Blastophaga psenes is the tiny fig wasp species uniquely associated with the common edible fig (Ficus carica). Native to the Mediterranean region, it has been introduced to Pacific and Californian fig orchards to ensure proper pollination. Adult wasps measure just 1–2 mm and live only for a few days—long enough to complete their entire life cycle and ensure fig reproduction. A gravid female wasp homes in on a receptive fig (syconium) using scent compounds emitted from the ostiole. She enters the fig, lays her eggs in the short-styled flowers (typically male caprifig flowers), and at the same time deposits pollen she collected earlier. After eggs develop into larvae and pupate, wingless males emerge first, mate with emerging females, then enlarge an exit tunnel. Mated females exit, dusted with pollen, and fly to another fig to continue the cycle. This intimate partnership, one of nature’s classic mutualisms, is essential for Smyrna and San Pedro fig types—though common figs rely on their parthenocarpic ability to fruit without pollination, the wasp still plays a fascinating ecological role. Read this blog...

Borer is a general term for an insect larva or other pest that tunnels into plant tissue such as trunks, branches, roots, or fruit. Boring damage can weaken structural wood, interrupt vascular flow, invite decay, and make plants more vulnerable to additional stress.

For fig trees, borer concerns are usually diagnosed by symptoms such as holes, frass, dieback, weakened branches, or galleries under bark. Because different borers require different management, growers should identify the pest before treating and should also reduce stress that makes trees more vulnerable.

Boron Deficiency refers to a shortage of boron affecting growing points and fruit development.. . Boron Deficiency is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described.

Botrytis means gray mold disease favored by moisture and poor airflow in practical plant language.. . Botrytis is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described.

In horticulture, Bottom Heat describes heat applied beneath cuttings or seedlings. . For Bottom Heat, the practical interpretation depends on the growing setup: container or in-ground tree, drainage, watering pattern, sunlight, season, and local weather.

In horticulture, Bottom Watering describes watering from below the root zone. . For Bottom Watering, the practical interpretation depends on the growing setup: container or in-ground tree, drainage, watering pattern, sunlight, season, and local weather.

Branch dieback is the death of shoots or branches beginning at the tip or along a section of wood. It may result from cold injury, drought stress, root problems, canker disease, physical damage, pest injury, or weak wood that failed after fruiting or pruning.

On figs, dieback is common after severe winter cold and may also occur on container trees that dry out or suffer root damage. Growers should prune back to healthy living tissue, disinfect tools when disease is suspected, and look for the underlying cause rather than assuming all dieback has the same origin.

A breba is the early-season fig crop that develops on wood formed during the previous growing year. These fruits begin forming in late summer or fall, overwinter on the tree as tiny embryonic figs, and then swell and ripen the following spring or early summer—well before the main crop appears. Not every fig variety produces brebas, and among those that do, quality can vary widely. Some cultivars are famous for excellent brebas, while others produce large but bland fruit that growers often remove to redirect energy into the main crop. Brebas are usually larger than main-crop figs, often more pear-shaped, and can have slightly thicker skins. Flavor can range from mild and honeyed to richly sweet depending on genetics and climate, but in many varieties the main crop is still considered superior in complexity. Because brebas rely on last year’s wood, heavy winter pruning or cold damage can eliminate the upcoming breba harvest entirely—a key detail for collectors in colder regions or for those shaping trees aggressively. For fig growers and collectors, brebas are both a treat and a strategic consideration. In cooler climates with short summers, a reliable breba-producing variety can mean enjoying ripe figs weeks earlier than usual. In warm areas, brebas extend the overall harvest season, turning one crop into two. Careful pruning, winter protection, and knowledge of a cultivar’s fruiting habits all determine whether the breba crop becomes a highlight—or a sacrifice made in favor of later abundance. Understanding brebas also helps explain why two people growing the “same” variety might report very different results. If one grower loses overwintering wood to frost or cuts it back in spring, the brebas disappear, while another in a milder climate may enjoy a heavy early harvest. That seasonal rhythm is part of what makes fig collecting so nuanced—and so addictive.

Breba crop development describes the formation and maturation of figs produced on wood from the previous growing season. Breba figs usually begin as overwintered buds or young fruiting structures and ripen before the main crop.

The reliability of a breba crop depends on cultivar, winter survival of the older wood, pruning style, and spring conditions. Heavy winter pruning can remove much of the breba potential, while preserving healthy one-year wood may help varieties known for brebas produce an earlier harvest.

Brix refers to a measure of soluble sugars in juice. For fig descriptions, Brix should be observed on ripe fruit when possible and paired with crop, weather, and photos, because fruit traits can change between breba and main crop or during a wet season.. . When describing Brix, use fruit at a known ripeness stage and note whether it is breba or main crop, since weather, pollination, and harvest timing can change the observation.

Broad Mite refers to a microscopic mite associated with distorted tender growth. Related glossary ideas include integrated pest management. Broad Mite should be used with specific symptoms, timing, and photos. Accurate diagnosis matters because insect feeding, disease, nutrient stress, water stress, and weather injury can produce superficially similar problems on figs.

BTI usually refers to Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, a bacterial biological-control agent used against certain mosquito, black fly, and fungus gnat larvae. It is valued because its target range is narrower than many broad-spectrum insecticides. In fig propagation, BTI may be mentioned when managing fungus gnats in moist rooting media. It should be used according to the product label and combined with sanitation, good drainage, and avoiding chronically wet media.

Bud Break refers to the stage when a dormant bud begins active growth. For pruning, grafting, and variety notes, Bud Break should be recorded with its position on the shoot so the observation can be connected to buds, fruiting sites, dieback, or new growth. For Bud Break, record where it occurs on the shoot or trunk; that position can affect pruning decisions, regrowth after winter injury, grafting, and fruiting wood.

In horticulture, Bud Graft describes a graft made with a single bud rather than a scion stick. For pruning, grafting, and variety notes, Bud Graft should be recorded with its position on the shoot so the observation can be connected to buds, fruiting sites, dieback, or new growth.

For Bud Graft, record where it occurs on the shoot or trunk; that position can affect pruning decisions, regrowth after winter injury, grafting, and fruiting wood.

Bud Mutation is a term used for a mutation arising in a bud or shoot. For pruning, grafting, and variety notes, Bud Mutation should be recorded with its position on the shoot so the observation can be connected to buds, fruiting sites, dieback, or new growth.

For Bud Mutation, record where it occurs on the shoot or trunk; that position can affect pruning decisions, regrowth after winter injury, grafting, and fruiting wood.

In horticulture, Bud Scale describes a protective scale covering a dormant bud. For pruning, grafting, and variety notes, Bud Scale should be recorded with its position on the shoot so the observation can be connected to buds, fruiting sites, dieback, or new growth.

For Bud Scale, record where it occurs on the shoot or trunk; that position can affect pruning decisions, regrowth after winter injury, grafting, and fruiting wood.