THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 



CHAPTER XV. 

 CAPRIFYING THE CALIMYRNA (SMYRNA) FIG. 



This is the important function in connection with the production of the Smyrna 

 Fig, as it is now generally conceded that no Smyrna Fig can be produced except 

 by caprification. Not over five years ago, it was derided by horticulturists, and the 

 inclination to ridicule the whole subject was general. That caprification was known 

 and practiced for several thousand years is evidenced by the writings of Aristotle and 

 Theophrastus, the latter for the first time having noted that all sorts of figs do not 

 require caprification. To all outward appearances, the fig tree, unlike other trees, 

 develops fruit without producing flowers. These appearances are misleading, however, 

 for on cutting the fig open, it will be found that it contains a large quantity of 

 inconspicuous flowers, closely grouped around the rind, which is really the receptacle 

 for them. In the Smyrna varieties, it is essential that these flowers be fertilized to 

 develop and perfect their fruit. Unless the flowers are pollinated, the figs fall off 

 when about the size of small marbles. This fact draws the line of distinction between 

 the Smyrna varieties of figs and those classed with the Adriatic* family, which mature 

 their figs, (although they are imperfect), without the agency of the insect. 



There are four distinct kinds of flowers found in figs, namely, male, female, gall 

 and mule flowers. Male flowers are found only in the Capri Fig, and are particularly 

 abundant in the Profichi or Spring crop. Female flowers are found in the Smyrna, or 

 edible figs, and in a limited number in the Mammoni, or Summer crop of Capri figs. 

 Gall flowers are found only in the Capri Fig, and are present in all the crops, Profichi, 

 Mammoni, late Mammoni and Mamme. It is in these flowers that the Blastophaga 

 develops and propagates its species. Mule flowers, or rather mal-formed female 

 flowers, are found in the Adriatic type of figs, and are present in the Breba, or first 

 crop of Smyrna Figs. 



The caprification of the Smyrna Fig by the fig wasp (Blastophaga grossorum) 

 is not a difficult, complicated matter, as many would suppose. When the Smyrna Figs 

 are in the receptive stage, is the first point to be understood. This is indicated by the 

 glossy green color of the figs, and by the creamy white color of the flowers. The next 

 point is to be in the position to decide how many times the Smyrna trees must be 

 caprified in order to secure a full crop of fruit. 



The only crop of any importance in the production of the Smyrna Fig is the 

 Profichi, or male crop of the wild, or Capri fig, maturing its fruits in the San Joaquin 

 Valley in June. In counties along the coast, where the weather is cooler, the figs 

 are much later. At Niles, on the grounds of the California Nursery Company, the 

 Profichi figs ripen in the latter part of July, and continue to do so until late in 

 September. This illustrates how climatic conditions, in so short a distance, (150 

 miles), materially change the development of the little insect. Under normal 

 conditions, the Profichi crop on the Fancher Creek Nurseries matures the second 

 week in June. 



Two varieties of Capri figs have been found to be sufficient to carry out all the 



*It has been found that the Adriatic type of figs do contain a limited number of female flowers, for fertile 

 seeds have been developed in a number of these varieties where the Blastophaga has entered. This fact has 

 been demonstrated by experiments made at the California Nursery Company's grounds at Niles, California, 

 and at the Fancher Creek Nurseries. 



