Red rings on rhubarb leaves

[chris]

Any idea what this could be? I can't see anything underneath the leaf - few black fly, but that's about it. Couple of small snails on the other leaves, no other signs of pests..

Is it a disease? The plant is partially shaded, growing underneath a tree (no idea what type - it has catkins on it that are a pain though!).

Thanks!

[Snadger]

I would hazzard a guess at rust of some description caused by the damp weather we've had lately?

[Jeanied]

I wouldn't worry too much Chris - the leaves will be dying back very soon and the plant will be going dormant for winter. Give it a good mulch to tide it over and with any luck the new leaves will be fine for spring.
Mine has all sorts on it - it is under apple trees. It seems to come back fine each year.

[rustylady]

I would guess it's just the time of the year (old age). The plants are well past their best now and as Jeanie said will be dying back soon.

[chris]

Ok just didn't want to leave it in the ground if it was had it ! Thanks.. I've mulched it a bit already with some compost I had spare and couldn't be bothered taking back to the garage

Once the leaves have all dropped off (only a few left on now) I'll tip the rest over it.

[FB.]

I've noticed that a lot of plants have a lot of mysterious spots on their leaves this autumn.
I'm suspecting the long period of repeated heavy rainfall and fungal opportunists are attacking the old leaves - the old leaves are probably currently.
At this time of year, leaves are having the nutrients transferred to the roots for the winter, so the leaves are half-dead now anyway and the fungi are just taking an opportunity.
I suspect that things will be fine next year (weather permitting).

[chris]

Thanks FB Most of the leaves are being munched on by something anyway, so we'll see if anything comes of it next year!