Glossary
| Mounded Planting |
Mounded Planting refers to planting in raised soil to improve drainage.. . Mounded Planting is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described. |
| MP |
Montserrat Pons i Boscana is a renowned fig expert and conservationist based in Mallorca, Spain. He has dedicated his life to the study, preservation, and promotion of fig varieties, particularly those native to the Balearic Islands. Professional Background and Contributions Fig Collection and Conservation: Pons manages a significant fig collection at his estate, Son Mut Nou, located in Mallorca. This collection includes over 1,700 fig trees representing approximately 800 different varieties from around the world, with a strong emphasis on those from the Balearic Islands. Porta Holiday Authorship: He authored the book "Les Figueres a les Illes de Balears" ("Fig Trees of the Balearic Islands"), a comprehensive work detailing the 251 indigenous fig varieties of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands. The book serves as a valuable resource for fig enthusiasts and researchers. Trees of Joy Public Engagement: Pons actively shares his knowledge through various platforms, including interviews, articles, and videos. He has been featured in publications discussing the significance of figs in Mallorca and has contributed to discussions on fig varieties and cultivation techniques. The Mallorca Photo Blog Impact on Fig Cultivation and Collecting Through his extensive research and conservation efforts, Montserrat Pons has significantly influenced the understanding and appreciation of fig varieties, especially those native to the Balearic Islands. His work has provided valuable insights into the history, cultivation, and characteristics of various fig types, benefiting both amateur and professional fig collectors and cultivators. Watch this video: Monserrat Pons,Son Mut Nou the largest fig trees experimentation field in the world. |
| Mulching |
Mulching is covering the soil surface with organic or inorganic material. Mulch can conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, reduce weeds, protect soil structure, and add organic matter as it breaks down. For figs, mulch is especially helpful around in-ground trees in hot or dry weather, but it should not be piled against the trunk. Keeping mulch away from direct trunk contact reduces moisture-related bark problems and rodent habitat. |
| Mutualism |
Mutualism is a term used for a relationship in which both organisms benefit.. . Mutualism is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described. |
| Mycorrhizae |
Mycorrhizae are beneficial associations between fungi and plant roots. The fungi can help plants access water and nutrients, while the plant supplies carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. In fig culture, healthy soil biology can support root function, especially in living soils and orchard settings. Commercial inoculants are not a substitute for good drainage, organic matter, and avoiding practices that damage roots. |
| Name Standardization |
Name Standardization is a term used for consistent use of names to reduce confusion.. . Name Standardization is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described. |
| Natural Sugar |
Natural Sugar refers to sugar naturally present in fruit.. . When describing Natural Sugar, 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. |
| Neck Droop |
Neck Droop refers to bending of the fig neck as fruit softens.. . When describing Neck Droop, 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. |
| Neck Elongation |
Neck Elongation is a term used for lengthening of the stem-end neck on a fig.. . When describing Neck Elongation, 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. |
| Neem Oil |
Neem Oil means a botanical oil product used in some pest programs in practical plant language. Related glossary ideas include integrated pest management.. . Neem Oil is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described. |
| Nematode |
Nematode means a microscopic roundworm, some of which damage roots in practical plant language. Related glossary ideas include integrated pest management. Nematode 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. |
| Net Weight |
Net Weight refers to the weight of product excluding packaging.. . Net Weight is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described. |
| NGRP |
NGRP stands for National Genetic Resources Program, the USDA program connected with conserving and documenting agricultural germplasm. It is closely related to resources such as GRIN and the National Plant Germplasm System. For fig researchers and collectors, NGRP references can help trace accessions, names, and collection history. They should be cited precisely because accession identity and common names are not always interchangeable. |
| Nicolò Parrino |
Nicolò Parrino (a.k.a. “Fig Arts By Nikky”) is a passionate Italian fig enthusiast, breeder, and collector known among the global fig-collector community. He has introduced several distinctive fig cultivars—each reflecting his dedication to flavor, appearance, and novelty. Parrino’s work emerges from Italy—a land with millennia of fig cultivation dating back to Roman times. Unlike commercial fig breeders focused on yield, Parrino’s approach blends artistry with botany. He selects and nurtures lesser-known or newly discovered fig varieties, often naming them himself—a common but debated practice among collectors. This personal touch reflects his deep engagement: he doesn’t just grow figs, he curates them as living artworks. The Fig Database, a key community resource, credits Parrino with varieties like Melanzana Rosa, Boreale, Melanzana Rossa, and Zaffiro—each listed under “Introduced By: Nicolò Parrino (Fig Arts By Nikky)”. These varieties aren’t mass-marketed but are prized within collector circles for their unique characteristics. |
| Nitrogen Deficiency |
Nitrogen deficiency is a shortage of available nitrogen, an essential nutrient for leaf growth, chlorophyll, and overall vigor. It often appears first as pale green or yellowing older leaves because nitrogen is mobile within the plant. In figs, low nitrogen can reduce growth and leaf color, but over-fertilizing can push excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting or winter readiness. Diagnosis should consider media, watering, root health, and overall fertility rather than leaf color alone. |
| Nitrogen Flush |
In horticulture, Nitrogen Flush describes rapid vegetative growth following available nitrogen.. . Nitrogen Flush is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described. |


