Ostiole

[azroc909]

Morning fig experts,

curious… I have a socorro Black tree that is ripening a fig it is currently a small in ground tree.

the Ants finally found it and i noticed them going inside
the fig through the ostiole. I do not know how long they been going inside but the fig is not fully ripe yet.

besides me dealing with the ants.

Has anyone covered the ostiole before?
any issues with covering it?

i taped a small piece of masking tape to the ostiole to prevent ants from going in meanwhile I deal with them. Before I taped it I kept tapping it to hopefully have all the ants crawl out.

what is the purpose of the ostiole beside fig wasp pollination?

to expel excess honey prevent splitting, gases, debris etc…?

thanks I’m advance

[azroc909]

[Ktrain]

Do you use organza bags?

https://www.amazon.com/HRX-Package-Organza-Drawstring-Christmas/dp/B08LVF4CPL/ref=sr_1_28?dchild=1&keywords=organza+bags&qid=1627219902&sr=8-28

[Ktrain]

Of course depending on the size your figs get, check the size of bag you order.
Some like larger bags.

If you go this route.

[Miracle fruit]

You could also use organza bags to protect the figs from ants and other bugs as well as birds

[ZomVee]

[Ktrain]

Nice tune

[AscPete]

A one inch square piece of Cloth Surgical Tape will "breathe" and keep insects, fungi and mold out of the Osteole...
It should be placed when the figs start to swell during ripening (growth Stage III).


Eye Patch on Brooklyn White fig during ripening...

[bkkchris]

Like Pete said. Exactly what I do sometimes on varieties that have larger eyes.

[azroc909]

Thanks all,
just ordered some bags, makes sense on the surgical tape that it can breath will try that too 👍🏼

[Simongrow]

I used organza bags to bag my ripening figs and the ants get thought the tied organza bags with no problems.

AscPete then recommended I tape the Osteole with cloth surgical tape and after I covered with the tape, no more ants.

Simon