Hi all, 

The fig bug bit me a couple years ago and I've been (not so) slowly adding to my fig collection, which I keep in various 15+ gallon pots. I saw this wonderful fig community online and have a question I'm hoping someone can answer for a beginner. 

What steps are adequate to prevent FMV in one tree from spreading to others? I recently purchased a Black Mission fig tree from a nursery online but its new leaves have a distinctive mottled leaf pattern that looks like FMV to me based on pictures I've seen here on this forum. My other small trees are clean (or at least asymptomatic) and I'd like to keep them that way. Do the pots need to be separated a specific minimum distance from one another to prevent FMV transmission to the other trees? Any advice would be appreciated! :)

Many thanks,
Sarah

You will find that most fig trees have FMV, and here in the mild climates of California it doesn't affect the trees growth.  Many of us get our fig cuttings from UC Davis and all their trees have it.  I have a few trees without it, but most show signs.  Don't think there is a way you can keep it from spreading.  Search the forum.  This topic has been discussed many times. 

Welcome to the forum!  Enjoy your hobby!

Suzi

Thanks for the reply, Suzi!

Yes, I did see some discussions about how ubiquitous FMV is, and how it's generally assumed many if not all trees have it. If most of you don't worry about it, then I won't either. Saves me the trouble of ostracizing one tree from the rest of the "grove." :)

Sarah

The rest of your trees already have it, even if they don't show it, or you don't recognize the signs.

Some might say the virus adds wonderful flavor to the fig... JK!
XP

From my understanding "FMV" is kind of an all encompassing term for pathogens that affect leaf and plant development (many are indeed viral).  I think most transmission occurs via insect vector, which some regions have, and others do not.  Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it.  Obviously try to get plants from non-UCD sources if you're that worried about it, but living it CA (which I think has some of the insects that transfer it), you'll be lucky to keep it from spreading.

Overall, don't worry about it.  If we figure out how to eradicate it, then maybe that's a different story.  But until then, just keep on collectin'

I never seen it in the,south before untill i statred collecting from the other part of the states.

Thanks for the help, everyone! Much appreciated.

Now I'll just enjoy watching the fig trees grow.