Ravaged Rhubarb

[boogieman84]

I have been growing Rhubarb from small plugs and everything seems to have been going well up until recently when I saw that some plants have been absolutely hammered, I then noticed what I could only describe as caterpillars on the leaves. Anyone know what these may be, a quick search came up wth the rhubarb curculio weevil(Do these occur in the UK?) If this is the case how do I avoid this happening in future as I only grew rhubarb because minimal problems can occur! Also what should I do with the ravaged plants that have almost no leaves left, will there be any chance these will survive and does the weevil eat the plant down to the root?

Many thanks

[Dorts]

I don't know what may be attacking your Rhubarb plugs , (maybe the guys up on the invertibrates can help,) perhaps you could give them some protection next year, a small greenhouse, a cold frame or rig something up until they have grown to near full size.
I have never in my time come across mature plants being destroyed by anything so hopefully your plants will come again in the spring and now you are aware of the dangers from these pesky bugs, will be able to keep an eye on them.
Dorts.

[artdemole]

Cold be attack by-Earwigs-Slugs or Snails-Potato Bugs-Mites and even Stem borers.

[Tiggrx]

I have seen Vapourer caterpillars defoliating rhubarb.