Fig Leaves Disease

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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!