Jonathan, An interesting observation. Not sure what 'tip' means. Probably you did not mean those dormant 'scale shields' that first drop off at dormancy break, cannot remember the right technical term. Just went out to inspect all my figs trees. Noticed some that fit your description. At this early stage of spring, I noticed some figs with 'still tightly' held buds that looked reddish. On very close examination, I noticed that it is ACTUALLY the underside of the (very young) curled leaves that FIRST shows up, together with their underside veins! This is what gives the 'tip' the red hue. No contradiction here. Then the leaf flips over and the vein red color fades, as it matures. This is what I observed: My 2 HCs (sources: EL and Hartmann) showed it. Sal's (EL) showed it. VdB (EL) showed it. My #4 unknown (Ta Cenc) showed it (wonder what this fig really is!). My #2 (MOST obvious, also observed by Herman last year) and #5 unknowns (supposedly of the Mission fig type) showed it. All other figs none... Specifically looked at the Black Mission and Vista Mission young figs (both) from Jon, and neither showed it! They may in a more advanced leafing out stage. However I did observe the the Vista breba start as a bead-sized, shoe-polish-black color, and then fade away as the figlets grows... George (NJ).

Thanks for the reply Mike! I thought that was a possibility too. We had a miserably hot summer down here in TX this year and it lost a few leaves in a similar manner then as well (not sure if that tells you anything). It has been a bit cooler the past couple of weeks. Got down into the lower 60s upper 50s at night. It would be that cool for a couple of nights and then warm up into the 70s. The plant is probably used to highs in the upper 80s and 90s with lows in the 70s to lower 80s. I say that because I am not sure if the plant will start to drop its leaves for the fall based on the temps that are normal for the climate it is in. However I did move the plant inside and it never gets cooler than 70 there. I read some forum posts on winterizing the plants and that made me think that the cooler temps are to blame. Haven't seen the the ants past couple of days. Maybe the bait worked, not sure though. How do I post a picture of the plant? I don't see anywhere to upload a picture to this post.

I'd love to try and help you while we wait for the Calvery to get here. Did the curling coincide with the leaf splotches? Which way are the leafs curling? Upward curling of leaves in itself is fairly comon and usually disconcerning. Any texture to the splotches? Like mold. I have had brownish purplish spots before that I believe were a result of using liquid kelp and fish emulsion. Some sort of sun burn or reaction. Have you had a problem with insects like aphids,thrips or anything else. If you have any fruit yet do they show any problems? If you don't have fruit you are pushing the envelope before frost in your area. I'll share this much now. There is only so much you can do to stop or slow fungal or bacterial disease. You can spray with a copper based spray or Ortho garden disease control, they should be available to you at home stores or nurseries. Viral infections usually means the plant needs to be removed before infection spreads. Spreading is in most cases done by insects. The key for best success is prevention. Keep your garden free of weeds(great bug hangouts)and remove old plants and discard in the trash can.Add plenty of organic material to your soil. There is good microbes and bacteria in organic matter/compost that will help fight off the bad stuff. Lastly put down a good layer of mulch each year.Watering with a soaker hose is also a god idea if you do water. Good luck, keep your post near the top.

post a pic please ... need an ID before we can tell you what to do ... take one to a sheet of white paper .. and smear it.. is it actually green?? if so.. caterpillar poop ... look for such ... its probably the same color as the veg ... though i am surprised you dont mention any leaf damage ... ken