How to treat fruiting fig tree being eaten?

LeighLeigh

My fruiting fig is being attacked and eaten by something. The leaves look like lace after being attacked with holes all over them. Also the fruit is being attacked & when it’s not it turns black & drops off. Can you offer any suggestions please. I am including photos. Also saw small green moths on trunk.  Thanks in advance.🙏🏻

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @LeighLeigh. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about fig care.

It looks like caterpillars are the main culprits, and using Dipel is a great choice. It’s a natural, targeted solution that’s safe for edible plants. Reapplying every couple of weeks is wise, as it’ll catch any new hatchlings before they get a chance to cause more damage.

As for the fruit turning black and dropping prematurely, that could be a few things. One possibility is that the caterpillar damage is stressing the tree, making it more susceptible to fruit drop. But blackened fruit can also be a sign of fungal infection, especially if the weather has been humid or if the tree is in a spot with poor airflow. You might want to remove and dispose of any dropped or rotting fruit to limit the spread of disease. Also consider a copper-based fungicide spray if the blackening persists or spreads.

Lastly, those small green moths you saw on the trunk could be the adult stage of the caterpillars—if so, they’re laying eggs, so staying on top of the Dipel treatments is key. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell