Fig trees prefer warmer mediterranean-style climates; not too hot and not too cold. Sunburn and frost both hurt these trees, but with care they can be cultivated in borderline climates.
A popular house plant, fig trees, especially when grown commercially, struggle with a variety of pests and diseases. Fig tree care involves gaining a basic education about what these are and what to do about them.
Fig Tree Care – Problems with Fig Tree Roots
Nematodes are worms that damage the roots of a plant. Like many crops, figs can be afflicted by root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne sp); the tiny worms infiltrate the root and make them swell. The roots are unable to absorb nutrients as effectively and ultimately the fruit can drop prematurely. A bad infestation can kill off an entire tree or orchard; extra water and mulching can help protect the tree.
Gophers, too, can wreak havoc on young fig trees. There are two solutions: kill the gophers, or protect the root ball in a gopher cage. Professionally-made cages enclose the entire root as it grows, decomposing in time for the tree to grow. Once the fig tree reaches that stage, it can survive gopher attacks.
Fig Tree Care – Problems With Fig Tree Leaves
Fig rust and fig mosaic are two fungal diseases common to figs. Fig rust, caused by Physopella fici, causes orange "rust" spots to appear on the leaves and may ultimately leave a tree completely bare. If the leaves drop off too early, new growth may occur and be damaged by frost. Spraying with neutral copper spray in the early summer is an effective, if toxic, control.
According to the California Rare Fruit Growers' Association, fig mosaic is a virus, spread by Euryphid mites and cuttings. The disease causes potassium deficiency, resulting in unsightly yellow spots on the leaves. Prevention here is better than a cure; the gardener should check that cuttings for propagation are bug- and disease-free.
Fig Tree Care – Problems With Fig Tree Fruit
The fungus rhyzopus (or rhisopus) smut destroys fig fruit, as does Endosepsis, caused by Fusarium fungus. Both may be treated with fungicides. Aspergillus rot is introduced by insects, and thus the only cure may be to destroy the crop and apply chemicals (diazinon) to the ground to keep insects away from the area. Diseased trees in the vicinity should also be destroyed.
Fig Tree Care – Problems With Fig Tree Wood
Fig canker, a bacterium that can enter damaged tree trunks, causes the tree flesh to die and may girdle the fig. Sunburned trees are particularly at risk, so whitewashing the branches can help prevent infection.
According to the Cornell plant clinic website, Botrytis is a fungal infection, introduced through damaged fruit. It dries out the ends of branches. While the infection usually dies out in spring, the dead branches can be removed and the spread halted by removing damaged fruit.
Where to Find More Information About Fig Tree Care and Problems
Westcott's Plant Disease Handbook by Cynthia Westcott and Ralph Kenneth Horst is a useful guide to problems faced by all manner of plants, fig trees included.
Online, further information can be found at the California Rare Fruit Growers' Association or through agricultural extensions such as Aggie Horticulture in the Texas A&M University System. The Gardening Know-How site also has information about fig tree care.
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