Souring of Figs by Yeasts and the Transmission of the Disease by Insects^

Souring of the figs was not noticed in the early part of the season, but began later to a limited extent when showers occurred. When the Smyrna figs ripen the ostiolum opens wide and remains open so that a match can easily be inserted and often moderate-sized insects can enter and feed on the sugar. Some of them are caught in the sticky sap and die within the fig. When the figs are ripe and fall ants and beetles of the genera Noxtoxus and Carpophilus enter in this way.