Common Fig Tree Diseases

By: Kathy Mierzejewski

Fig trees are quite popular in the south. They can grow just about anywhere in Texas, especially along the Gulf Coast. They do require protection from the cold in the northern and western portions of the state and further irrigation in the drier areas of the state.

Although quite popular, these plants can’t be grown if you are not familiar with the common fig problems. Fig tree diseases are several, but there are a few more common fig problems that growers deal with more frequently.

What are common fig tree diseases?

Root-knot Nematodes

First, and most important of the problems fig trees have is Meloidogyne sp., or root-knot nematodes. These are worms that live in the soil of the fig tree and attack and eat the roots. This causes the fig roots to swell and interferes with their water and nutrient absorption. You can see the root swellings if you take a sampling of them.

It is possible fig problems with the nematode can go unnoticed for a long time. It takes time for the swellings to build up. When that occurs, the fig tree disease causes the tree to start to decline. You will find the tree producing premature fruit drop. Root-knot nematodes can be prevented if you make sure not to purchase a plant with current fig tree disease and plant it in soil that is nematode-free.

Fig Rust

A common fig tree leaf disease is the fig rust. This attacks the leaves and shows up as light orange spots on the leaves. Called Physopella fici., the spots enlarge and spread as the growing season progresses. This particular fig tree disease will cause the leaves to drop off the tree making it look quite ragged. What happens sometimes is that if the leaves drop off the plant early, new growth can appear and then the tree is susceptible to injury from the cold.

Fig problems from fig rust can be controlled with one or two applications of neutral copper spray in May or early June. This will help keep this particular fig tree leaf disease at bay until after the fruit ripens.

Fig Mosaic

There is a virus that can cause problems. Fig tree leaves are prone to fig mosaic. This is a disease that puts large yellow spots on the leaves. It can cause the leaves to be smaller and even cause fruit drop. As far as fig tree diseases go, this one is spread by cuttings and even by a mite. It can be controlled by making sure the propagation pieces are disease free and there are no insects.

There are other minor fig tree diseases that can be seen on fig leaves and roots, but they are not enough of a problem that they would be commonly seen. Keeping a close eye on your fig tree will prevent fig problems in the future.