I have grown a few different strains of desert king over the years but currently my dk's are not so productive.  I know some of our great Canadian forum members have done well with this cultivar, even in ground.  Can anyone sell me a dk that is in your opinion a superior strain?  I just want to get figs early, and I know I like the taste of dk.

Hi Ed, I owe you one, I can air layer one for you, Sergio in South Jersey.

Thanks Serg, how does it perform for you?

Hi Ed, the original tree is from a friend of mine, I have tasted a few of them and they are delicious numerous and hardy. I have my own for which I started it from the scions he gave me. This is the best year for this tree and the reason being is because it's been fighting RKN and it looks like its winning the battle. I will start an air-layer for you if you like, Sergio in South Jersery.

Sergio, I did not realize that RKN was able to survive in our neck of the woods, I thought it was something for people down south to worry about. I guess I will start paying more attention to the roots when I repot.

 Pete

hi Pete, I think I got them from hairloom tomatoes I was growing in the garden, and using same soil to pot up new trees. I believe I am in warmer zone that you are in with sandy soil. By way of the grape vine I heard that H202 is supposed to treat RkN by giving roots a 20 minute bath in it, Sergio in South Jersey zone7.

Hi Noss, yes it is peroxide, to be diluted with 50% water. I also use it to kill gnats, Sergio in S. Jersey.

The late Hanc Mathies (introduced Atreano) advocated the use of 50% Hydrogen Peroxide as a nematode treatment as well. I tried it and had good results this year so far.

What about Hanc?
Am I hearing correctly?
If so, I am very sorry/[sad] to first-learn/hear about the bad news.

If you don't have what you want PM (or email) me in June.  I have a DK I'll be pruning after it fruits.

Hello all,

Does anyone have any feedback on Raintree's Desert King? I'm wondering about it's productivity and whether or not it shows any sign of FMV?

I got some DK cuttings from rcantor last fall, half of which I traded and the other half I proceeded to torture while I learned how to start cuttings well. The last one is still hanging on but ever so slowly going into a downward spiral, it is just too depleted to recover the insult. Anyhow, I have a credit with Raintree and would only have to pay few bucks more shipping to include a DK in my order. It would be nice to have one to stretch out my harvest a bit, your input is appreciated.

Calvin,
 
Don't feel bad, I got the same cuttings of DK from RCantor last fall also.
And I did the same exact thing as you did. Only I had NO survivors! :(
But, after adjusting my growing prceedures I should do excellent this year.

It's all "Live and learn"

I have a question about the peroxide. What type if peroxide? Is it the 3% peroxide you get at the pharmacy or maybe a stronger peroxide and you mix that 50/50 with water?

Calvin - I don't know the answer to your question. I didn't get my DK tree from that nursery. I got it from Willis Orchard nursery. I sure as heck hope it is a true DK. I am hoping to get fruit this year to confirm the trees identity. Otherwise I will also be looking for a nice DK source ;)

Don't give up!  if it's still alive start a thread and post photos and see if it can be saved.

After a long battle I'm sorry to say that yesterday afternoon I placed the cutting in file #9. The roots had shriveled and the two sad messed-up little leaves were yellowing and begining to shrivel as well, that cutting put up a great fight over many months. At this point I have too many other starts that are growing and can use the spot it was occupying. I will always remember the sacrifice those poor DK's made.

I actually was going to take pictures and start a thread asking opinions, but it reached the point where I knew I just had to call it.