Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, often abbreviated Bti, is a naturally occurring bacterium used in biological control of certain fly and mosquito larvae. It produces proteins that are toxic to specific larvae after ingestion, while having a much narrower target range than broad-spectrum insecticides.

In fig growing, Bti is most relevant when growers discuss fungus gnats in propagation areas, standing-water mosquito control, or other larval fly problems around moist media. It is not a cure-all for fig pests; the pest must be susceptible, the product must be applied according to its label, and sanitation and moisture management still matter.

Bal is a word meaning honey in several languages, including Turkish, and it appears in some fig variety names or descriptions. When used in a fig context, it often suggests honey-like sweetness, amber color, or a local naming tradition rather than a formal botanical classification.

Collectors should treat names containing bal as cultivar or naming information, not proof that two figs are related. As with any translated or regional name, provenance, photographs, and growing observations are needed before assuming identity or synonymy.

Balanced Fertilizer is a term used for fertilizer containing a broad nutrient balance. . For Balanced Fertilizer, the practical interpretation depends on the growing setup: container or in-ground tree, drainage, watering pattern, sunlight, season, and local weather.

In horticulture, Bare-Rooting describes removing soil or media from around roots.

Bare-Rooting is especially relevant to fig propagation. Growers use the term when judging whether plant material is forming healthy roots, joining properly, or staying vigorous enough to become a stable young tree.

Bark Graft is a term used for a graft inserted beneath loosened bark.

Bark Graft is especially relevant to fig propagation. Growers use the term when judging whether plant material is forming healthy roots, joining properly, or staying vigorous enough to become a stable young tree.

Basal Bud is a term used for a bud positioned near the base of a shoot or cutting. For pruning, grafting, and variety notes, Basal Bud should be recorded with its position on the shoot so the observation can be connected to buds, fruiting sites, dieback, or new growth.

For Basal Bud, 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, Basal Cut describes the lower cut on a cutting closest to the root end. For pruning, grafting, and variety notes, Basal Cut should be recorded with its position on the shoot so the observation can be connected to buds, fruiting sites, dieback, or new growth.

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

Basal growth is growth that emerges near the base of a plant, close to the soil line or from low portions of the trunk. It may appear as low shoots, suckers, or renewal growth depending on the plant and root system. On figs, basal growth can be useful when renewing a winter-damaged tree or training a multi-stem form. It can also crowd the base of a tree if left unmanaged. Whether to keep or remove it depends on the grower’s goal, the health of the trunk, and whether the shoot is emerging from the desired variety rather than from rootstock.

Basal Node refers to a node located near the lower end of a stem or cutting. For pruning, grafting, and variety notes, Basal Node should be recorded with its position on the shoot so the observation can be connected to buds, fruiting sites, dieback, or new growth.

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

Bathyphyll is a botanical term sometimes used for juvenile or lower-position leaves that differ from mature foliage higher on the plant. The concept is most often discussed in plants that show clear changes in leaf form as they mature. Fig leaves can vary with shoot age, vigor, growing conditions, and position on the tree. While the term is not commonly used by casual fig growers, it can be useful when describing why young growth, water sprouts, or shaded lower shoots may carry leaves that look different from mature fruiting branches.

Baud is the surname associated with Pierre Baud and the Baud fig collection in France. In fig discussions, the term often appears when referring to cultivars, observations, or material associated with that collection or its published fig work.

For collectors, a Baud reference may provide useful provenance context, but it should not be treated as a complete identification by itself. Variety names, source history, photographs, and fruit traits still need to be evaluated carefully before drawing conclusions about identity.

Some variety strains are attributed to this now closed nursery and have the BC, BN or Belleclare suffix appended to the variety names.. . BC is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described.

Beginner variety is an informal term for a fig cultivar that tends to be forgiving for newer growers. These are usually figs with a reputation for reliable rooting, manageable growth, good productivity, and the ability to ripen fruit without highly specialized care. The term is relative. A fig that is beginner-friendly in a warm, long-season climate may be difficult in a cool short-season area. When choosing a first fig, growers should consider local climate, container versus in-ground culture, ripening season, disease pressure, and whether the variety is a common fig that does not require pollination.

​Belleclare Nursery, located in Plainview, New York, was a renowned fig nursery operated by brothers Chris and Bill DiPaola. For nearly five decades, it served as a pivotal source for fig enthusiasts, offering over 85 fig varieties, many of which were rare or introduced to the U. S. market through their efforts. The nursery gained national attention when Martha Stewart featured it on her program, highlighting its unique offerings and the DiPaola brothers' expertise. Belleclare's fig collection included varieties from various regions, such as Greece, Italy, and the Middle East, reflecting the diverse heritage of fig cultivation. In November 2006, Belleclare Nursery closed its operations. Before closing, they released a final catalog listing their fig varieties, each assigned a specific number. These numbers became identifiers within the fig-growing community, with varieties like Belleclare #46 (Large White Greek) and Belleclare #39 (Sicilian Black) still recognized today. Belleclare's legacy endures through the continued cultivation of its fig varieties by enthusiasts and nurseries. Their contributions significantly enriched fig cultivation in the United States, introducing diverse and flavorful varieties that remain popular among growers.​

Bending and Burying is a term used for lowering and covering stems for winter protection.. . Bending and Burying is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described.

Beneficial Insect means an insect that helps by pollinating or controlling pests in practical plant language. Related glossary ideas include integrated pest management.. . Beneficial Insect is most useful when it is tied to the exact plant part, season, cultivar, and growing conditions being described.