Hello Stephen,

Fig fruits do not usually succumb to rots like this in our area (though climate change may impact that), so we aren't certain what causal organism is responsible. We recommend the typical approach of good sanitation, though, where all fallen fruit is removed (if applicable) and all ripe fruit (again, if applicable, given the decay issue) is picked right away. If this is a consistent problem, consider removing all fruit for now and disposing of it to lessen the chances pathogen spores persist; unripe fruits included, since it seems like it may become ruined anyway.

Are you noticing any blemishes on the fig skin that might indicate an insect or other animal took a bite out of the fruit? Wounds can be an avenue for fungi or bacteria (especially the latter) to enter tissues and cause infection and rot. Wasps and beetles, for instance, can take an interest in ripening fruit. Does the foliage look normal? Is the plant being irrigated in any way that wets the foliage and fruits?

We would be interested to hear back from you if the second crop of fruit ripens normally. (You can simply reply to this email thread so your submissions remain connected, or reference your question number.) Do you know what cultivar this is?

We do not expect there is any connection with the peach ailments you had, of which there can be several when trees are not prophylactically treated with fungicides or when weather promotes heavy outbreaks. For the fig, though, we do not recommend a fungicide since we do not yet know what organism we are dealing with.

Miri