Fig tree leaf discoloration/mottling - Ask Extension
Hello,
Last year our 5-year old fig tree developed some leaf discoloration/mottling and some leaves were disfigured. I trimmed off the affected areas...
Knowledgebase
Fig tree leaf discoloration/mottling #869558
Asked May 22, 2024, 12:44 AM EDT
Hello,
Last year our 5-year old fig tree developed some leaf discoloration/mottling and some leaves were disfigured. I trimmed off the affected areas as much as possible. The tree still produced a nice crop of figs despite the issue. This year I’m seeing similar problems on the new growth. In addition, some leaves are also looking skeleton-like.
Any advice for mitigation of this issues so we can keep the tree healthy and growing for years would be greatly appreciated. I’ve attached a couple of photos for reference. Thank you.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your questions, Cheryl. The leaf spotting may be from either a fungus or a bacterium, described here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/fig-ficus-carica-leaf-spots
Without a lab test, we can't diagnose from just a photo, but you can submit plant samples for examination: https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-plant-materials
The leaves with holes are probably being chewed by an insect, but, without information to help identify it, we can't recommend a control mechanism. Other regions have reported moth infestations (https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/monroeco/2018/05/18/whats-eating-my-ficus/) and this pattern is typical of certain beetle species. Perhaps you can examine your tree more closely to see what is under the leaf, on the stems, or whether you can detect them at night, when some beetle species feed. Good luck!
Without a lab test, we can't diagnose from just a photo, but you can submit plant samples for examination: https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-plant-materials
The leaves with holes are probably being chewed by an insect, but, without information to help identify it, we can't recommend a control mechanism. Other regions have reported moth infestations (https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/monroeco/2018/05/18/whats-eating-my-ficus/) and this pattern is typical of certain beetle species. Perhaps you can examine your tree more closely to see what is under the leaf, on the stems, or whether you can detect them at night, when some beetle species feed. Good luck!
