Fruits and Nuts: The fig trees I like (or not), 1 by Amargia

Amargia wrote:
Oh, I’ll have to try the parsley and roses as companions.
Paul, I do hope it isn’t armillaria rot, but Armillaria tabescen does attack fig trees. That is the first thing I would check for. You can see how to visually recognize the condition on this website.
http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1776/eb1776.html
Too many nematodes in the soil are a possibility since it is affecting more than one tree. You usually see a slow decline of the tree if that is the problem though. The first sign is usually early fruit drop. The roots will be swollen and have galls on them if nematodes are the trouble.
Could Darius have already diagnosed the problem? Is it possible field mice or something are gnawing at the base in winter? I have to work with my fig trees in long sleeves and gloves because I’ve developed a mild allergy to the latex figs contain. I would never have imagined rodents eating the stuff, but obviously it is on the winter menu for them. All my garden experience is in zones 8b-10. I don’t know what cold damage looks like. It seems like that would show up on the tips of the branches, not the base, however.
Are you going to try to out maneuver the rodents and try figs again, Darius?
The good news from my fig and grape garden is the mystery fig is already beginning to leaf out. The bad news is a bluejay has a nest on the edge of the garden. In my experience, they are the worst of the fig thieving birds. k*