Hi all,

Picture attached. This just started happening a few weeks ago, and is now spreading to the majority of the leaves. Is this a seasonal thing, or some kind of fig disease? The two cultivars are Hurricane and Black Mission. Weather has been a little more rainy in Southern California as of late, but nightime temps remain above 43.

thanks

Looks like a STRESS problem water could be an issue too much or not enough figure out what the stress is for the plant and you will fix the problem.

Also try fertilizer nutrients could be a factor as well.

Inadequate Water

• The leaves of drought-stressed fig trees will turn yellow. If the inadequate water problem is not addressed, the yellow leaves will subsequently drop. Additionally, stressed trees may not produce fruit and are more likely to suffer from nematode damage. Young and recently planted trees are most susceptible to drought stress and should be watered regularly until they are well-established. Mature trees in dry climates require a deep watering every week or two. Trees in desert climates may require more frequent waterings. Place mulch around trees to conserve soil moisture.

Nutrient Deficiency

• Fig leaves will yellow if certain nutrients are not available in sufficient quantities. Leaves on iron-deficient trees are yellow with green veins. This deficiency is most common in alkaline soils that have been overwatered or have poor aeration. Manganese deficiency also causes yellow leaves, beginning on older foliage. Other nutrient deficiencies that cause yellowing include zinc, sulfur and nitrogen. Typically, nutrient deficiencies can be addressed with proper fertilizer application, but in certain cases the soil pH may require adjustment.

•  

Fig Rust

• Fig rust is a fungal disease caused by Physopella fici. This fungus causes small, yellow-orange leaf spots that progressively increase in size and number throughout the growing season. Eventually, rust can completely strip a fig tree of its leaves. Defoliated trees are more susceptible to cold damage but typically rust only affects fruiting in late-ripening varieties. Fig rust is controlled with one to four neutral copper spray applications.

Mosaic Virus

• The mosaic virus, spread from infected by euryphid mites, may cause a crop reduction. Infected trees have leaves with yellow spots and light-colored veins. Often, an infection is not noticeable until a tree is older or suffering from heat or drought stress.

Nematodes

• Root-knot nematodes are responsible for the common fig affliction of root knot. This disease, which can be identified by the galls it leaves on the roots, causes poor growth and decreased vigor, yellowing foliage and poor fruit quality and yield. Because there are no chemicals for nematodes on established figs, cultural control prior to planting is extremely important. Plant figs where no figs or other susceptible plants have been grown recently. Let the planting site lie fallow during the season prior to planting, plant only nematode-free specimens, and fertilize and water plants correctly.

I hope that helps 

Looks like fig rust to me. My plants were inflicted by this some months back. Regular spraying of neem oil has stop the problem for me.

It is also fall, and time for dormancy, though in So Cal some plants resist that better than others.

Dormancy, I think

My black mission was the first to loose its leaves here in Canada for what it's worth.

definately fig rust. happens when have lots of rain

Sprayed the trees with copper solution, but I think its too late for this season. Trees are almost defoliated. Weather has been very wet and gloomy in orange county over the past 4 weeks.

The black mission, hurricane, and purple smyrna are all affected.

Interestingly enough, my White Genoa, which was planted before the wet snap, has not lost one leaf, and is greener than ever. 

Too much water during dormancy time.
Happens to most of my trees every year.

Posted the same problem a couple years ago.

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Should-I-be-concerned-4823173

Its normal and no chemicals will fix its just that time of year .

Some younger plants but not all can act different but in general its normal.

Leaves will come out just fine in the spring and do the same you see now come late next season.

Here is but 1 example in my yard but months ago (reason much colder zone) -  taken Oct 4th


Thumbnail  - click to enlarge

When you hear hoof-beats, look for horses, not zebra... It's the middle of December... think Dormancy. :)

Good point Gina. I suppose its a lack of experience growing in at this particular address. The key for me is to understand some varieties seem to resist dormancy better than others. Hence my White Genoa not losing its leaves.