Ability of fig tree (<i>Ficus carica</i> L.) accessions to thrive under limited and unlimited soil water conditions

Abstract

The nutritive value of <i>Ficus carica</i> L. and the health-promoting capacity of figs have recently gained scientific attention. Its adaptation capacity to climatic variability makes this crop an important production alternative in regions with limited water resources. The aims of this work were i) to identify a possible adaptive response to mitigate the negative effects of drought and enhance the ability of plants of six <i>Ficus carica</i> genotypes and ii) to identify outstanding fig tree accessions under study to survive once they were subjected to extreme drought. The pot experiment considered two soil water conditions: water deficit and water holding capacity in vase experimental conditions. We measured relative water content, leaf gas exchange, water efficiency variables, and solute content as response variables. The data were analyzed by a principal component analysis, Pearson correlation coefficients, and regression analyses. The results suggest a possible adaptive response to mitigate the negative effects of drought; the ability of plants of the six genotypes under study to survive under water deficit conditions was evidenced through a significant negative correlation between Proline (Pro) and relative water content (RWC). In this context, Guadalupe Victoria and Ceballos are outstanding accessions.