Caprifigs in March-2014

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lampo

Registered:1329071797
Posts: 2,062

Posted 1395102504	Reply with quote #1

It is my duty to tell my fellow members in general and the few having recently become interested on the Caprifig life and duties, what is happening here... Some Mamme figs now sufficiently ripe and ready to let wasps go and find nearby Profichis. Parchl variety (code 4) with grown up Profichis with open ostioles, loosing their shiny green skin color and showing those white dots, a strong indicator that it has already been caprificated. The dark violet, rough skin fig on the side , the Mamme, will keep exiting more wasps for another 4 or 5 days, for other Profichis, as they become receptive- Detail of the leaves of above Caprifig Stombr variety (code 7) with very dark Mamme, and Profichis already changing color to their typical dark tones Wasps have not yet emerged for caprification of the nearby Profichi crop, all still in their shiny dark green skin, eyes still closed. Estimate another 3 or 4 days for the insects to commence the move This is the top of a branch from a young, 4 years old, Caprifig (unknown variety) showing its very first Profichi apparently already visited by wasps from another nearby Caprifig. The open eye tells that it was already visited by the insect. Another wild fig with an average crop and most interesting leaf contours. For a while thought I was in the presence of a male 'Ice Crystal' ??! On these moves wasps will not carry any pollen!! The above Prifichis will provide an abundant supply of pollen, in three months from now when they shall be liberating their wasps Francisco

recomer20

Registered:1378013757
Posts: 402

Posted 1395104941	Reply with quote #2

An article (reliable?) reports "The ornamental fig 'Ice Crystal' well known English gardeners is a caprifiguier of this species." http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://olharfeliz.typepad.com/jardin/2013/07/ficus-afghanistanica-et-lorigine-du-figuier.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dafghanistanica%2Bfig%2Bjohannis%26start%3D20%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1179%26bih%3D685 __________________ Rick C. Birmingham, AL z7b --- INGROUND: S.C.Lemon ("Dr.Welch"), LSUpurple, Celeste (Std) POTTED 3rd Yr: Alma, Atreano, BattGreen, GrnGreek, HardyChicago, ItalianBlack (Becnel), LSUGold?, MBvs, Sal's EL, Southern BT?, St.Jean, Jackie'sUnk POTTED 2nd Yr: SunbirdUnkJP, BourjNoire, JHAdriatic, ValleNegra ROOTING: RdB, ScottsBlk, BlkGreek-MN,Preto

javajunkie

Registered:1362970391
Posts: 1,523

Posted 1395107748	Reply with quote #3

Thank you Francisco, please keep posting about the caprifig. I am extremely interested in trying to find out if the wasp can be introduced in places without freezing temp and survive. Seeing your caprifigs is very helpful as I've never seen one in person. __________________ Tami SE Texas

Tam

Registered:1365478628
Posts: 1,084

Posted 1395108621	Reply with quote #4

Hi! Francisco, How are you? Thank you for sharing information on the Capri fig and posting beautiful photos. Very nice, Francisco. The last photo looks like the Ice Crystal. Can you please share with us more information about this Ice Crystal if you know. What are the fruits look like and what are their taste. and how big can the tree grow. Is it cold hardy? Thank you. Best, Tam

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1395108747	Reply with quote #5

francisco, thank you for the update. i think my mamme are all done for. they do not look fresh at this time. tho, they were just figs on branches. but, i'm rooting the branches to see if i can get reliable caprifigs going thanks to a very generous member. maybe fig wasps will still fly out. but i don't think my breba on common figs will be ready. there is always next yr :) __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

JR

Registered:1359306591
Posts: 131

Posted 1395111548	Reply with quote #6

Very useful photos and information - thanks!

Ruuting

Registered:1359310699
Posts: 613

Posted 1395112266	Reply with quote #7

As always, you post beautiful images, Francisco. Through the shallow depth of field one can discern the many branches in the background, carrying their own clusters of figs. Is the yellow coloring on the branches a local moss? It's a great color. I wonder if that means you've been having lots of rain, or if that's a product of low amounts of sunlight reaching those branches. I've read that Caprifigs have to be treated differently, as the shaded "fruit" is a more inviting environment for the wasp. Have you experienced more wasp activity in shaded Proficchi? This bit of knowledge would aid in decision making when pruning, and in placing in-ground plants. I suppose Mammoni would also be affected by a hot Autumn, but Mamme wouldn't be as susceptible to high temperatures, as it forms in Winter. I have a lot of questions! One more... If the life cycle of Proffichi is meant to coincide with forming of main (second) crop Smyrna or San Pedro figs, as nature would apparently indicate, would pinching speed up ripening of Proffichi as it does with common figs? Would removing Mamme figs (for those who are thinking of hand pollinating) also aid in earlier ripening? Would it affect it in a negative way? I've been doing a lot of reading, but have not found any mention of it. __________________ Rui Southeast CT, zone 6B

Aaron4USA

Registered:1375832059
Posts: 2,969

Posted 1395114205	Reply with quote #8

Francisco, thank you for the beautiful and tutorial pictures. It's always appreciated.

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1395117962	Reply with quote #9

Thanks, Francisco. Time for a field trip to visit Francisco! __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

Gina

Registered:1330452963
Posts: 2,260

Posted 1395125082	Reply with quote #10

Nice photos. Thanks, Francisco. :) __________________ WillsC's new fig forum: http://www.Ourfigs.com (and blueberries)

lampo

Registered:1329071797
Posts: 2,062

Posted 1395140663	Reply with quote #11

Thank you all for your time reading those notes. recomer - 'my' Ice Crystal (?) does not seam to be en edible fig. No doubt it is a Caprifig. It may a leaf pattern similar or close to that expensive ebayed variety . One thing is certain, their figs are large for a caprifig. Tami, Yes I shall keep updating developments on these trees. Sad to be so far away Tam, thank you I am very well. I do not think this is a Ice Crystal.. the figs are non edible, dry inside full of gall flowers with plenty of wasps..it happens to have a particular leaf pattern close to that expensive shrub Pete, yes that is normal. As said before, best would be for air layers in February and patiently wait until April/May to cut and pot. I am convinced that this would keep all fruit alive and developing If for some reason a Mamme crop dies, all larvae or wasps will go as well. Rui, that yellow stuff is typical on some trees and I believe to a form of a parasitic yellow lichen It is common on old and abandoned trees with many years without any cleaning/pruning Rain may certainly influence these 'algee'.. there was not much of it and that particular branch although facing south is somehow shaded by neighboring trees. Yes, Caprifigs like some protection specially from direct sun light and radiation. Most productive trees are found on deep valleys, ravines and along deep humid creeks . Excessive exposure to the sun may certainly kill all or part of the insects or larvae inside... specially during April or May Profichi's are ripe and ready to deliver wasps full of pollen (and eggs for the next generation) by approx 3rd/4th week of June... some going into July By this time and within this period all Smyrna, San Pedro summer crop and Common show readiness to take the wasp and be pollinated Never played with pruning/pinching caprifigs so I do not know how they react What I may do (did this morning) is to open ripe Mammes and get them close to my potted Caprifigs forcing wasps out . For some reason had only one good healthy Mamme fig for some 5 potted caprifigs with dozens of Profichis As there is no pollen involved the wasps may freely abandon the cut halves and fly into all availabe and receptive nearby Profichis. Francisco

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1395141390	Reply with quote #12

francisco, i read number of yours and harvey's posts on caprifig. it seems the time the mamme/profichi/mammoni release the wasps are different. depends on the location of the tree, and each type of tree. does that mean it would be better if i send a air layer off the caprifig that has been grown in my area and have the occupied by the wasps and have it sent back? that way the tree is already in tune with my location and the wasps will follow that tree's time table.. just a thought. then again, that might not be possible since i can't send soil or plant into CA. __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

lampo

Registered:1329071797
Posts: 2,062

Posted 1424567026	Reply with quote #13

Approaching now the time (in 2014) when thee first pictures of the present thread were taken, I must say that if all goes well, 2015 looks to be a good year for the male fig. In a month from now, the fat, rock-hard, violet colored, mature Mamme crop, will be releasing millions of wasps to find shelter inside the young/ receptive, neighboring, shining Profichi figs These clean wasps (absolutely no pollen in their bodies/legs and wings) will be entering those Profichi to lay their load of eggs and warrant the next colony of insects. Francisco Portugal

AltadenaMara

Registered:1422990132
Posts: 375

Posted 1424628720 · Edited	Reply with quote #14

I found it interesting that the wasps were introduced to California through the efforts of one man, T. Swingle. I doubt he could do that today. Some governmental agency would be stopping him at the border. "It was not until 1890 when C. Roeding demonstrated that caprification was necessary for these to set fruit. Finally, caprifigs imported by W. T. Swingle from Asia Minor, Smyrna, Mexico, Greece, and Algeria resulted in successful issue of the specific blastophaga (fig) wasp needed for pollination and the California commercial fig industry was born on June 23, 1899. Today this popular golden-brown fig is the Smyrna variety that was brought to California’s San Joaquin Valley from Turkey in 1882, and was renamed Calimyrna in honor of its new homeland." http://www.californiafigs.com/about_figs.php?page=5 Environmentalists are destroying all “non-native” plants in the arroyo near my home. I bet the wild caprifigs that might be growing there are lost as a result of this. __________________ Mara Southern California Zone 1990= 9b 2012= 10a 2020=?

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,183

Posted 1424631631	Reply with quote #15

I think the result of the successful introduction was a combination of the proper climate, number of caprifigs, people persistance, etc. The env. agencies doing their work everywhere but we have so many figs around that is would be impossible to get rid of all the seedlings. We have many more fig loving birds :) __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

lampo

Registered:1329071797
Posts: 2,062

Posted 1424635647	Reply with quote #16

AltadenaMara, http://www.forgottenbooks.com/books/The_Smyrna_Fig_1000850249 This book, by George C Roeding, can be found on line and it's very good reading particularly for fig lovers, hobbyists, etc To counter potential threats from the 'env' experts one can always select a few ideal places in Nature and plant fertile fig seeds. Doing so the Caprifig shall be kept alive and well Francisco Portugal

AltadenaMara

Registered:1422990132
Posts: 375

Posted 1424646127	Reply with quote #17

Greenfig, you’re right. The birds are working at this full time. I also found caprifig cuttings for sale today, so the birds and wasps will have some help, with any luck. Francisco, thanks for the book recommendation. I look forward to reading it. Mara zone 9b SoCal Want: Zidi, Black Madeira, Italian 258, Capri Q __________________ Mara Southern California Zone 1990= 9b 2012= 10a 2020=?

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,183

Posted 1424654134	Reply with quote #18

Oh, my. You do not need to buy the caprifig cuttings ! I can tell you quite a few locations, you can get them yourself __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

AltadenaMara

Registered:1422990132
Posts: 375

Posted 1424655377	Reply with quote #19

That's so nice of you to offer, but it's too late. The cuttings have already shipped. I was going to run up the arroyo today and look for caprifigs, but the rain made it easier to just stay at home, warm and dry, and PayPal my way through the afternoon. __________________ Mara Southern California Zone 1990= 9b 2012= 10a 2020=?

Gina

Registered:1330452963
Posts: 2,260

Posted 1424659397	Reply with quote #20

In my area of Cali I've only seen 4 caprifigs - two growing in old estates at the other end of town, one near a horse corral (since removed), and one growing coincidentally in a goat corral. Caprifigs fortunately have not invaded our native riparian communities, though eucalyptus, ash trees and non native vines sadly have. I have seen the wasp locally, but I don't think it's as common as in other places in the state. Nice to see your lovely photos again, Lampo. :) __________________ WillsC's new fig forum: http://www.Ourfigs.com (and blueberries)

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1424705861	Reply with quote #21

Curious how far the wasp travels to pollinate figs. Interesting that the wasp likes the shade, and will die if it's in hot sun. Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

lampo

Registered:1329071797
Posts: 2,062

Posted 1424732224	Reply with quote #22

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/wildlife/6538443/Wasp-can-travel-100-miles-in-under-two-days.html Wasps travel very long distances. Long reach pheromones do attract them to receptive fruit. If given proper shelter I believe they may last far more than 48 hours. Francisco Portugal

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1424734832	Reply with quote #23

lampo! What a great article! I not only pinned it to my Fig pinboard, I copied the whole article and saved it in my documents fig folder. There may be hope if the wasps can travel that far! With our climate, it astounds me NOBODY in this town, except for one backyard and one nursery has any fig trees growing. It's an agricultural meca! There are dairy farms and citrus orchards for miles!! NO FIG TREES. I'm the only one, and mine will be big! I'm picking up a couple 5 gallon caprifigs from Sue around the end of March, so if they fruit and nothing happens, I'll be in touch with HarveyC for some wasps. Thanks! Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

donpaid

Registered:1388952715
Posts: 216

Posted 1424737793	Reply with quote #24

Thanks for shaing that article. It's so interesting to think of how far those little wasps have to travel and of how small of a target they have. I wish I could sniff out fig pheromones! Suzi, good luck with your caprifigs! I'd love to hear how they turn out.

AltadenaMara

Registered:1422990132
Posts: 375

Posted 1424776833 · Edited	Reply with quote #25

Iampo, thanks for the book recommendation. I thought The Smyrna Fig would be a dry scientific study, but it’s an exciting adventure story of Roeding's travels in Turkey around 1896-1899. He was an agricultural James Bond trying to bring the right figs, the right wasps, and the right caprifig trees to California and make it all work here better than in Turkey. Some of us are still trying to accomplish this. They made a lot of mistakes and failed miserably for years amid popular ridicule and criticism before everything came together. It would make a great movie .A friend of mine will be going on a tour in Turkey this week. She will be visiting some of the same places he talks about in the book. __________________ Mara Southern California Zone 1990= 9b 2012= 10a 2020=?

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