I don't think this is Italian 258...

[F. Bennett]

I rooted this cutting a few months ago. First pic is at a younger age. The new leaves are coming out a bit too defined to be I-258. I know it's heavily infected with FMV, but does this look anything like an I-258? I'm certain the label has been correct since I've owned it. I wonder if it was mixed up or simply never labeled correctly. I obtained this from a trade. Thanks.

[quackmaster]

Hey frank, I just recently got a rooted cutting of i-258 from vito and I don't have much experience with it but my lil tree doesn't have any leaves like the ones you are showing.

[F. Bennett]

Yea, I was afraid of that. Thanks Ryan.

[quackmaster]

I'd wait till a veteran with this variety chimes in, I wouldn't rule it out just yet.

[figgary]

Frank, they don't look like it to me either. Here is a pic of mine when they were starting. Came from Herman.

[F. Bennett]

Thanks for the pic, Gary.

[hoosierbanana]

Frank, that is an Etna fig... If the newest leaves that look perfectly healthy now develop the spots and other deformities like the others I think you got some fig mites which makes the deal all the more worse for you unfortunately.

[F. Bennett]

Thanks Brent. I appreciate the input.

[cis4elk]

Frank, it should look like your Black Madeira or Preto.

[F. Bennett]

Thanks Calvin. I don't have BM, but I can compare leaves with Preto and they definitely don't match up.

[Harborseal]

OTOH, new cutting leaves are often different from mature tree leaves. You might have to give it some time to show its true self. I hope you got the real thing.

[F. Bennett]

Thanks Bob. If not, oh well.

[Rafaelissimmo]

Frank, I asked Giuseppe where he got his 258, he never responded. Maybe you can try asking him? I should mention that if you check a thread in FFF from 2013 Harvey posted a picture of his 258 at that time with leaves like yours (and mine). In any event it seems we will have to go back to the drawing board on this one. I will post pics of my fruit in about 2 months.

[kubota1]

I know Giuseppe got an I258 from a mutual friend who send him and I cuttings from Watts. Mine turned out to be true and is the same as my 258 from Vito.

[Rafaelissimmo]

Art thanks for the info. Did you mean @@@@ Watts? That might explain the heavy fmv

[F. Bennett]

Great to hear, Art. I just examined my trees again, and Preto sporadically puts out completely different leaves on various branches, so I'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for your input!

[F. Bennett]

Rafael,
I don't think he checks emails too often due to the condition of his PC, from what he's mentioned in the past. Next time we chat, I'll ask him. I have a Preto air layer ready to be shipped to him.

[hoosierbanana]

Frank, your leaves are rough and dull, Gary's are smooth and shiny, the leaf texture is just as unique to a variety as the overall shape and lobing.

[F. Bennett]

Good analysis! Thanks Brent.