Do you have a Sick or Dying Fig Tree? (FMV)

[@Daniel-nf8pp]

My first season growing figs in containers. My thoughts as an amateur. I would cut away the infected existing canopy, which often results in visibly healthier growth and more productive tree. No expert here.

[@ZaatarGardens]

I thought of that as well but I’m worried if the tree itself is infected and not just the current leaves and as for being an amateur, all of us are amateurs in gardening, we’re all trying to mimic nature The only one that knows how to do it best

[@SA-lr1sf]

I have never heard Celeste, Black Turkey or Hardy Chicago being sick or growing slow. I have 30 different fig trees and only my Black Madiara has FMV. When I fertilize the hell of it like I am going to burn it, then all leaves turn green and the FMV almost goes a way. It actually worries me that this one sick tree is going to make my other trees sick.

[@ronendvir]

I see no mosaic pattern damage on the leaves. I would check a problem with the roots. I am thinking of overwatering, A girdling root ? maybe you could clear some soil and reveal the roots to check soil moisture and root appearance.

[@ZaatarGardens]

Thank you for the response and tips but I’ve done all the above of what you said, it started looking like this even in a pot

[@ronendvir]

It will be very interesting to follow this tree and learn, if you succeed in healing it.

[@ZaatarGardens]

I am crossing my fingers and I’m gonna work my hardest

[@MissyKay1]

My 3 year old desert king, which is in a pot did the same thing this year. Leaves dropping, fruit drying and didn’t grow much at all! I thought it was just unhappy in its pot but maybe not. I will look into this, thanks.

[@ZaatarGardens]

Keep me updated. Desert King is an amazing variety.

[@alienmenace5205]

So how was your result after fish fsrtilizer?

[@nickangelovski4358]

It’s two spotted mite my friend, which looks like rust but it’s. not. Insecticidal soap sprays twice a week should fix it…

[@ZaatarGardens]

Unfortunately, that tree succumbed to its illness

[@marwahgul5244]

There doesn't seem to be any FMV on the leaves, I had the same problem and it was because of fig rust, the fungus is mostly due to a humid environment or too much rain as its in my case. I applied a natural fungicide using neem oil but that burnt out the leaves and led to some deformities. I think the spary you used could have been too intense weakening the tree and reducing the amount of fresh leaves that were made that year which affects the fruiting. If it was fmv it would have spread to your other figs, like mines had

[@rachelvail148]

what zone are you in?

[@ZaatarGardens]

Zone 9b

[@CarolineBurton]

A bit late here and this is by no means an expert opinion, but I would not plant anything as delicate (or temperamental) as a Fig right next to a concrete path. Concrete leaches calcium carbonate amongst other chemicals, which raises the ph level of surrounding soil.

[@ZaatarGardens]

It was very root bound from being in a pot for a very long time. That was the real reason why it passed away but thank you for your comment.

[@cliffhogan6375]

Was this tree originally planted in a plastic pot or a fabric pot? I am asking because I have a number of fig and citrus trees, all in fabric pots. Zone 8b-9a, Australia.

[@aniawalczak1168]

It is the same as my tree and I am searching for solutions

[@ZaatarGardens]

It was a head scratcher, but eventually I removed the tree (was afraid whatever it was would spread)

[@SA-lr1sf]

Like another person said, It doesn't look like FMV. Thanks god you don't have the biggest problem (FMV).

[@ZaatarGardens]

Thankfully

[@GoodNewsPress]

No answer for the problem

[@sunnysharma1701]

This doesn't look like fmv. You've buried the tree too deep and it's suffocating. Dig out and expose the root flare/buttress roots. Get rid of those weeds crowding the base, and give the tree a good layer of compost and wood chips. Do not crowd the root flare.

[@ZaatarGardens]

Unfortunately this was doing it in the pot as well and it was in the pot for two years a large terra-cotta pot

[@sunnysharma1701]

@@ZaatarGardens Yup, I've seen this exact problem before even in potted plants. The nutrient deficiency is oxygen here. Leaves start shedding and turn brown around the edges. Expose the root flare as much as you can, you'll be surprised at how fast the tree comes back. The base of the tree should look almost like a hand resting on the surface, not just a stick coming out of the ground.

[@sunnysharma1701]

Here's a video on how to expose the root flare and what the flare should look like. That celeste fig is amazing, a super productive and early producer of super sweet figs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXmpiYtnaZqpeZo&ab_channel=DirtDoctor

[@ZaatarGardens]

Thank you much!