In our latitudes, the real fig is a very robust fruit tree that rarely suffers from diseases. Nevertheless, you should regularly take a close look at the heat-loving plant. Plant diseases and pest infestations can be detected early and combated with suitable means.
The most common fig diseases:
- Fig Mosaic Virus
- rust fungus
- sunburn
- rot
The Fig Mosaic Virus
This viral disease is initially reflected in discolouration on the young, light-colored leaves. Newly formed leaves show malformations of the pretty lobing. Plants that experience excessive stress during windy, cool, and humid summers are particularly at risk. Normally, the mosaic virus does not have to be treated because it is harmless to the fruit tree and almost every fig is a carrier of the virus. As soon as the fig tree finds optimal conditions again, it reproduces healthy, fresh foliage.
rust fungi
Infestation with rust can be recognized by the characteristic orange-brown spore coating on the leaves. The leaf becomes thin and pitted at the edges and in the affected areas. Since rust likes it moist, it often occurs in rainy summers with few hours of sunshine.
To prevent the fungal disease from spreading further, you must cut off all affected parts of the plant and dispose of them with household waste. Under no circumstances should the leaves be composted, as the fungal spores survive in the soil and infect the plant again when they are spread. Spray the fig with a suitable fungicide.
sunburn
Excessive UV radiation can cause leaf damage, the extent of which often only becomes apparent the next day. In particular, potted plants and young plants that you move outside after the winter break are at risk. You can avoid sunburn by slowly getting the tub fig used to the location. Despite the fact that the plant looks bad, a single sunburn is not dangerous for the plant, because new shoots and leaves grow back healthy.
putrefaction
Rot can appear on all parts of the trunk, branches and roots. Under the mostly shriveled bark, the destroyed tissue feels soft and slimy. In many cases, the cause of rot is waterlogging, to which the fig tree is very sensitive. Discover rotting plant parts, cut them back deep into the healthy wood and reduce watering. With a bit of luck, the plant will fully regenerate.
tips and tricks
If you are forced to treat the fig with a fungicide, find out exactly how the agent works. Some substances are deposited in the fruit and can make them unsuitable for consumption.