Fig Mosaic Virus: Preventing & Managing This Dreaded Disease

In spite of the occasional need for maintenance, fig trees produce a bountiful harvest every year with minimal effort. However, it should be acknowledged that fig trees may encounter different challenges of varying degrees.

One disease that every fig grower dreads is the fig mosaic virus, but most people do not know much about it other than it is something no one wants.

Once a fig tree is infected, the mosaic virus cannot be completely eradicated from the plant. However, by managing fig rust mites, practicing good sanitation, and cutting the tree back severely during dormancy, it is possible to minimize the impact of the virus and maintain the health of the tree.

The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you’ll be to manage the occasional setback.

Let’s take a close look at the fig mosaic virus, the effects it can have on your trees, and what, if anything, you can do to combat it.

Sadly, fig mosaic virus isn’t the only problem you might face with your fig trees, and prompt action is imperative. I explain the most common issues and provide solutions in my comprehensive article Fig Tree Diseases and Pests.

Understanding Fig Mosaic Virus

Fig mosaic virus is a plant virus that affects fig trees, causing significant damage to their overall health and fruit production.

It belongs to the family Virgaviridae and is characterized by its ability to infect a wide range of fig tree cultivars.

Modes of Transmission and Spread

Fig mosaic virus can be transmitted and spread through various means. The primary modes of transmission include:

• Infected plant material: Using infected cuttings or grafting material can introduce the virus to healthy trees.
• Pruning tools: Tools such as shears or saws can transfer the virus from infected trees to healthy ones if not properly disinfected between cuts.
• Insect vectors: Certain insects, such as fig rust mites (Aculops fici), can transmit the virus from infected to healthy trees during feeding.

Symptoms in Affected Trees

Fig trees infected with fig mosaic virus exhibit several symptoms, which may vary depending on the cultivar and environmental conditions. Common symptoms include:

• Mosaic patterns on leaves: Irregular light and dark-green patterns appear on the leaves, resembling a mosaic. These patterns may be accompanied by yellowing or chlorosis.
• Leaf distortion: Affected leaves may become distorted, crinkled, or wrinkled.
• Reduced vigor: Infected trees often show stunted growth and overall reduced vigor compared to healthy trees.
• Fruit abnormalities: Fruits produced on infected trees may display irregular shapes, sizes, or colors. They may also have a lower sugar content and reduced flavor.
• Premature fruit drop: Infected trees may experience premature fruit drop, leading to reduced yield.

Impacts on Tree Health

Fig mosaic virus weakens the overall health of infected trees, making them more susceptible to other diseases and environmental stressors.

It compromises the tree’s ability to photosynthesize efficiently, leading to reduced growth and vigor.

Impacts on Fruit Production and Quality

Fig mosaic virus has significant effects on the fruit production and quality of infected fig trees:

• Infected trees often produce fewer fruits compared to healthy trees. The virus hampers the tree’s ability to allocate energy for fruit development.
• Fruits from infected trees may exhibit irregular shapes, sizes, or colors. They can also have blemishes, uneven ripening, and lower sugar content, resulting in compromised fruit quality.
• Infected trees may experience delayed fruit ripening, prolonging the time it takes for fruits to reach optimal harvest readiness.
• Fig trees weakened by fig mosaic virus become more vulnerable to other pathogens and environmental stresses, which further impact fruit production and quality.

Preventing Fig Mosaic Virus

While there is no cure for fig mosaic virus, preventive measures can help minimize the risk of infection.

• Only obtain fig trees from reputable nurseries or trusted sources that provide certified disease-free stock.
• Disinfect pruning tools (shears, saws) between cuts and avoid using infected plant material during propagation.
• Manage populations of fig rust mites and other potential vectors through proper pest management practices.
• Quarantine newly acquired fig trees for a period of time before introducing them to existing plantings to ensure they are free from the virus.

Managing Fig Mosaic Virus

Although fig mosaic virus cannot be cured, several management strategies can help reduce its impact on infected trees.

Implement integrated pest management techniques to manage fig rust mites and other potential vectors.

Regular monitoring, appropriate insecticide treatments, and improving overall tree health can help mitigate mite populations.

Pruning infected trees back severely during the dormant season stimulates new growth and can help rejuvenate the tree. However, this should only be done if the tree is otherwise healthy and vigorous.

Provide proper care, including regular watering, increased nutrition, and disease prevention measures, to enhance the overall vigor of infected trees and improve their ability to tolerate the virus.

Promptly remove and destroy any infected plant material, including fallen leaves and fruits, to reduce the virus reservoir and minimize its spread.

Fig Varieties Resistant to Fig Mosaic Virus

While no fig variety is completely immune to fig mosaic virus, some varieties have shown greater resistance. These include:

• ‘Celeste’
• ‘Desert King‘
• ‘Olympian’
• ‘LSU Purple’

Related Questions:

Does Mosaic Virus Stay in Soil?

Fig mosaic virus is primarily transmitted through infected plant material and insect vectors. It does not persist in the soil for extended periods.

However, it’s important to maintain good sanitation practices, including removing and destroying infected plant debris, to reduce the risk of reinfection.

Can You Eat Fruit With Mosaic Virus?

While fig trees infected with fig mosaic virus can still produce edible fruit, the quality and quantity of the fruit are often compromised.

The fruits may have abnormal characteristics, lower sugar content, and reduced flavor, but you can eat them if you wish.

It is advisable to focus on managing the virus and maintaining the health of the tree to mitigate the negative impacts on fruit production.

Closing Thoughts

Fig mosaic virus poses a significant threat to fig trees, impacting their overall health and fruit production.

While there is no cure for the virus, preventive measures play a crucial role in minimizing its spread, but know that a diagnosis of FMV does not have to mean an end to your fig trees.

If you are currently dealing with fig mosaic virus, implement the management strategies discussed above until you see healthy growth. It’s definitely worth the effort.

When it comes to fig tree problems, the more informed you are, the better. Be sure to check out these articles next:

• Figs Taste Sour? Here’s Why & How To Correct the Problem
• Fig Rust: Causes, Symptoms & How To Treat It Effectively