Fig Mosaic

Fig trees can be stately and highly productive, but fig mosaic can take a toll on your fig tree. Fig mosaic is a complex of several, as yet unidentified, viral diseases that all infect Ficus subspecies.

Fig mosaic virus symptoms (Scot Nelson) CC 2.0 generic

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Fig mosaic symptoms

Yellow leaf mosaic patterns are a common symptom of fig mosaic. These patterns are brighter yellow toward the center of each spot, fading to light yellow before reaching the healthy green leaf tissue. As the condition progresses, a rust-colored band appears around the edge of each mosaic spot. Leaves may also be deformed. Infected fruit shows mild mosaic patterning but may be smaller and less abundant than on healthy trees. Most often, fig mosaic causes early fruit drop, all but eliminating your crop.

Symptoms of fig mosaic on fig leaves (Plantpathfinder) CC BY-SA 3.0

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How fig mosaic is spread

Fig mosaic is spread by eriophyid mites, particularly fig mites. As the mites feed, the virus is transmitted through their saliva. Fig mosaic can also be spread by grafting and cuttings.

Fig mosaic virus symptoms (Scot Nelson) CC 2.0 generic

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Fig mosaic management

Tree infected with fig mosaic should be removed. Trees take time to grow, so having to remove an infected tree is best avoided. Begin by only installing disease-free tree and planting them at the proper depth, giving them the irrigation and food they need to stay healthy. Monitor your fig trees for sign of mite feeding. You will need a 20x hand lens to see these tiny sap-suckers. Fig mite feeding is usually seen around bud scales and young leaves and it often causes a faint russetting. Twig stunting and leaf drop may also occur.


Sulfur treatments and horticultural oils have been shown to control fig mites. 


Go take a look at your fig tree to see if mites might be present. If they are, get rid of them so that you can enjoy many years of sweet, delicious figs.