Many people enjoy picking fruit off their tress, but fig leaf rust can be a problem. LSU AgCenter’s Heather Kirk-Ballard gives us recommendation on how to minimize the impacts of this disease.
Fig leaf rust happens very often in Louisiana. It is caused by a fungus that creates spots all over the leaves leading the tree to drop the leaves.
Unless the plant is heavily infested, it will be okay, even if all the leaves drop. However, it is important to rake up and get rid of all the diseased leaves. If the leaves are watered while on the ground, this will encourage the growth of the fungus.
In the spring time, you should start a preventative program using copper fungicide when your tree is dormant and before they make fruit. There is no recommended sprays for the disease while there is fruit on them.