5.3 PRUNING OF PRODUCTION
It aims to maintain a balance between fruit production and vigor of the plant, renewing the hair, holding it open and low (to facilitate the collection), to eliminate the dry parts and sick.
It is much better to make a few cuts, but rational, rather than many (open piùferite useful parasites) harmful.
The annual pruning is usually carried out in late winter, when there is no danger of frost.
Suckers are born every year at the base of the plant, when it is not essential for a good replacement is to be deleted, because the subtracted vigor.
Remove them with a shovel often involves a slight damage to roots and trunk, should then cut when the bud is still young and herbaceous to minimize the damage.
The pruning varies depending on the type of fruiting that the variety of fig tends to give, or to be obtained. To get only "rosettes", which are formed on the branches of a year, in winter should delete the mail gem at its end so that the branch can give rise to so many buds that will become productive 's year. If you want to get abundant "figs real" (so-called 'delivery'), it is at the end of winter, shorten to a third party branches that have produced and stimulate the formation of buds immediately productive in the spring immediately following.
Photo 18. Day pruning technique
6. Fertilization,breeding, and production
To improve soil fertility and the development of cultivated plant species, using fertilizers, soil conditioners (discussed in organically) and corrective (change the pH and salinity, but not treat them).
Fertilization consists in bringing all those elements to the soil chemical fertility needed to support a balanced vegetation and the best production of the plant.
It is advisable to administer adequate doses of fertilizer after evaluating the results of the chemical and physical analysis of the soil, the age of the plants, the average productivity of the area and the environment pedo-climatic and consult specialists. In the production of figs Cosenza is a widespread belief that the culture is not very demanding in terms of macro (for the plants in larger quantities INDEPENDENT: the main ones are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, secondary are calcium, sulfur, magnesium ) and trace elements (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, cobalt, molybdenum and other children).
Old installations in reality, with distances larger plant (10x10 or 12x12), allow the mixture with tree crops (olives) and / or herbaceous crops (such as wheat, fodder and vegetables), so the nutritional supplements reserved quest ' last allowed somehow nutrition also fig trees. On the other hand if you want to get satisfactory answers productive both in terms of quantity and quality by new specialized, consider the Ficheto like any other fruit.
Remember!
A Ficheto with a production of 120-150 kg / ha of figs requires the following contributions of macro-
NITROGEN 50 Kg / ha
PHOSPHORUS 30 Kg / ha
POTASSIUM 70 Kg / ha
The purpose of fertilizing breeding is to form the structure of the plant as soon as possible while the production is to maintain the vegetative-productive balance of the soil-plant-environment.
Remember!
1. in case of excessive vigor of the plants occur: internodes of the main branches long, low production, it is therefore appropriate to reduce the fertilizer inputs (and do pruning lighter);
2. in case of stunted growth occur: internodes of the main branches short, reduced fruit size. In this case, increase the fertilizer inputs and consider watering with relief (as well as do, in adult plants, pruning stronger).
6.1 NITROGEN
Nitrogen is the element that has greater effect "plastic", which determines plant growth due to the elongation and the multiplication of cells.
The fig tree species, however, is particularly sensitive to this element and therefore must avoid excessive doses because they cause deterioration of fruit quality and low production. In fact, while it causes a rapid growth of the plant and fruits of large size, on the other hand (causing greater distension of the cells) predisposes the fruit to cracking due to water and nutritional imbalances.
6.2 PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM
It is worth remembering that in a satisfactory soil content of phosphorus should be included between 19 and 27 mg / kg and those of potassium between 100-150 mg / kg. In the case in which the values resulting from the analysis of the land fall below these thresholds will be necessary to intervene with appropriate fertilization to restore the land to optimal levels of fertility such as to support the growth and fruit production.
In order to avoid pollution of groundwater, waterways and estuaries and also to keep the cost of production, it is advisable not to administer injections of phosphorus (P2O5) greater than 50 kg / ha and potassium (K2O) greater than 90 kg / ha.
Especially in relation to potassium should be highlighted as the Calabria region is particularly rich in this element and therefore in principle it should tend to limit its intake. Potassium is responsible for the sweetness of the fruit giving even greater aging potential over time.
6.3 OTHER ASSETS
Football: From the analysis made recently at the Center for Agricultural and Food Lamezia Terme (CZ) was found in samples of dried figs in this province, a high concentration of calcium. The presence of this element that improves the quality of dried figs, suggests that the plant absorbs a lot of calcium and therefore is useful to evaluate the features of this element by soil analysis.
6.4 PERIODS AND METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION OF FERTILIZERS
In the rearing phase, which can last 3-6 years depending on the development of the plant, you must proceed to locate the fertilization in the area of exploration of the roots bearing in mind that they are located in an ideal area which lies within the projection of the crown. During production fertilization may instead be used for a broadcaster with centrifugal fertilizer spreader.
With particular attention must be considered that the nitrogen is characterized by high leaching << >>, that is not blocked by the absorbency of the ground and the 'water (irrigation or rainfall) it washes bringing in the deeper layers of the soil until it reaches the groundwater. So, distributing and too out of time you have economic damage and environmental damage.
It should be emphasized that the nitrogen should be administered at the beginning of the vegetative resumption so that the roots of the plants can dispose of it in the weeks in which the absorb more. So, usually starting from the first or second ten days of March you need to distribute the 'nitrogen dividing it in more interventions and locating it near or along the row of plants when they are very small.
Remember!
NITROGEN: When breeding from 1st to 3rd year are recommended contributions localized at a lower dose than the maximum specified for the fertilizer production. To facilitate the operations of fertilizer per plant, can be used, such as dispensers, plastic cups:
UNITS
Large glass 200 g
Small glass 85 g
AMMONIUM NITRATE
Example: 1 large glass (200 g) x 400 plants / ha = 80,000 g / ha = 80 kg / has Ammonium nitrate = 20 kg / ha of nitrogen (because the ammonium nitrate has Title 26%).
Phosphorus and potassium are characterized by a low mobility in soil and therefore should administer interrandoli working with autumn-vernine.
Are also commercially formulated phosphorus and potassium to "ready effect," in higher costs but distributed throughout the year.
6.4 FERTILIZING under organic farming
With the approval of the EEC REG 834/2007, which recognizes the method of cultivation organic farming in a regulatory framework now certain and with the approval of the PSR Calabria 2007/2013 which funds, among other activities, including organic farming (when the fig tree is excluded from the eligible species), it becomes more topical than ever provide accurate, technical information to farmers who have chosen to participate in this production method.
A key aspect to consider for those who approach for the first time organic farming is the concept of balance of plant, soil and environment. In this sense, the suitability of the site where the future implant Ficheto more important than ever: exposure, altitude, soil drainage, ventilation are just some of the aspects to be taken into due consideration. The physical and chemical analysis of the soil represent a basic precondition to make rational choices. But we also assess the local knowledge of the old farmers who know the history of the area.
Defined these key factors for organic farming should focalizzarre attention to another strategic concept concerning the fertilization must be understood as a continuous process of enriching the content of organic matter in the soil with the aim of improving the fertility level components of the chemical, physical and microbiological. To get an idea of how important the factor "organic matter" is believed that in many Anglo-Saxon countries, the term "organic" is translated as "organic agriculture".
This clarification does not seem superfluous, given that it is not enough to replace 1 kg of 11-22-16 fertilizer with 4 tons of manure super (title 3-3-3) and 50 kg of phosphate rock (27) to practice organic farming, making a simple substitution of chemicals with those certified under REG EEC 834/2007.
It should be emphasized that a lack of available organic matter on farms, due to reduction in livestock farming family, continues to decline again with a worrying trend for the future and requires the use of commercial organic fertilizers become a necessity obliged.
Exception must be made in the case of the preparation of the Ficheto with deep processing (burglary plow, ripper, excavator), in which case you do not want to incorporate any fertilizer because their cost would far outweigh the benefit of the operation. In fact quantities of organic substance lower than 200 q / ha are to be considered, the plant, insufficient to carry out any structural role, the current cost of soil, around 15.00 -€ 20.00 / q, it is almost absurd to think of doses of this magnitude, when they have the mature manure, certainly less expensive than the soil, you should not distribute it in doses of less than 500 kg / ha.
If it is impossible to find manure in the vicinity of Ficheto, agrees locate soil improvers (in reduced doses of no more than 1 kg / plant) in the vicinity of the plant so as to facilitate their use by the root. Subsequently, with the growth of the plant, the localization must be performed always in the area of exploration radical which presents, also in full production, its maximum uptake activity in the area located beyond the projection of the crown. In the years following fertilization will take place broadcaster, according to a schedule that will include contributions balanced and constant over time: the objective is to increase the level of organic matter in a period of not less than five / ten years.
The organic amendments or corrections are products that improve the various components of soil fertility, but compared to fertilizers are characterized by a low content of primary elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) in which, by law, the nitrogen exceed 3% in dry matter. So above all, improve soil structure, its texture and the 'microbiological activity.
Because of the long time required for mineralization and therefore the transfer of chemical elements, the soil should be given well in advance of when you wake up vegetative Ficheto, about 2-3 months before his budding. Furthermore, having also the task of increasing or maintaining the level of organic matter in the soil, the amount to be administered, from the plant to full production, it will never be lower than 10-15 q / ha / year.
Making a quick calculation of the needs of a Ficheto in full production that give 120 -150 q / ha of product, which requires nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in reason, respectively, of 50-30-70 kg / ha, it is evident that the administration of 10 q / ha of a soil improver with title 2-2-2 cover just about 50% of the needs of the crop.
Although the calculation unit fertilizers in organic farming is not a satisfactory meters to understand the more complex mechanisms that sets in motion the fertility of the soil, in principle, it tells us that we are below the level of balance between the availability of elements nutrients in the soil and cultivation requirements.
If we consider in particular the products which provide nitrogen, are not recommended for the high cost, those organic fertilizers that contain it in a high percentage (11-13), as the blood dried and residues of slaughter. It should be noted however the possibility of using more conveniently both droppings, characterized a good rate of transfer of nutrients even though little power fertilizer, fertilizers and nitrogen content in the medium (6-8) characterized by slow release rate.
Due to the high cost that reached all fertilizers, driven by the high oil prices, among the techniques of fertilization is reaffirming green manure.
The practice of the green manure in the cultivation of biological Ficheto, as in many other areas of arboriculture, plays a role of the utmost importance for the ability to provide nitrogen noble at a relatively low cost.
A good green manure field bean sown at doses of 150-180 kg / ha in the period of October-November is able to provide about 80-100 kg / ha of nitrogen of which 40% is made available in the first year and the remaining 60% in the second and third year. The units of nitrogen supplied is reduced by 50% if the legume is sown only in alternate rows in order not to obstruct the operations of pruning of Ficheto. The time of planting of the crop must be about ¾ of the flowering of the field bean, when it produces the highest amount of green mass and nitrogen, the latter contained in the tubercles of the roots (legumes only). To remember that all pulses are taking advantage of the contributions of phosphorus and thus before the autumn sowing of the legume will need to fertilize the soil with fertilizers phosphatic which in any case will become available for the Ficheto after the green manure spring. In a program of green manure that is repeated over time is necessary each year vary from plant essences providing succession of vetch / oats, lupine, mustard, barley, etc.. to prevent the occurrence of soil fatigue due to monoculture.
With the administration of the soil, because of their composition complex are also supplied phosphorus and potassium, albeit in quantities reduced. As in conventional fertilization, every other year or periodically depending on the needs of the crop and soil analysis, they are likely significant and specific contributions of the two elements. There are several products on the market that provide phosphorus:
- Natural phosphates (phosphorites) that because of their poor solubility and high content of calcium exert greater activity in acid soils or neutral, they occur in the powdery and granular formulation in recent years with Title 27;
- The slag that can be used in acid soils to correct the pH;
- The dust of bones;
- Commercial fertilizers and soil improvers added phosphorus (always natural origin);
- Wood ash.
For products with a base of potassium in addition to commercial fertilizers enriched, are to be taken into consideration:
- Siliceous rocks;
- Patentkali (potassium sulphate and magnesium).
Please note that the soil commercial purposes, including those enriched in phosphorus and potassium, are easier to find on the market so far preferred by farmers compared to other formulations (ground rocks, phosphorites).
Almost all of the soil are under powder form or pelleted.
While in the first case the company, to be able to spread must be provided with a spreader of the type Spreader-unloading side, in the other case, ie when products are used pelleted, may instead employ one spreader classic, of the conical type, normally used for the spreading of chemical fertilizers.
The powdery product costs about 10-15% less than in pelleted, offers the advantage of providing a greater surface area of attack on the microorganisms in the soil and then undergoes a faster process of mineralization also when it is not buried to perfection. If the pellets are not well incorporated into the soil with suitable harrowing, may remain in their shape, cube, even for months, sometimes in dry years can be found indecomposti from year to year, making it unaffected by soil microorganisms and unable to perform their function fertilizer. For the reasons cited above, in farms of medium size, we recommend the use of soil in powder form to be administered with a wheeled spreader specific to their distribution.
For some years are increasingly available fertilising state liquid which may be used in the foliar application, at doses of label, to help the culture in most delicate phases of the physiology of the plant.
Remember!
Fertilization biological Ficheto
Repeat the analysis of the soil every 5-6 years.
1) soil fertilizer pellets (2-2-2): 20 q / ha + 1 q / ha of potassium sulphate magnesium
2) manure as it is 200 q / ha
3) composted manure 100 q / ha
Technique of green manure
- Autumn distribution of fertilizers based on phosphorus 2-3 q / ha + 1 q / ha of potassium sulphate followed by magnesian
- Autumn sowing of Favino 150 kg / ha or Lupino 100 kg / ha or vetch and oats (70 + 50 kg / ha)
- Mulch and earth when the herbage is ¾ of flowering.
7. Soil management
7.1 tillage
Their main function is to ensure the roots of the fig tree functions anchored
within the soil and nutrition.
The objectives of a fichicoltore Cosentino must catch up with the work
soil are:
- Burial of fertilizers;
- Containment of weeds;
- The accumulation of water in the soil;
- The reduction of water losses.
According to the time of implementation are distinguished:
Working late autumn or winter - are generally the deepest, most 15-20 cm to avoid excessive damage to the roots; performing to remedy the soil compaction, facilitate the accumulation of rain water and air penetration and in same time are used to bury those who both organic fertilizers minerals. These operations can be performed, depending on the conditions of the ground, with the 'help of light plows plow or with harrows or discs.
Machining spring and summer: they are both buried nitrogen fertilizers that to interrupt the capillary action of the soil (and so reduce the evaporation of water) and to eliminate weeds. Basically, disc harrows or toothed flexible and milling machines.
Photo 19. Milling
The use of milling machines is not recommended in clay soils not only because it causes the formation of hard pan but also because they induce a deconstruction of the soil.
In recent years, in order to achieve a better soil management in orchards irrigation, technicians recommend more and more frequently to adopt the technique dell'inerbimento checked which consists in letting grow nell'interfilare the natural essences herbaceous whose development is controlled with the use of machines shredder. There are many advantages of this technique:
- Creation of a turf that, although it may become dry during the summer, absorbs the fall of ripe figs avoid dents and contacts direct contact with the ground;
- Possibility to enter the field after the rain;
- Root development also in the top layer of the soil remains undisturbed it is not affected by the processing dell'interfila;
- The soil becomes a better structure and is enriched in organic matter, due to both the decomposition of the sward both for the reduction of runoff phenomena that cause soil erosion.
In the province of Cosenza, characterized by dry summers, there is a risk that the grassing carried out in non-irrigated Ficheto can determine excessive competition water, which causes yellowing of the leaves and fruit drop of the fruits.
The grassing is therefore a technique whose effectiveness in Ficheto must still be evaluated in the different areas of cultivation.
7.2 IRRIGATION
Traditionally, the culture in the province of Cosenza is not irrigated, especially if the spring starts with normal rains until late June.
In these cases the farmer is configured for a good harvest of fioroni and if the summer season runs dry, an abundant crop of figs true or provided.
The current irrigation becomes rather important in dry years, in the following cases:
- In the first three years of vegetation as a rescue operation,in order to enable young roots extend to free itself and in the ground. Starting by the third week of June until mid-August there should be at least 4-5 interventions localized irrigation plants.
- Adults and specialize in facilities in the event of prolonged drought in the second ten days of May, you will require moderate watering rescue at least 2-3 times and with the foresight to suspend 10-15 days before harvest. Irrigation heavy, prolonged in case of drought often result in splitting of the fruit.
In any case it is a practice that must be managed properly because each land has its characteristics for what concerns the possibility to retain water and transfer it to the plants.
As a general rule when performing irrigation, especially rescue, must be done so that it wet the layer of soil explored by the roots, than in clay soils can be considered deep of about 20 cm, and 30 cm in the soil of medium consistency. After irrigation can occur with a shovel to dry the water depth is reached.
7.3 CONTROL OF weeds
It is necessary to ensure a timely control of weeds because they exert a direct competition with fig trees for nutrients and soil moisture.
In Ficheto grassy must be provided to the periodic mowing or chopping of weeds whenever they reach a height of 15-20 cm, to prevent build up around the base of the trunk dense crowns of grass (which are least removed with a hoe), create shaded conditions and persistence of wet predispose to attacks of fungus diseases and insect pests.
In biological management of Ficheto over manual or mechanical intervention referred to above, can be useful to create close to the base of the plant area where weed control is effected by means of a square of mulching film of nylon woven of a meter side. Conducting integrated action can be taken with a systemic herbicide glyphosate to spray based along the row over a distance of one meter from the trunk.
8. Adversity and means of defense
As regards specifically the dried product, see the chapter on drying.
8.1 adversity METEOROLOGICAL FACTORS
Among the climatic factors most damaging fig is the cold which may result in some years, particularly harmful to the organs do not lignified and fruits in training. The areas most at risk for this adverse are those with the most humid air stagnation. The plants are more sensitive than micropropagated pienemente not yet acclimatized, whose vegetative apex necrotizza easily.
Advance can protect the plants or the trunk with covers of various kinds (straw, non-woven fabric etc..).
In cases of damage is removed the aerial part affected thereby the release of lateral buds to restore the crown. The following photos show how to intervene with pruning in three cases of damage of micropropagated plants.
Special cases of pruning as a result of cold damage on micropropagated plants of two years:
Case 1: plant two years partially damaged by the cold in the upper part.
Operation carried out: removal of the apical portion damaged by cutting and raising a side branch as the future stem. Reaction of the plant to vegetative growth:
Case 2: Plant two years partially damaged by cold with presence of side branches.
Operation carried out: removal of the apical portion damaged by cutting, so as to promote the development
of one or more side branches.
Issue of leaves from latent buds below the cut Case 3: Plant of two years with the apex completely damaged.
Operation carried out: full cut above the collar, variable from 5 to 8 cm in order to stimulate the latent buds situated below cut to develop shoots.
Another phenomenon is connected to the cold spring frosts affecting fioroni in training.
The spring hailstorms are due to damage on the leaves already formed or in development causing holes and deformations. On the branches can not lignified
cause injuries which can lead to necrosis and allow entry to fungal pathogens.
High temperatures can cause damage to organs of the tender plant, especially the fruit. High summer temperatures and prolonged drought are due to severe dehydration borne by the supplied resulting in premature fruit drop, while the leaves may occur necrosis of the edges.
In vintages sultry and plants exposed to the west, were reported damage to the leaves that are yellowed and subject to fall, while the fruits are of small size and thickened skin. Drought can result in a delay of fruit ripening with a corresponding extension of the collection until September. Dehydrations with similar cascole assets, are also manifested in the presence of hot winds.
Advance in years with course spring drought that extends to the production of rosettes and beyond, we must intervene with emergency irrigation (see "irrigation"). By contrast summer rainfall, irrigation or overabundant, are due to an excess of hydration of the fruits that become more sensitive to
fungal attack, to acidification and disorders. For the production of drying provided by the occurrence of rainfall in the period of drying the shaft causes the split and the fruit drop advance.
According to the new guidelines in drying technology is advisable to collect supplied at the time of color change (pre-drying phase on the plant) and complete the process of dehydration drying in greenhouses that have been introduced in the production of the PDO from 2006.
8.2 adversity PARASITIC
Whereas the parasitic adversity which is subject to the fig tree are numerous, will be considered here only the most recent and important presence in the area.
8.2.1 viruses and virus-like
Among the various diseases that affect the fig tree, most of all is present the Mosaic of the fig tree is a virus-like disease now widespread in almost all the world on the leaves causes a typical symptom of a mosaic, with speckled annular, deformation and necrosis of leaf veins, can also attack the fruits deforming and then making incommerciabili.
In order to contain the disease in nurseries propagating operating the propagation of large numbers of the fig tree, one must keep in mind that whatever the technique used, the material shall be taken to be propagated from mother plants healthy, identifiable (at least in first approximation) eye in summer watching not only the plant as a whole, but especially the leaves, backlight, not have to show yellowish patches typical of the disease. The symptoms described above are more evident on the young leaves in the month of May. More safety on the presence / absence of virus are carried out by means of suitable assays (ELISA, inocula of test plants, etc..). The disease is transmitted by the mite Aceria ficus and probably through scissors, saws, axes and knives graft.
FIGHT: It is almost entirely in advance, is accomplished by planting healthy plants or healed. However, it is advisable to disinfect tools
Working in a solution of sodium hypochlorite (bleach), then washed in water, before use from one plant to another.
Photo 20. Effects on the leaves
mosaic of the fig tree
8.2.2 bacterial
Pseudomonas surfaces: due to the drying of jets and young branches with fissures of the cortex and cortical nodes compromising
foliation.
The FIGHT consists in removing and burning infected parts of hair.
8.2.3 fungal diseases
Cancer of the trunk Phomopsis cinerescens is the main parasite
the woody organs of the fig tree in particular of the trunk and branches of plants
wither. The most obvious symptoms are depressions with cortical necrosis
later evolving injury and subsequently screpolamento and detachment the cortex. The manifestations of the parasite were more prevalent in companies where you make only occasional pruning of prunes.
In companies where they are carried out regular pruning, we note a slight degree of the pathogen. The disease affects young and old branches
of various sizes. The severity of attack depends on the surface and by circumference affected by the branch hit. The attack that covers the entire circumference results in death in the apical part of the branch, because otherwise development and reduced growth (photo no. 22). Probable vector of the disease is the beetle Hypoborus ficus.
FIGHT: this is implemented improving, with rational agronomic, vegetative state tree, disinfecting the wound thoroughly after
removed and burned wood infected.
To contain outbreaks of the disease on the healthy parts of the plant to Following pruning, you must play with the big cuts and mastics then spray the foliage, branches and stem with products Copper administered dose label.
Photo 21. Visible manifestations of attacks on young branches Phomopsis cinerescens
Photo 22. Visible manifestations of attacks on young branches Phomopsis cinerescens
Fusarium: Fusarium lateritium. This pathogen, for many woody plants, has also been detected in the fig tree on which colonizes different organs including large woody branches, is generally favored by a weak condition of the woody organs, whether due to various causes and in particular at low temperatures. The fungus on plants determines necrosis of the terminal portion of the branches that are covered with a characteristic orange-pink color due to the presence of the reproductive organs of the pathogen (conidia).
Gray mold: Botrytis cinerea attacks the tissues, both dead and emaciated, branches, leaves and fruits, and if the humidity is high cinerea gray mold develops. On the fruits that causes soft rot, seen up close, remember the symptoms that occur on grapes attacked by the parasite.
FIGHT: It is useful removed by pruning the dead parts or wither and burn them immediately, since the resulting material can be a vehicle for spreading the disease on healthy plants, or treatments with products based on copper in winter.
Photo 23. Damage by Botrytis cinerea of seedling fig
Photo 24. Outcomes of the attack of Alternaria spp of dried figs
root rot: the roots are very sensitive to Rosellinia necatrix and Armillaria mellea (recognizable by a characteristic fruiting bodies "nails").
Both affect more easily debilitated plants: the first develops in fresh soils, soils in the second relatively warmer.
FIGHT: It is essentially preventive and consists of both implementing proper drainage to avoid stagnant water, both before implantation to eliminate the remnants of the previous vegetation.
Alternaria: Alternaria
surfaces. Cause necrotic areas on the fruit shaped subcircular, on which conidia develop, giving them a blackish color. To the genus Alternaria are ascribable other species, which cause leaf spot of various types and can severely damage the figs, both fresh and in drying.
FIGHT: to contain the disease, you can spray the foliage and stem with products based on copper at high concentrations in the winter period.
8.2.4 Insects
Cochineal fig: Ceroplastes Rusci. This cochineal is one thatcreates more damage to the fig tree. In recent years, it has been reported the presence
fichicolo in several municipalities in the province of Cosenza, both the right and left side of the river Crati. It is manifested by cyclic frequency and will not appear simultaneously in all areas fichicole in a year may occur in a given area and, if not activate the defense, the following year, might spread to neighboring areas and so on. For example, in 2006 was made after many years in the town of Zumpano causing a lot of damage, in the following year has spread to neighboring towns of San Pietro in Guarano, and to Castiglione Cosentino Rose and in 2008 appeared on the other side of the river Crati namely I'm dying in the district of Cosenza and Rende in the Dattoli with obvious attacks in different organs of the plant.
The insect completes two generations per year. In spring, adult females lay eggs, the nymphs emerge and are setting up branches, leaves and fruits also causing serious deterioration of the affected organs and fall of the fruit. In addition, the abundant honeydew produced, dirt vegetation and constitutes an ideal substrate for the development of sooty mold. The follicle female is dark-colored, shield-shaped tortoise, the male, white, waxy has 15 rays protruding from the edges. this Cochineal is to develop especially in hot and humid places and trees with dense foliage.
Photos 25 and 26. Attacks Ceroplastes
Rusci of branches
Photos 27 and 28. Particular
attacks Ceroplaste Rusci on leaves and fruits
FIGHT: It is mainly chemical to be made with white light oils at a dose of 2 kg / ha and at the time of maximum leakage of nymphs. Good results can be achieved with mechanical work (brushing or rubbing winter) that asportino the present population, but for the high cost of running the operation should be carefully considered.
moth fig or Antofila: Choreutis nemorana - Simaethis nemorana. Cause damage in terms of strong erosions of the leaves and, to a lesser extent, of the fruit. The larva, when ripe, is yellow-green, brings warts hairy black on each segment and the orange head. Erosions occur mainly on the upper surface of the leaf respecting the lower and the ribs.
Photo 29. Moth damage on fig leaves
Photo 30. Larval stages of Choreutis nemorana fig
The incrisalidamento takes place in late June-early July in portions of leaves joined together. The first generation of adults appears from mid-May to early June, the second generation of the end of July through August. Eggs are laid in ooplacche page underside of the leaves, the newly hatched larvae just shelled erode the upper sides of the leaves.
FIGHT: it is generally not necessary to make any intervention. prior monitoring of adults with sexual pheromone traps and in the event of excessive presence, one can intervene with products based on Bacillus thuringiensis variety Kurstachi. In small crops can be useful prompt hand-picked the first leaves infested.
Moscow Fruit: Ceratitis capitata. It is a widespread polyphagous dipteran and dangerous because it takes from 5 to more than 10 generations per year. the color change the color of the fruits females ovidepongono below the epidermis; larvae, about 5 mm long, whitish, penetrate into the flesh, causing fruit drop
the fruits before ripening and rotting, outside the place of puncture, it rots a circular area. In a fruit you can find a few for more than 70 larvae.
FIGHT: takes place after monitoring using traps mainly chromotropic in order to identify the best time to have nell'appezzamento of protein baits.
Grasshopper: Calliptamus italicus. Commonly known as the grasshopper meadows or locust wings pink, is an insect orthopteran the Mediterranean basin.
Have recently been reported infestations of grasshoppers, in some areas of Cosenza, on new plants Ficheto with substantial damage to young plants. Adults are gray or brownish and have a pronounced sexual dimorphism, the male reaches a length of 13-26 mm and 21-36 mm female. The juveniles (nymphs), whitish newborn, darken quickly and through multiple mute reach the stage of image in 40-50 days. The insect takes one generation per year.
The nymphs are born from late May to late July, staggered tion in relation to altitude and exposure. In case of heavy infestation gather in mass covering the entire ground. The first adults appear in July and move in the air for short distances. The oviposition takes place in August in confined areas ("grillare"), mainly in soils, facing south, with slope and therefore less subject to waterlogging.
Photo 31. Adult Calliptamus italicus
Photo 32. Calliptamus italicus and obvious damages to load of young branches and leaves
The damage noted on fig trees occur in organs not woody: erosion of young stalks, buds and leaves.
Attacks if particularly strong cause deterioration and / or death of the young plant (Photo no. 32).
FIGHT: the use of chemicals on the adult forms is almost useless, sensitive to this intervention are instead the nymphs. As easy prey for birds, infestations are better controlled through the use of domestic birds grazing (chickens, guinea fowl, etc..).
Scolytidae: these beetles dig tunnels at different depths of the branches, branches and trunk, the most harmful agents are Hypoborus ficus black Anisandrus dispar and dark in color.
FIGHT: is affect adults who are going to play and young adults just sfarfallati. The infested branches should be removed and destroyed;
also useful to use bait branches: the remains of pruning properly accumulated in the alleyways are able to attract the females ovideponenti, for
early spring and before the flicker, these piles should be removed and burned.
9. Collection and processing of figs
Recall that the plant obtained from cuttings and root suckers starts fruttifi care after 3-4 years and reaches maximum productivity (40-60 kg of fruits) between 6 and 10 years, remaining productive until about 40 years.
After this period begins phase of decline in production.
Production cycle of a Ficheto
The province of Cosenza (var. Dottato)
Interval beginning Time limit
full production full production
Year of entry
in production
Amount
q.li / ha
The production of a Ficheto is influenced by climatic conditions and the cultivar. The scientific literature reports that reference plants Dottato in traditional cultivation and in the best conditions of soil, can produce 80 to 100 q.li fig per hectare. In soils with a particularly heavy and dry in the average is around 50-70 q.li per hectare.
9.1 FRESH FIGS FOR CONSUMPTION
The variety that is Dottato bifera produces rosettes from late June to mid-July, mostly marketed as fresh fruit, and provided real or figs from early August to September, marketed fresh but mostly dry.
The figs are highly perishable fresh consumption in the short term, mainly because the skin is particularly sensitive to shocks and pressures, which if done in an abrupt and hasty cause breakage and blackening of the skin.
The collection should be done gradually, in the cooler hours of the morning, snatching his fingers off the stem that goes along with the fruit intact. To avoid tearing the fruit near the stem, when it shows a certain resistance to detachment, you should use sharp knives.
The product after harvest can be placed in boxes in single rows or placed in special trays and alveolar sent quickly to the local store, or outside the region of refrigerated vehicles or machining centers (specific conditioning and packaging).
9.2 FIGS FOR DRYING
The figs are true or provided for the production of dried figs.
The yield of fresh dried varies from 30 to 40% and is strongly influenced by the season and the time of exposure to the sun.
The practice involves a good deal of dexterity and know-how acquired traditionally: requirements, those that allow you to avoid, on the one hand, that a prolonged exposure to sunlight involves excessive weight loss and hardening and, second, that an exposure too short leave excessive water in the fruits, with consequent moldy and blackening of the product.
9.2.1 Natural drying
The climatic conditions in the province of Cosenza in the period preceding the collection, characterized by strong sunlight, rain infrequent or absent, and especially small percentage of moisture (both during the day and night), allow a pre-drying of the fig tree completely natural . For figs are left on the branches in the plant until they reach an advanced stage of drying, accompanied by change in color (from green to yellow with shades of beige) and bending the stalk, so remain pending. For these characteristics assumed, the figs are locally named "passuluni." The bending of the fig tree on the stalk before the natural detachment. This phenomenon facilitates both the manual collection direct from the plant, that is the one realized with a simple scrollatura of main branches, which follows the collection from the ground or from the underlying sheeting.
Photo 36. Fico "passulune" ready to detach naturally from the branch
In order to obtain a further dehydration, figs must complete the drying process remain exposed to the sun, for a period of time ranging from three to seven days, depending on the degree of maturation and the method used (or traditional or protected) .
9.2.2 Drying with the traditional method
The figs are laid on supports of reeds (cannizzi), metal or other material treated for food use, the bottom of which allows the passage of air and the resulting loss of water of the fruits, and allowed to dry in the sun for a period of time ranging from three to seven days depending on their degree of ripeness. To avoid contamination with extraneous elements (insects, dust, etc..) Is good hygiene cover the fruit with perforated sheets for use in foodstuffs (such as "natural tissue", "non-woven", networking).
During this period, figs must be:
- Turned at least twice per day during the first three days, in order to achieve a uniform drying;
- protected from moisture or rainfall unexpected night by the hospital in covered or by covering with sheets of media hygienic breathable and positioned so as to prevent their contact with the fruit.
Photo 37. Drying with traditional open air on "cannizzi"
Photo 38. Accommodation figs on "cannizzi"9.2.3 Drying in a protected environment
This method, of recent introduction, provides for the drying of fruits in greenhouses, partially or totally closed, with glass cover or other light-transparent material and openings adjustable so that the maximum temperature can be maintained below 50 ° C, for a maximum period of 5 days. The greenhouses must be equipped with doors at each opening and insect-proof screens: their presence is crucial to keep out pests in greenhouses and at the same time to allow the internal aeration is required to contain the heat and drain the moisture and for this purpose it is useful to place the greenhouse with the door to the local natural ventilation.
The temperature must not rise above the limit mentioned above, because it causes two kinds of problems:
- Increases strongly the development of aflatoxins;
- Removes dried figs, making them more quality and color too brown.
The figs are laid on substrates of the type described in section Previous placed at a height ranging from 60 to 100 cm.
In the first three days you must turn at least twice a day figs to ensure uniform drying and coloring of the product.
Photo 39. Greenhouse for drying of figs in new plants
Photo 40. Detail of the interior of a greenhouse drying. Confrontotra cannizzi and modern wooden racks (in the foreground).
Following the drying process (traditional or protected) the product reaches a moisture content of between 20% (that allows to keep better) and 40% (which makes them more pleasing to the taste). This level of humidity favors the subsequent processing of the product and corresponds to the amplitude of values was found that traditionally by verifying the failure to release the pulp by pressing the fruit between finger and thumb. Moisture variations of the below or above the limits shown may compromise the quality and wholesomeness of the Product:
- A lower rate of moisture would cause an excessive disidratamento fruit, which become stringy;
- A higher rate would result in the blackening of the figs and the danger of onset of mold.
9.2.4 Issues related to the drying plant
Food products are attacked by fungi capable of producing mycotoxins very poisonous to the human body (aflatoxins, ochratoxin etc..). The most dangerous are the aflatoxins, which are responsible for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Aflatoxins: they are produced by secondary metabolism of some strains fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which develop on numerous substrates crops such as nuts and dried fruit, both during cultivation that during harvest and storage. The production of aflatoxins by dell'Arspergillus flavus is also particularly abundant in seasons with above-average temperatures and rainfall not high. The presence of insects often coincides with high levels of aflatoxins, as they are considered among the most responsible for the contamination and because carriers of fungal spores, either because damage the plant by increasing the risk by fungus.
Efestie: (Ephestia spp.) In this kind of lepidopteran insects belong mainly polyphagous species, making considerable damage to the state
larva of food stored. On fig fruits in drying or dried is more frequently Ephestia cautella, or the moth dried figs. The adult is a gray butterfly, the mature larva is 12-14 mm long whitish. Plays one generation to the 'years wintering in all stages in foodstuffs in stock. The damage consists in incommestibilità of SICON attached which are filled by secretions and excreta larvae.
FIGHT: It is mainly preventive and consists in disinfection of the premises of preservation, use of networks antiinsetti the windows or air intakes greenhouses. Even the use of light traps and pheromone can be useful.
Picture 42 Ephestia cautella
