Beyond the Wasp… The Language of Ripening”
No Pollinator, No Problem…Elicitors Deliver the Jam, texture & Finish”
Learning about the benefits of
“stacking elicitors”…
Fig wasp pollination—especially in Smyrna-type figs—can absolutely elevate flavor, but it’s not a consistent Brix booster across the board. When a fig is pollinated by a fig wasp, viable seeds form, and that seed development triggers hormonal shifts that deepen flavor complexity. You’ll often get more nuanced notes…. nuttiness, jammy richness, and a longer finish. But the Brix bump is usually modest only 0.5–1.0 Brix compared to unpollinated fruit….so you get more jammy richness, a subtle nuttiness, and a longer, wine-like finish. Some growers describe it as a “fermented honey” note or a “toasted almond” undertone that’s hard to replicate without viable seed formation…
…In contrast, your elicitor protocol (chitin, Salicylic Acid, yeast extract, Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) stacks up to 3.7to 5.2 Brix points gain, plus a 70–90 % aroma lift and tighter ripening. That’s not just sweeter…it’s more controllable, more expressive, and smaller more uniform harvesting window.
So while the wasp brings “wild depth” and “seed crunch”, these elicitors treatments bring precision…higher sugar, firmer texture, and a “harvest that hits all at once”.
If you’re chasing flavor and logistics, the elicitor route wins on both fronts!
Fig growers, imagine unlocking a secret dialogue in your orchard…one that tells each leaf and fruit exactly how to boost flavor and fortify defenses. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is one of the most powerful “words” in this “tree talk vernacular”.
When you spray MeJA on your figs, you’re essentially speaking their language—telling the canopy to gear up aroma and defense pathways. That’s why a light mist of MeJA can prime aroma genes before you follow up with MeJA for the full “flavor explosion.”
Fig trees talk—using MeJA as a signal . When stressed by heat, bugs or pruning, they release this airborne signal. Other leaves catch it, switch on defenses, and start pumping out aroma compounds. Nearby trees even pick up the cue. MeSA attracts helpful insects, primes your fruit’s scent, and kicks off the tree’s natural immune response.
Spraying MeSA tells every leaf to brace for attack, convert it back into salicylic acid, and prep for MeJA. The result? More fragrance, stronger defenses, and figs that ripen together. You’ll see richer color—deeper reds, purples, and bronzes that pop against the foliage. Fruit firms up, so you get less skin splitting and better shelf life. The aroma hits fast…floral,and spicy notes ….It’s nature’s playbook—on demand.
Harnessing elicitors is no gimmick —it’s partnering with your trees’ own communication network. You’re not “spraying chemicals”…you’re conversing in the language of flavor and resilience. Master this dialogue, and watch your figs flourish with confidence.
Flavor? That’s where it really shows. Terpenes and esters surge, and you get figs with bolder character—brighter highs, creamier middles, and a long, clean finish. Some growers say it shifts the whole profile from “sweet” to “memorable.” If you’re looking for figs that smell ripe, taste ripe, and hold together in the crate, this signaling combo delivers.
Do Trees Release Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA)?
Yes. Fig trees —including woody species and fruit trees—naturally produce and emit MeJA as a volatile signal when under stress or attack.Plants synthesize jasmonic acid in response to wounding or herbivory, This MeJA evaporates from leaf surfaces into the air.
…Why Spraying Mimics Nature?
By foliar-applying MeJA, you’re co-opting the tree’s own “SOS” signal—telling every cell in the canopy to…Switch on defense and aroma pathways…..
application of MeJA to trees mimics herbivore damage and triggers the tree’s own volatile emissions. Wounded or infested foliage produces and emits MeJA. Nearby leaves or neighboring plants absorb airborne MeJA and convert it back to jasmonic acid….The plant ramps up defense genes and ramp upVOCs to deter pests and warn neighbors.
Neighboring leaves on the same tree detect MeJA and activate defenses.Plant-to-plant signaling….Nearby trees or understory plants pick up the volatile cue and pre-emptively bolster their immune system…Predatory or parasitic insects use MeJA plumes to locate pest insects on your trees.
Root-Level Conversations”… Chitin, Salicylic Acid & Yeast Extract
Fig growers often focus on foliar sprays, but your trees’ roots are just as chatty. By drenching chitin, salicylic acid (SA), or yeast extract into the soil, you tap into their subterranean “language,” mimicking specific threats and priming systemic defenses.
Speaking the Roots’ Language
While MeJA (methyl jasmonate) mimics herbivore attack and wounding.
Chitin mimicks Fungal invasion (PAMP) triggering response of Quick calcium influx, burst of reactive oxygen species, activation of defense genes…
Salicylic Acid (SA) mimics pathogen infection (SAR) Then triggers systemic acquired resistance with proteins and antioxidant production….and …
Yeast Extract mimickes General microbial attack (MAMP)…triggering boost in phenolics and flavonoids.
Integrating Root & Foliar Dialects
Early season: drench with chitin or yeast extract to prime root-based immunity.
Mid season: follow with an SA drench to kickstart systemic defenses.
Fruit swell: switch to foliar→ MeJA sprays along with yeast extract for aroma priming and flavor explosion.
By combining root drenches with targeted foliar sprays, you orchestrate a full-plant conversation—from the soil up—ensuring your figs ripen with maximum flavor, color, and resilience.
What to try MeJA?
Add 0.19 mL of pure MeJA to 1 gallon of water That’s about 4 drops
Why Light Misting Is Best
Maximizes absorption: A fine mist allows the elicitor to be absorbed through the cuticle and stomata without overwhelming the tissue.
Prevents runoff: Excess liquid can drip off leaves and fruit, wasting product and reducing efficacy.
Reduces phytotoxicity risk: Especially important with potent volatiles like MeSA or MeJA, which can cause leaf burn or spotting if overapplied.
Improves spray efficiency: You use less product and get better coverage per liter.
What to Aim For
mid swell Apply 1–2 sprays per season
Space sprays 7–10 days apart
Leaves and fruit should look dewy, not dripping.
Lightly mist the entire canopy, focusing on:
Young, actively growing leaves
Fruit clusters (especially during swell and pre-softening)
Avoid drooping/softening figs
Don’t do?
“Don’t drench the canopy”—overapplication can cause phytotoxicity, especially with MeJA or MeSA
Don’t skip the fruit zone—aroma and pigment pathways are localized, and direct contact matters
Don’t spray in full sun or heat—volatiles like MeSA will evaporate too quickly
Enjoy!
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