SFD: Sudden Fig Demise, and emergency measures

[Caricature]

If you had a very valuable fig plant that was experiencing SFD symptoms, would you consider taking a cutting as an emergency measure?

I posted a pic of this young (5 months) Figo Preto on another thread, and am now thinking it might not be a bad idea to sacrifice a branch for rooting.

Edit: I've already removed the figs.

[Caricature]

Seems that a cutting from a young SFD plant would not be particularly hardy, so I'm leaning against this. I received it in a one gallon container, and up-potted it to a 3 gallon pot. Within a month it was dropping leaves. So I put it in the ground (sandy loam). I noticed it had some new roots growing when I moved it to the ground. So, I'm thinking it would have the best chance to leave it be.

Worse case scenario, I could micropropagate it right before it reaches stage 3 of SFD...

[COGardener]

If you plan to take any cuttings in a last ditch effort, I would do it before the health of the tree continues to decline.

[fitzski]

I've experienced some up-potting issues like you are describing where an actively growing fig will drop it's leaves after up-potting.

I haven't perfected the up-potting process yet but I've had the best luck with minimal disruption of the roots.

Even then i've lost a leaf or two or three.

Did the environment (humidity, moisture, light/sunlight) of the figs change drastically?

Don't give up. If the buds are still green then there's a chance it will bounce back.

Good Luck!

[quackmaster]

Wow, I don't know what would cause that after being up potted, about the only thing my trees do after up potting is grow, not trying to rub it in but maybe something needs to be addressed in the up potting process. And I agree that if you plan on taking a cutting, do it before the tree gets any worse. Hopefully it bounces back because it does look like it still has life

[Caricature]

I've up-potted a bunch (10?) figs with no issues. This is the only one that's declined. It's difficult to say what factors are responsible in this case; I received two figs plants in the same shipment and this one has declined while the other has thrived, so far. This one was more root bound, but nothing more than what I've seen before.

I did note that there was new root growth when I finally planted it in the ground. Also, the weather is getting into the 80s now, and it appears the buds are looking greener/healthier. So there is hope!

Scott, I agree, now that you mentioned it, that it would be best to take a cutting before the entire plant heads south. But since it seems to be holding its own, for now, I'm going to take the wait and (carefully) watch approach for now. Will update in a couple weeks or so.

Thanks!

Andy

[figgrower]

I know that if you disturb the root ball too much during the hot weather, the leaves can look like that until it recovers from the shock. I had that happen to a young tree last year. I put it in shade for a while, and it pulled through. Now it is doing great. I'm still a newbie, so take my advice with a grain of salt--I wouldn't take any cuttings. Best of luck to you.

[Caricature]

I think it has something to do with transplant shock - both from the 1000 mile trip and from up-potting. But the weather here hasn't been really hot. Mid 70s at the most (hitting 80 tomorrow). Apparently, it was cooler here than where it was shipped from. I did put it against a western fence to shade it from the afternoon sun. Thanks for the info and well wishes!

Andy