Ficus Tree Disease in Florida
- A very common ficus tree disease symptom is discolored leaves and figs. The leaves may turn yellow or get reddish, brown or black spots. Some other types of ficus diseases cause less fruit production, according to Purdue University. Root diseases can cause a ficus tree to start wilting, according to the University of Florida.
- Some common ficus fungi are anthracnose, mushroom root rot, rust, pink limb blight, aerial/web blight and cercospora leaf spot, according to the University of Florida. Anthracnose, rust and cercospora leaf spot present themselves as spots on the leaves and/or fruit of the fig tree. Pink limb blight is a pinkish fungus that kills tree limbs. Mushroom root rot shows up when trees start to wilt and die, and aerial/web blight causes the tree's leaves to turn yellowish and eventually die. Since no fungicides are EPA approved for fig trees, fungi problems require alternative treatments. In general, diseased trees or tree parts may have to be removed altogether, although the National Gardening Association recommends horticultural oil sprays to kill fungi.
- The University of Florida describes fig mosaic virus as an unknown virus that causes leaf spots, small fruit, dropped leaves and dropped fruits. Scientists do not yet know exactly which virus causes fig mosaic virus, and there is no chemical cure for the disease. The University of Florida simply recommends buying starter plants that definitely do not have the virus.
- Insects do not qualify as diseases themselves, but they contribute to ficus tree disease. The University of Florida explains that mites probably spread fig mosaic virus. Aphids, scales, psyllids and other insects that produce honeydew cause sooty mold, which grows on the honeydew that they secrete. Horticultural oils deter some insects, and ladybugs eat aphids, according to the National Gardening Association. Another good method of getting rid of minor bug problems is to spray them off of tree leaves with water. Insecticides help get rid of disease-spreading pests but gardeners should only turn to these harsh products as a last resort.
- Fungi usually thrive in damp environments, so avoid getting ficus tree leaves wet when watering, as suggested by the University of Florida. The exception to this tip is when gardeners may want to intentionally spray tree leaves with water to wash away disease-spreading bugs. Buy ficus trees from certified nurseries to ensure that they do not come with diseases. Trim off all infected plant areas to keep diseases from spreading, and avoid planting new trees in areas where diseased trees used to grow. Keep in mind that fungus spores can survive in soil and on fallen tree parts, so remove all infected tree clippings from the ficus tree area.
