In message , David W.E. Roberts
writes

"Pam Moore" wrote in message
.. .
Monty also said on GW on Friday last that you can boil up a rhubarb
leaf and use the resulting liquid, diluted, as an insecticide.
I hope the BBC don't get into trouble with the EU or whatever, as I
understand it is not legal to make your own!

Probably O.K. to make a DIY foliar feed with 'unexpected' side affects ;-)

Be aware that the oxalic acid and oxalates extracted from rhubarb leaves
are fairly acidic and potentially quite poisonous if ingested. This is
the sort of dodgy kitchen sink chemistry that really should not be
encouraged.

The recommended safe airborne TLV for the simple chemical oxalic acid is
only 2x higher than that for the synthetic weedkillers paraquat and
diquat (both nasty chemicals).

Natural poisons are not safe. Nature is red in tooth and claw.

Regards,
--
Martin Brown