the mixture cool and then mixed it with water
1for 2.  I used a spray bottle and applied the mixture twice. The mixture
was a little bit too strong, but it killed the bugs!

I hope this helps!

Cheers,

Catherine



2007/9/25, Mike McGrath <MikeMcG at ptd.net>:
>
> 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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>
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