Content
- Diseases of the Fig: Symptoms and Remedy
- The most common fig diseases:
- The fig mosaic virus
- rusts
- sunburn
- rots
- Tips & Tricks
Diseases of the Fig: Symptoms and Remedy
The real fig is a very robust fruit tree in our latitudes, which rarely suffers from diseases. Nevertheless, you should take a close look at the heat-loving plant regularly. Plant diseases and pest infestation can be identified early and tackled with appropriate means.
The most common fig diseases:
The fig mosaic virus
This virus disease first shows discoloration on the young, bright leaves. Newly formed leaves show malformations of the pretty lobes. Particularly endangered are plants that are exposed to excessive stress in windy, cool and humid summers. Normally, the mosaic virus does not need to be treated because it is safe for the fruit tree and almost every fig is the carrier of the virus. As soon as the fig tree finds optimal conditions, it reproduces healthy, fresh foliage.
rusts
Rust infestation can be recognized by the characteristic orange-brown spore coverings on the foliage. The leaf becomes thin and pitted at the edges as well as at the affected areas. Since rust loves it wet, it is common in rainy summers with few hours of sunshine.
So that the fungal disease does not spread further, you must cut off all infested plant parts and dispose of them with the household waste. Under no circumstances should the leaves be composted, as the fungal spores survive in the soil and re-infect the plant during emergence. Inject the fig with a suitable fungicide.
sunburn
Excessive UV irradiation can cause leaf damage, the extent of which often only becomes visible the next day. In particular potted plants and young plants, which put you in the open air after the winter break, are at risk. You can avoid sunburn by slowly getting the Buckthorn to get used to the site. Despite the appearance of the plant suffers a single sunburn is not dangerous for the plant, because new shoots and leaves grow back healthy.
rots
Rot can occur on all parts of the trunk, branches and roots. Under the usually crusty 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 deep into healthy wood and reduce watering. With luck, the plant will regenerate completely.
Tips & Tricks
Are you forced to treat the fig with a fungicide, inquire exactly about the effect of the remedy. Some substances are deposited in the fruits and may make them unsuitable for consumption.