Do Figs Require Wasps to Pollinate the Fig Tree?
WouterFigs do not need wasps to pollinate the fig tree. Most figs are self-pollinating, but the ripe figs of some commercially grown fig trees are pollinated by wasps. However, some people avoid eating figs because of the presence of wasps. This is a misconception.
To pollinate figs, wasps lay eggs inside the female fruit. These eggs hatch into larvae. The larvae then enter the fig and develop into wasps. They can live inside the fig for several days. However, the wasp exoskeleton has been broken down by the fig tree’s enzyme.
Once the wasp has been inside the fig for some time, it dies. Then, the wasp exoskeleton breaks down into a chemical called “ficin” that dissolves the wasp’s body. This enzyme helps re-use nutrients to feed the fig tree. The fig tree then breaks down the wasp’s body into protein, which helps nourish the fig.
There are two types of fig wasps in North America: Blastophaga psenes and Blastophaga nota. These species were introduced into western United States to pollinate Smyrna figs.
Fig wasps are part of a superfamily called Chalcidoidea. They have been in existence for around 65 million years. Their species have evolved in tandem with the fig tree. Their relationship is called mutualism. The female wasp pollinates the fig, which helps it reproduce. Its offspring carry pollen to other figs.
Figs are usually grown in warm, balmy climes. They are a staple of cheese plates from Texas to Tasmania. They are also widely cultivated in Mediterranean countries.
