Ficus Tree Diseases: Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens

Overview

Most ficus diseases stem from cultural stress—improper water, heat, or humidity. Prevention is paramount, but targeted treatments can help when problems arise.

Crown Gall (Agrobacterium tumefaciens)

Symptoms: Swollen, corky galls on leaf veins, stems, or roots; severe cases distort growth. Control: Apply copper-based phytotoxic fungicides. Remove and destroy infected plants; sterilize tools.

Xanthomonas Leaf Spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. fici)

Symptoms: Tiny water-soaked lesions enlarge into angular brown spots with yellow halos. Control: Preventive copper bactericides. Remove infected tissue; sterilize tools.

Anthracnose (Glomerella cingulata, Colletotrichum spp.)

Symptoms: Sunken tan spots with dark fungal spores; leaves brown and drop. Control: Avoid water/heat stress. Don't propagate from infected cuttings; avoid overhead watering.

Botrytis Blight (Botrytis cinerea)

Symptoms: Yellow/tan spots on older lower leaves, expanding to brown concentric rings. Common in cool, damp conditions after cuttings. Control: Remove infected leaves promptly. Apply fungicides early. Don't propagate infected material.

Corynespora Leaf Spot (Corynespora cassiicola)

Symptoms: Reddish spots on young mature leaves. Common on F. benjamina and F. nitida. Control: Follow fertilizer recommendations; avoid overhead watering. Remove infected parts; sterilize tools.

Sooty Mold

Symptoms: Black fungal growth on honeydew from aphids, scales, psyllids. Blocks light, stunts growth. Control: Prune affected parts, wash with soapy water, control ants and honeydew producers with insecticides.