Fig Trees Have Hormones?! All About the Hormones Controlling our Fig Trees!
Channel: Ross Raddi
Date: 29/07/2023

In this discussion, the significant role of hormones in fig tree growth and fruiting was highlighted. It was explained how these hormones can be influenced, particularly through pruning, to control the trees' growth and fruiting patterns. It was emphasized that maintaining the right hormonal balance in fig trees is crucial for their fruiting success. During winter, pruning or any damage can cause a shift in hormones that encourages growth rather than fruiting. On the contrary, summer pruning during the active growing season can alter the hormones to favor fruiting and restore the tree's hormonal balance.

A detailed description of different pruning techniques and their impacts on hormonal balance was provided. It was advised to use thinning cuts instead of heading cuts to control tree size and maintain fruiting balance. The importance of different types of buds in fruiting, especially the apical and lateral buds found on the top third of the branches, was highlighted. It was noted that different fig tree varieties may respond differently to hard pruning, with some being more resilient and able to fruit heavily even after harsh pruning. An easy way to gauge a fig tree's hormonal balance, and thus its ability to fruit, is by looking at the spacing between nodes; closer node spacing often indicates a higher likelihood of fruit set.

(00:00): Introduction 
A discussion on hormones within fig trees commences, highlighting their impact on growth and fruiting.

(01:17): Pruning's Hormonal Impact 
It is explained how pruning can affect fig trees' hormonal balance, influencing their growth and fruiting pattern.

(01:57): Winter Pruning Impact 
The alterations in hormones due to winter pruning or dormancy-induced damage can result in their tendency to favor growth over fruiting.

(02:33): Summer Pruning Effects 
The beneficial impacts of summer pruning during the active growing season can result in their ability to stimulate fruiting and restore hormonal balance.

(03:07): Hard Winter Pruning Impacts 
The vigorous growth resulting from hard winter pruning is mentioned. This strategy can rejuvenate slow-growing trees or help combat the fig mosaic virus.

(05:21): Pruning Techniques 
The different pruning techniques and their impacts on fig tree growth and fruiting are discussed, with an emphasis on thinning cuts rather than heading cuts.

(07:33): Bud Importance 
The distinctions between vegetative buds and apical and lateral buds are explained, along with their roles in fruiting.

(08:09): Pruning Response Variations 
It is noted that different fig tree varieties exhibit unique responses to hard pruning. Some can still fruit heavily after severe pruning, while others might not fruit at all.

(09:14): Node Spacing as Indicator 
Node spacing is presented as an indicator of a fig tree's hormonal balance, with closer node spacing being associated with a higher fruit set.

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