First wasp sightings!!!

Author

Comment

Elfarach

Registered:1409716614
Posts: 288

Posted 1463438313 · Edited	Reply with quote #1

Being new to the fig world I never really knew what the fig wasp looked like, only in pics, or I just didn't realize your tiny they really are... I had my very first wasp sighting on my own figs today!!! The wife and I were so excited and it actually caught me off guard at how much she was excited about it, especially seeing them on her favorite variety, Black Jack... So looking forward to some sweet ripe figs... We spent way too much time watching them, haha... Question: When a wasp enters one fig does it mean that only that one fig gets caprified??? __________________ Simon C. So. Cal (El Monte) Zone 10a Wish list: Adriatic JH, Raspberry Latte, Violet de Sollies, Col de Dame Black, Ischia Black, Takoma Violet

figpig_66

Registered:1416870358
Posts: 2,678

Posted 1463441199	Reply with quote #2

Im no expert but once they go in they never leave. I know that much. Its a suicide mission. __________________ RICHIE BONI HICKORY LOUISIANA ZONE 8B WARM HUMID WINRERS ARE VERY MILD LOW 20'S BUT WARMS RIGHT UP DURING THE DAY. SUMMER IS EXTREMELY HOT & HUMID 100 degrees 100% humidity fig tree grow like crazy but some split from rain & humidity Wish list. Col de dame blanc Col de rimada Lsu numbered figs

lampo

Registered:1329071797
Posts: 2,062

Posted 1463479942	Reply with quote #3

Quote: Originally Posted by Elfarach Being new to the fig world I never really knew what the fig wasp looked like, only in pics, or I just didn't realize your tiny they really are... I had my very first wasp sighting on my own figs today!!! The wife and I were so excited and it actually caught me off guard at how much she was excited about it, especially seeing them on her favorite variety, Black Jack... So looking forward to some sweet ripe figs... We spent way too much time watching them, haha... Question: When a wasp enters one fig does it mean that only that one fig gets caprified??? Thanks for sharing these nice pictures. Pollination on a given fig occurs when the insect enters that fig syconium ..In other words to pollinate an entire tree, wasps must enter each and every fig on that tree! These insects of yours seem to be early pollinating fig wasps Have you located the source of those wasps ?..I mean the caprifig (s) where they come from ?.. Not far from your place, there must be one or more wild figs Have you any smyrna type figs on your yard ? When receptive, smyrna type figs do attract wasps in the area. Francisco Portugal

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,183

Posted 1463498719	Reply with quote #4

Congrats, Simon! I wish you even more to come! You may notice at some point an increase of your spider population and maybe a few more regular wasps, they like to pray on our little friends. Francisco, how does a Smyrna attract the wasp? Do they follow a fig scent? It is not very efficient to visit every plant in case it is a fig tree. Maybe that is a reason why the figs smell in a particular way, to attract the wasps?? __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

SuperMario1

Registered:1441853363
Posts: 441

Posted 1463515580 · Edited	Reply with quote #5

Quote: Originally Posted by Elfarach Question: When a wasp enters one fig does it mean that only that one fig gets caprified??? Yes, only that one fig, assuming that it has pollen from a caprifig on it. The fig isn't a fruit in the traditional sense but a flower bulb with hundreds of little individual flowers on the inside. Mostly, but not entirely, true video here. __________________ Wish list: Galicia Negra, Violetta, Violette de Sollies, Dan_la's Black Beauty 10, Craven's Craving, Most important: YOUR FAVORITE FIG. A lot of people put emphasis on popular/exotic cultivars, which is great because it highlights some of the better fig varieties; however, I am most interested in the figs our members love regardless of pedigree. Currently Growing: a bunch of varieties.

lampo

Registered:1329071797
Posts: 2,062

Posted 1463516794	Reply with quote #6

Igor, Female fig flowers, particularly the Smyrna ones, when receptive, radiate special hormones (pheromones) and this attracts and guides the wasps to the figs in need of pollination. This particular phenomenon may also be observed on the animal world. People who lived and worked in farms for years will understand what I am talking about. The popular word for that is 'scent' but it is a far more complex business involving very special sexual hormones. Simon, This could well be a fantastic opportunity to bring a couple of potted Smyrna figs (with receptive fruit) to your yard to test the efficiency of those wasps, ripening these figs Francisco Portugal

Elfarach

Registered:1409716614
Posts: 288

Posted 1463546391	Reply with quote #7

Thanks Francisco, you always bring the good info. I have a Marabout (thanks to Igor) and have also noticed a wasp on a figlet and just moved it closer to the others. There are a few fig trees in the neighborhood but not sure if any could be a caprifig but I'm guessing so... Igor, I spent a few mins clearing some spider webs yesterday. Seems like they just came out of nowhere fast!!! SuperMario, good video... __________________ Simon C. So. Cal (El Monte) Zone 10a Wish list: Adriatic JH, Raspberry Latte, Violet de Sollies, Col de Dame Black, Ischia Black, Takoma Violet

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,183

Posted 1463615527	Reply with quote #8

Simon, It seems last year there was enough wasps for my figs, the spiders and a few other praying bugs. I do not know what caprifigs they were coming from but I had no shortage of the wasp for long time. Good luck with the Marabout, could be your next favorite fig :) __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

Previous Topic | Next Topic