If you have a fig with FMV, what does this mean for that plant? Can it still be productive? And do you have to keep it away from your other figs? Mine are all in pots now, so there is no direct soil contact. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

John

NC Zone 8a/8b

It varies--some people report that it affects the quality of their fruit. Many of my trees, which are mostly still quite young (UCD cuttings from 2010), showed pretty heavy FMV in their first year, and less the second. This year I'm seeing very little sign of the typical leaf distortion, although I've noticed some slight mottling of leaf pigment. Personally, I don't worry about it at all.

John... Many cuttings from UDC have FMV. But, many younger trees can have this. I think, that stress( potting, transplanting, too much or not enough rain, various factors ) can bring forth the FMV symptoms. As your trees adjust and get older, you will probably see less and less FMV.    Just my opinion.   Fred

So what I am hearing so far is that I should just take it in stride, correct? What is the danger of transfer to my non-FMV figs if they are all in separate pots? I had two survive from my old collection, one with and one without. Since I am rebuilding my figs, I want to be careful on all aspects.

John

NC Zone 8a/8b

I have read it is spread by mites, so if you don't have mites... Of course there are other sucking insects too, like aphids. Don't know if they are carriers however.  Be sure to also sterilize pruning sheers between plants.

I got one batch of cuttings of Mary Lane seedless that are so infected the leaves look as if they have been hit with round-up residue - very small and very gnarled. They are offensive looking. But I'm going to try hanging in there with them - if they have the strength to survive. Many other new cuttings with leaves show evidence of virus too, but to a much lesser degree. Mostly mottling and a bit of distortion here and there, but they at least look like leaves.

How sad that a disease such as this is so extensive and untreatable. :(

Well, my tree is healthy so far, just mottled. Kind of pretty. I guess I'll just put a nice spin on the situation and call it "pathogenic variagation."

John

NC Zone 8a/8b