What are the different ways that fig Mosaic can spread from one plant to other plants in its vicinity, or to other fig plants at reasonable(?) distance away from the plant with fig Mosaic? How long does it take to spread if in vicinity?

What are other symptoms of fig mosaic other than leaves de-colouration patterns, leaves mutations, stunted growth etc (if these are really mosaic symptoms)?

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r261100611.html
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/pathology/pathcirc/pp64.pdf

Thanks Jazzbass
Your reference mentioned it is spread by fig mites.
The following describes fig mites:
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r261400111.html

I hope someone knows an easy way to get rid of fig mites other than brushing them off. So fig mites by itself is not an indicator of any fig disease but it can spread it by feeding on inflicted plant (& probably moving to another plant?).

Guys: I think I have alot of work to do here. An old pub. I was looking at mentions FIG RUST. Could they have been describing the Mosaic virus?
I also read recently--I can dig it up if anyone wants-- a mention of APHIDS!
I definitely see those critters FARMED by the ants they are on all my trees.
Every September, major leaf drop, but no effect on fruit that I have seen. Sometimes my trees even start to re-leaf in October.
Onward.
SV in AR

SV,

Have you tried Tanglefoot to keep the ants off your trees? I hear it works well.

http://www.tanglefoot.com/products/barrier.htm

Sue

Fig Rust is not FMV but develops mostly in area's that are humid, it usually shows itself as brown dots or patches on the leaves and also will make them eventually fall off as well, it happens in my area usually late in season when the season nears the end and or evening and nights tend to be humid soon afterwards my trees are going dormant. During this time my figs are already spent and i do not treat the tree for it as the next season when my tree's leaf out there is no sign of it.
Tanglefoot i use and it works very well for stopping crawling critters such as ants and not the flying type as this works by distributing about an inch or so completly around the base of the trunk , its very sticky and anything that tries to crawl up the trunk well cannot pass it. It has the consitency of honey and seems similar to grease but does not harm the trees . One year i had ants crawling in and out of the eyes and all over the body of my figs and tanglefoot solved that problem im happy to say.

I guess tanglefoot would not tangle squirrels. Will it? I would use two strips if it worked for squirrels.

Ottawan,
i kind of doubt it although it would make his feet feel very uncomfortable.
Some sort of simple electrical barrier might be the way to go.

T-Foot? Yes, I've got a couple of pints ready for this year. THAT romance is over.

Am also researching (Mr. Granola, here) compost teas & such & if I come up with anything dramatic, you all will be the first to know.

Rust? Humid it will be in the Hoop House says Yoda.
Thanks gods I don't have a squirrel issue (altho' I am counting on bird netting over the HH to reduce the critter variables: deer, birds, etc.)

Thanks Svanessa, Martin, Dieseler & Mr. O.
Stephen V.

Went to a GW member's home last week. He had electrical barriers up to keep squirrels out. He said it worked for a while but they learn to avoid it quickly...a waste of money, time, and energy.

He recommended the Tanglefoot. Tanglefoot won't keep the squirrels off the trees nor will it stop the coyotes from eating the figs...just keeps crawling bugs like ants off.

We just need to cage in every plant with tiny wire mesh that birds and squirrels can't penetrate! It has to go at least 2 feet down as well to keep the gophers out. What we won't do...I'm thinking an 8' tall by 24' x 24' cage to start. :-)

Sue