Q.Fig Leaves Disease
I have a big fig tree in my yard. Now is the season for the leaves to fall off. All have fallen except for the ones with the disease, which are still green. I have pulled off as many as I can, but I can’t reach the top of the tree and there are a lot of these leaves up there. You can view pictures of these leaves here: http://forum.kan-naim.co.il/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2774
Thanks for your advice.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Those are leaf galls. These normally happen due to pests. In most cases, those bumps contain either eggs or larva - typically of a mite or a wasp. 85% of the time, these pests and galls are more unsightly than actually damaging.
Because I am not familiar with your area, I cannot say for certain what the exact pest is. Just in case, I would treat the tree with neem oil to help kill them. If you know of a local gardening center, they may be able to identify exactly the type of pest.
I would not worry too much about the leaves staying on. This will not hurt the tree and the leaves will eventually die and fall off on their own.
Thank you very much for putting my mind at ease, I was worried it would harm the tree, since having these leave on it when the tree is supposed to be bare looks so wrong!
At your suggestion I have been reading about neem oil. I have no way of reaching the leaves at the top, if the oil needs to be sprayed on. I also have read of the oil's adverse effects on women ttc and pg so I will stay away from it. I will monitor the leaves for a few weeks, if they don't fall off I will see if I can get someone to apply the oil for me.
Thank you so much!