I was wondering if anyone from the California wasp areas has some LSU variety that has ripe fruit that has fallen to the ground or maybe damaged by birds etc...  that they could mail east.  Even if the seeds produce mostly non-persistent trees, it could save me a years time.  Seedlings could be screened for rust resistance, soil tolerance, growth habit, etc... the fruit of a persistent capri could be useful also, if anyone has one. Thanks.

Charles, you might want to PM greenfig. He's has offered seeds to forum members and previously he has had seeds from LSU Black .
Check out the following link
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/want-seeds-v2015-7500741?highlight=lsu+black&trail=50

Yes, I did have many but we are approaching a Thanksgiving, it is a bit too late for the figs in general and pollinated as well.
I will let you know if any odd one gets ripe.

Thanks Igor, I remember you saying you were out of LSU seed.  Your Unk. Black and Strawberry Verte seedlings are doing well.  At certain times of year I'm travelling, so I'm not always here.

I've read here the US government doesn't want us buying cuttings from Europe.  Does that include seed also? Has anyone tried it?  Which countries in EU have the wasp?  So many ?  lol  There are some interesting varieties available on Ebay.

Hi Charles,

If you haven't already, I suggest You contact Lampo in Portugal, and set up some sort of cooperation with him. He knows his figs and has access to pollinated fig-seeds. And very important he is a friendly and helpfull guy.

Here is a link about getting fig seeds from Europe.  

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/how-to-get-seeds-from-turkey-7005205

I appreciate the feedback guys.  From reading the various international threads here it sounds like the US is spending billions of dollars to regulate and control these things, so I think I'll go to the international market down the street and get the fig seeds there instead.

Hi CharlesC,
Unless for the fun of it, I wouldn't go with the seed way. There are already so many known strains ... Just try them "all" and keep the more adapted to your locales.

As for soil problems, plant the trees in big "pots" 80 liters/20 gallons or more and fill the planter with dirt from the nurseries ... One problem solved...
I'm in clay dirt, and I do it too as clay is not fig friendly.

Hybridizing plants has been a hobby of mine for a few years now.  There is a lot of potential here with fig's general good health, good productivity, and tolerances for poor soil, drought, salt, extreme heat, some cold.  Most of the world's good soil is already being farmed with corn, wheat etc...  the poor soil areas of the world could use an improved plant to help produce a lot of food.  I think I can make a plant that will produce nutritious food year round in zones 9+, even in less than ideal soil.  It will take years, but I think it's something that's worth doing, and I enjoy the process anyway.  Watching the seedlings sprout, taking care of them, wondering what they will turn into, deciding which parents should be combined in the next generation to fix which traits.  The whole thing is a lot of fun.

Charles I only wish I had the money and land to do something like that. It reminds me of one time where I had an idea of grafting a flower onto a carrot so it would produce food and flowers but then I learned about genetics and stuff. I wish you good luck on your goal.

Charles,

Are you interested in RdB and Grantham's Royal seeds?

Matthew, thank you, I appreciate that.  If I manage to improve something, perhaps you will be able to improve it again sometime in the future.

Igor, RdB and GR have many good qualities, their seeds have a chance to be exceptional, so yes I would be interested.

@charlesc: I agree. I also enjoy planting seedlings and wondering what they will turn into. I chose the worst possible place to grow figs, so anything that produces here will have to be well adapted to nearly constant rainfall, saturated, nutrient poor, acid soil.

I think a lot of countries in the tropics could use a fruit that provides food year round. It's also fun to think into the future, if the project is successful. That possibly millions of people could be growing, selling and enjoying something I created.

I think you on the right track with LSU figs they already have some good improvements.

Wow, 195 inches of rain is a lot.  Only 55 inches here, but we likely have similar needs in plants.  If I come up with something promising, I'll be sure to send you one for testing.