Allotments 4 All

Produce => Pests & Diseases => Topic started by: vicki.m on April 07, 2011, 11:29:55

Title: Ants in my rhubarb
Post by: vicki.m on April 07, 2011, 11:29:55
I went down to the allotment this morning and did my usual walk around the plot looking for problems. The first thing I spotted was the stems on one of my rhubarb plants had collapsed, On closer inspection the stems are broken and hollow and have ants running up and down in them.

It is a new plant that went in as a crown in November, the one next to it that went in at the same time is strong and healthy. The variety is Victoria and both plants were mulched with compost when they were planted.

Any suggestions, is it possible to get rid of the ants without digging up the plant?

I am organic so chemicals are not an option, I had thought of pouring boiling water on it (what I do to ants nests at home)  but assume that would kill the plant as well as the ants.
Title: Re: Ants in my rhubarb
Post by: chriscross1966 on April 07, 2011, 13:22:48
There's a nematode for ants, go to the Nemasys site....
Title: Re: Ants in my rhubarb
Post by: vicki.m on April 07, 2011, 13:38:11
Fantastic thank you - I will have a look