AusBonsai

In about the last week, I've noticed the new leaves on my collected ficus (rubiginosa I think, but not sure) are getting pale spots/streaks.

I spray all my plants with a systemic fungicide and insecticide (fluvalinate and myclobutanil) every 2-4 weeks (or whenever I remember) to control scale because a neighbour's hedge is covered in it and it sometimes makes its way to my plants. So, I'm thinking this is either a virus or a nutrient deficiency. I'm leaning towards a nutrient deficiency because it's only affecting the new leaves.

Here's some pics. Any ideas?

I had virus on some of my figs a few years back. I had to burn them all. This does not look quite the same but it looks a bit like a virus infection. I don't think it's a deficiency. Carefully watch the new leaves as they expand. If they continue to display these symptoms, then you can assume it's a virus. (assuming pest control and adequate nutrition)

treeman wrote:I had virus on some of my figs a few years back. I had to burn them all. This does not look quite the same but it looks a bit like a virus infection. I don't think it's a deficiency. Carefully watch the new leaves as they expand. If they continue to display these symptoms, then you can assume it's a virus. (assuming pest control and adequate nutrition)

damn

I really hope it's not a real problem because I really want to work with material this large. How do I know for sure if its a virus?

sheepdawg wrote:

treeman wrote:I had virus on some of my figs a few years back. I had to burn them all. This does not look quite the same but it looks a bit like a virus infection. I don't think it's a deficiency. Carefully watch the new leaves as they expand. If they continue to display these symptoms, then you can assume it's a virus. (assuming pest control and adequate nutrition)

damn

I really hope it's not a real problem because I really want to work with material this large. How do I know for sure if its a virus?

You have to send it to a path lab.
If you get clean new leaves consistently after your treatment, you should be ok.

I had a good look at the plant and noticed a few things.

In a small crack between a branch and the trunk, those small black ants are farming mealybugs (those big, white, spikey scale insects). I also noticed that a dark ring is forming around the base of the trunk. The bark has taken on this blackish colour. I scratched some bark back and it's still nice and green underneath it. I don't know how well you can see it in the pictures, but it's more obvious in person. And here's some more pictures of the leaves.

For comparison, the leaves below are from a PJ of mine, believe the spots to be viral, happy to be wrong. Can see the marking differs to the original pictures in this post. Going to leave the tree to grow, was repotted and re-pruned a month ago and see how the leaves develop. If the yellow marks return, sounds like no cure and will be destroyed...

I disinfect my tools whenever I prune this tree now.

When I purchased the tree originally it was overgrown, do not recall seeing any yellowing, but to be honest did not look in detail. Only once I had pruned back initially and repotted, did I notice issues with the new / existing growth. Initially suspected something with the soil / watering, but ruled that out.

Sheepdawg, those white bugs may be ladybug larvae. They look a lot like mealybugs, but actually predate upon them.

Cut off all the leaves, it will shoot new once at ease. I doit frequently with mine.

I think a family friend has solved what's wrong with this plant. She examined the leaves and split one open, and then found some tiny white bugs on the leaves. So now I'm thinking this is a leaf miner of some kind. I'm going to hit it with some confidor and see how things develop.