Knowledgebase

Figs rotting on tree, ? From spotted lanternfly #872053

Asked June 07, 2024, 12:04 PM EDT

My brown turkey fig tree has mature figs that are going bad. I have never seen this before and today I spotted several young spotted lantern flies on the figs. Could they be the cause? The fig tree, otherwise, is thriving and has many figs. I could not find any egg nests on the trunk. Also, what would be the best way to get rid of this invasive pest (which I will report)? Many thanks in advance! The bottom photo shows a young SLF

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi- although SLF is frequently found in fig trees there have not been reports of feeding injury. Please send close-up photos if you think you are seeing these planthoppers inserting their mouthparts into leaves or stems and feeding. 

We are not exactly sure what is causing your young figs to turn brown. We don't think it's a disease. These young figs may be the early breba crop. This is followed by the main crop that ripens late summer. Brown Turkey often produces a light breba crop. The breba crop is lower quality and can reduce the main crop so it's best to strip them off before they enlarge. 

Let us know if the problem worsens or changes. 

UME's fig page:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-figs-maryland/

Please report your SLF population to MDA:
https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/spotted-lantern-fly.aspx

We do not recommend spraying SLF:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/spotted-lanternfly-management-residents/
Jon
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 07, 2024, 2:23 PM EDT

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