Blight Fig Disease – Tips For Treating Pink Blight In Figs
Fig trees add character to the landscape and produce a bounty of tasty fruit. Pink limb blight can ruin the shape of a tree and destroy the crop. Read on to find out how to detect and treat this destructive disease.
What is Pink Fig Tree Blight?
Pink blight in figs is fairly common in the Eastern U.S. where summers are hot and humid. It is caused by the fungus Erythricium salmonicolor, also known as Corticum salmonicolor. There is no fungicide approved by the EPA for use on edible figs, so growers must rely on proper pruning to prevent and treat pink blight fig disease. Fungal diseases of fig trees thrive in unpruned trees where air can’t circulate freely. You’ll often see the first signs of the pink blight fig disease in the center of the crown where the branches are thickest, and moisture accumulates. Look for limbs and twigs with a dirty white or pale pink, velvety growth.
Treating Pink Blight in Figs
The only treatment is to remove affected stems and branches. Prune figs carefully, making your cuts at least 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) below the fungal growth. If there are no side shoots between what is left of the branch and the trunk, remove the entire branch. It’s a good idea to disinfect pruning equipment between cuts to avoid spreading blight diseases of fig trees as you prune. Use a full-strength household disinfectant or a solution of nine parts water and one part bleach. Dip the pruners in the solution after every cut. You may not want to use your best pruners for this job, since household bleach causes pitting on metal blades. Wash and dry the tools thoroughly when the job is complete. Fig tree blight doesn’t stand a chance in a properly pruned tree. Begin pruning while the tree is young and keep it up as long as the tree continues to grow. Remove enough of the branches to prevent overcrowding and allow air to circulate. Make cuts as close as possible to the trunk of the tree. Unproductive stubs that you leave on the trunk are entry points for disease.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
Jackie Carroll has written over 500 articles for Gardening Know How on a wide range of topics.
-
5 Night-Blooming Houseplants – Grow An Indoor Moon Garden
There is something uniquely special about night-blooming houseplants. Set the scene for a magical evening indoors with these fragrant flowering beauties.
By Amy Grant
-
Beautiful Butterfly Garden Ideas: 10 Ways To Attract Pretty Pollinators To Your Yard
Bringing butterflies to your backyard is one of the most important ways you can enhance wildlife, boost pollination and improve biodiversity. These 10 butterfly garden ideas can get you started
By Mary Ellen Ellis