Fig Orchard Fungal Disease: Sanitation and Fungicide Strategy

Tony's 3-year-old fig orchard in the Middle East (early August) shows brown leaf spots starting centrally, premature fruit drop with thick skin, no visible worms or stem threads.

Diagnosis: Fig Leaf Spot / Fruit Rot Complex

Likely Cercospora leaf spot or Alternaria fig spot, possibly with fruit anthracnose. Fallen debris spreads spores, creating reinfection cycle.

Critical: Sanitation First

1. Remove ALL fallen leaves and fruit: Bag and dispose—do not compost.
2. Prune out severely infected material on trees.
3. Keep orchard floor clean continuously.

Fungicide Treatment

• Neem oil: Organic, multi-action, worth trying.
• Copper-based fungicides: Traditional for figs. Check label for pre-harvest interval.
• Chlorothalonil or mancozeb: If registered for figs in your region.

Cultural Adjustments

• Avoid wetting foliage—drip irrigate only.
• Improve air flow with selective pruning.
• Thin fruit to reduce crowding.

Persistence pays: sanitation breaks the cycle; fungicides protect new growth.