In our latitudes, the real fig is a very robust fruit tree that rarely suffers from diseases. Nevertheless, you should regularly inspect the heat-loving plant closely. You can detect plant diseases and pest infestations early and combat them with appropriate means.
What diseases occur in the fig tree and how can they be combated?
The most common fig tree diseases are fig mosaic virus, rust fungus, sunburn and rot. To combat them, affected parts of the plant should be removed, treated with fungicides and optimal growth conditions should be created for the plant.
The most common fig diseases:
- Fig Mosaic Virus
- Rust fungus
- Sunburn
- Rot
The Fig Mosaic Virus
This viral disease is initially shown by discoloration on the young, light leaves. Newly formed leaves have deformities of the beautiful lobes. Plants that are exposed to excessive stress in windy, cool and humid summers are particularly at risk. Normally the mosaic virus does not need to be treated because it is harmless to the fruit tree and almost every fig carries the virus. As soon as the fig tree finds optimal conditions again, it produces he althy, fresh foliage.
Rust mushrooms
You can recognize rust infestation by the characteristic orange-brown spore coatings on the leaves. The leaf becomes thin and holey at the edges and in the affected areas. Since rust loves moisture, it often occurs in rainy summers with few hours of sunshine.
So that the fungal disease does not spread further, you must cut off all affected plant parts and dispose of them with household waste. Under no circumstances should the leaves be composted, as the fungal spores survive in the soil and re-infect the plant 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 visible the next day. Potted plants and young plants that you move outdoors after the winter break are particularly at risk. You can avoid sunburn by slowly acclimating the bucket fig to its location. Even though the appearance of the plant suffers, a single sunburn is not dangerous for the plant because new shoots and leaves grow back he althy.
Rotification
Rot can occur on any part of the trunk, branches and roots. Underneath the bark, which has mostly become shriveled, the destroyed tissue feels soft and slimy. In many cases, the cause of rot is waterlogging, to which the fig tree reacts very sensitively. Discover rotting plant parts, cut them back deep into the he althy wood and reduce watering. With a bit of luck, the plant will regenerate completely.
Tips & Tricks
If you are forced to treat the fig with a fungicide, find out exactly how the product works. Some substances are deposited in the fruits and can make them unsuitable for consumption.
