Growing Figs, Learn about Figs
The Root-Knot Nematode Bible for Figs
Let’s just get this out of the way: if you grow figs—especially in the southeastern U.S.—root-knot nematodes are not if, they’re when. These microscopic pests are silent saboteurs, and once they take hold, they can slowly strangle the life out of your beloved fig tree from below the soil line. So, yeah…they matter.
But don’t panic—knowing what they are, how to spot ’em, and what to do about them can seriously tilt the odds in your favor. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty (or should I say, rooty-gritty?).
What Even Are Root-Knot Nematodes?
Root-knot nematodes (genus Meloidogyne) are microscopic roundworms that live in the soil and attack plant roots. They’re invisible to the naked eye, but the damage they leave behind is unmistakable: swollen, knobby root galls that mess with water and nutrient uptake.
Fig trees, particularly Ficus carica, are unfortunately delicious targets. Once these nematodes start feeding, the tree’s roots swell into grotesque knots—hence the name. And from there? The tree begins to struggle. It wilts on hot afternoons, growth stalls, fruit production drops off a cliff, and eventually it might just…quit.
Where They’re the Biggest Problem
If you’re in Florida, parts of Texas, or anywhere along the southern coastal regions with sandy, warm soil—you’re basically living in nematode Disneyland. These pests thrive in loose, well-drained soils, which is kind of ironic because those are the same soils figs usually love.
But don’t think you’re safe just because you’re in a container-growing setup. Nematodes can (and do) sneak into potted plants through more ways than most folks realize. Which brings us to…
The Sneaky Ways Nematodes Get into Your Potted Figs
You’d think container-grown figs would be safe, right? Wrong. Here’s how they still show up:
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Squirrels: Yep. Those fluffy-tailed acrobats dig into native nematode-infested soil, then hop into your pots for a quick fig snack or to bury a nut. Just like that, contamination begins.
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Watering cans: If you fill up from a hose that rests on infested soil—or if you reuse water runoff—you might be unknowingly spreading nematodes.
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Dirty gloves or tools: If you just dug a hole in the ground and then mess with your potted fig without cleaning your hands or pruners? Congrats, you’re a vector now.
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Pots touching native soil: This one’s sneaky. If your pots are sitting directly on the ground, roots can poke through the drainage holes and hit contaminated earth. Game over.
How to Spot the Signs (And What to Look For)
Above ground, symptoms are subtle and can mimic nutrient deficiency or drought stress:
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Leaves wilting in the heat even when soil is moist
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Stunted growth, weak new shoots
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Poor fruit production
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Yellowing leaves
But the real proof is in the roots. Gently remove your fig from its pot or dig carefully around the drip line. If you see swollen, tumor-like knots along the roots, that’s your confirmation. Healthy roots should look smooth and fibrous—not lumpy and gnarled.
Prevention Starts with Cleanliness
Let me be blunt: keeping things clean is half the battle. That means sterilizing tools, gloves, and containers before using them around your figs. Wash everything with soapy water and soak pruners or knives in a diluted bleach solution (about 1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
Quick checklist:
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Never reuse soil from unknown sources
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Disinfect pots before replanting
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Don’t share tools between in-ground and potted plants without cleaning
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Keep pots elevated on stands or bricks to avoid contact with native soil
Honestly, it feels like overkill—until it saves your tree.
Keeping Nematodes Out of the Ground
If you’re planting in-ground and you’re in nematode territory, prep is key. Here’s what helps:
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Amend the soil: Organic matter is your friend. Compost, aged manure, and leaf mold help support beneficial microbes that suppress nematodes naturally.
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Crab meal and insect frass: These are like protein shakes for your soil life. Crab meal contains chitin, which encourages populations of chitin-degrading microbes that attack nematodes.
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French marigolds (Tagetes patula): These aren’t just pretty—they release chemicals from their roots that are toxic to nematodes. Plant them around your figs or in between seasons as a cover crop.
Let that soil buzz with life. Because healthy soil is the best frontline defense.
Stopping the Spread Before It Starts
Let’s say you already have a nematode issue. Now the goal is to stop it from spreading to other trees or containers.
Here’s how:
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Quarantine suspect trees
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Never compost infected roots
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Avoid overhead watering that splashes contaminated soil between areas
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Mulch heavily to suppress soil splash
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Mark your tools—designate one set for problem areas and keep it separate
It’s a little like biosecurity for your garden. Annoying, yes. But essential.
Choosing Smarter Rootstocks
Here’s where things get really interesting—because some figs handle nematodes better than others. Not all Ficus are created equal when it comes to root resilience.
Graft-Worthy Rootstocks for Fig Growers
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Ficus Opposita: A proven warrior. Highly resistant to root-knot nematodes and works well as a rootstock for grafting Ficus carica (the common fig). Plus, it adapts well to container life.
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Ficus Sycomorus: Tough, durable, and not as tasty to nematodes. More commonly used in Africa and the Middle East, but it’s gaining traction in nematode-heavy zones like Florida.
If you’re serious about figs and live in nematode territory, grafting might be your long-term solution. It takes some effort, sure—but compared to watching your tree wither every summer? Worth it.
The Final Word (for Now)
You know what’s wild? Root-knot nematodes aren’t even the most dramatic pest you’ll deal with. They’re just quietly destructive, turning healthy fig trees into ghosts of themselves over time.
But now that you know how they operate—and how to fight back—you’re in a much better spot. Keep things clean, get familiar with your soil, and maybe start exploring those grafting projects you’ve been putting off. Because figs deserve better than being strangled from the roots up.
