What are these black spots??

[EastsideBonsaidude]

Hey guys,

I have a Fig that was cut right back about 2 months ago as the tree wasn't the right shape - it was too tall without any lower branches.

Everything had been going well until i left it in the care of a family member while I was on holidays for almost two weeks.

When I came home I found this - black spots on all new growth ??

Can someone identify what this is and perhaps offer possible treatment ideas.

Thanks in advice

***As I was uploading the images I was able to zoom in on an image and it appears the black spots are some type of insect/grub.

Mark

[terryb]

They look like aphids. If so you can remove them with a stream of water from the hose. Don't destroy your shoots though.

[Kevin]

Hello Mark,

Yes, I'm with Terry - Aphids and as Terry suggested a strong stream of water generally removes them with ease.

Kevin

[shibui]

Agree with the others. Aphids can breed really quick so best to deal with them soon.
While there is only a few you can squish them with fingers. If you don't like the sound of that, aphids are relatively easy to treat with low toxicity sprays. Pyrethrum, Soapy water, pestoil, Natrasoap should all treat aphids.

[EastsideBonsaidude]

thanks everyone for your responses.

Good to hear that it is easy fixed - will head to the garden now.

Cheers again.

Mark