Fig Glossary
Terminology, Abbreviations & Acronyms
In any particular field of study, there is a specific terminology (vocabulary) associated with it. Figs are no different. These terms can be a bit daunting for “newbies”. Some fig terms are even obscure to seasoned fig veterans. This glossary is designed to be a powerful resource for understanding terminology that is unique to the fig community.
Note: Use the search function to quickly go directly to your term or to find synonyms for the primary list.
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- Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis
BTI is a group of bacteria used as biological control agents for larvae stages of certain dipterans. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis produces toxins which are effective in killing various species of mosquitoes, fungus gnats, and blackflies, while having almost no effect on other organisms.
Read More - Bal
Honey is a flavor sometimes associated with some fig varieties and/or a term used for the nectar within a fig, which can ooze from the ostiole. Some varieties include “honey” in their names and can be translated from:
- Bathyphyll
In a climbing plant, a leaf produced by the immature plant, which is physically distinct from the leaves produced by the mature plant.
- BC
Some variety strains are attributed to this now closed nursery and have the BC, BN or Belleclare suffix appended to the variety names.
- Beginner Variety
Sometimes called a Gateway Variety. It can refer to the fig fruit, itself. But usually refers to cuttings and or trees that have qualities that are good for beginners: widely available, common type, easy to root, cold hardy, inexpensive, and tasty. Some classic beginner varieties are Violette de Bordeaux and Chicago Hardy.
- Belleclare Nursery
Some variety strains are attributed to this now closed nursery and have the BC, BN or Belleclare suffix appended to the variety names.
- Bifera
A fig variety that produces two crops: the early breba crop in late spring/early summer, and the main crop from mid-summer through early fall.
- Bilabiate
Two-lipped.
- Black
The color "black" or "dark" is often in the name of fig varieties and can be translated from:
- Catalan: Negre
- French: Noire (feminine); Noir (masculine)
- Greek: Mávros
- Italian: Nero
- Portuguese: preta (feminine); preto (masculine)
- Spanish: negra (feminine); negro (masculine)
- Turkish: siyah
- Black Fig Fly
Also called BFF. A recently introduced pest to southern California, causing severe damage to fig crops. See PEST ALERT – Black Fig Fly and the Black Fig Fly article on Silba adipata McAlpine.
- Black Madeira Fig Family
One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Black Madeira Type. A premium class of figs.
- Black Mission Family of Figs
One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Black Mission Type. One of the most widely-grown commercial varieties in California.
- Blade
Expanded part of a leaf.
- Blastophaga psenes
The technical name for what is often called the "fig wasp". The fig wasp is instrumental to the natural caprification process of figs. See What Is The Fig Wasp (Blastophaga Psenes)?, Fig Wasp on Wikipedia, Fig Pollination and Fig Wasp Life Cycle (Blastophaga psenes) - All you need to know (YouTube)
- Bluemalibu
Doug is a well-respected member of the fig community. His location in zone 9b of northern California is ideal for growing figs. The fig wasp is well-established in his area, creating numerous new fig seedling varieties to try out. He has selected a few new premium varieties to share with the fig community, including: Exquisito, Meteorito, Angelito, and Watermelon Wine.
- Botanical Conservatory I Giardini di Pomona
Or Botanical Conservatory I Giardini di Pomona is a collection over 600 different plant varieties, mostly figs, founded in 1994 by Paolo Belloni in Puglia, Italy. This is one of the most important fig collections in Europe and the Mediterranean.
- Bourjassotte Noire Fig Family
One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Bourjassotte Noire Type. Figs are often deep blue or violet to black, with red interiors.
- Bract
Plural, bracts. Reduced leaf or scale. The "scales" that line the "eye" or ostiole of the fig.
- Breba Crop
The early figs (brebas) that are produced on the prior year's growth. Brebas are produced on breba-producing Common Type and San Pedro Type varieties.
- Brunswick Fig Family
One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Brunswick Type. They are valued for their large, sweet figs.
- BTI
BTI is a group of bacteria used as biological control agents for larvae stages of certain dipterans. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis produces toxins which are effective in killing various species of mosquitoes, fungus gnats, and blackflies, while having almost no effect on other organisms.
Read More - Buddy Tape
A brand name of grafting tape. "Buddy Tape" is another name brand. It is often used among fig growers as a generic term for any kind of grafting tape. In addition to grafting, is often used to wrap the exposed portion of a fig scion, above the rooting medium, to keep it from drying out.