Expert: nick mccann - 5/26/2008

Question
I just purchased a brown turkey fig tree and planted it in a container. (zone 5 Chicago area) it seems that the leaves are turning brown.  What could be happening. Thank you Ellie

Answer
Hi Ellie, Figs need to be sprayed to prevent "Rust fungus", this turns the leaves brown and they eventually fall off; it won't kill the fig and it will still produce, but at a greatly reduced rate. You need to spray your Fig with a neural Copper fungicide when the leaves are small and before the affliction sets in (read the instructions on the fungicide). Discard the infected leaves immediately for the spore is there and needs to be removed. Nick