Pomological evaluation of some genotypes of figs (Ficus carica L.)

Abstract

In order to enhance some cultivars of fig widespread in the Oasis of Gafsa located in the south of Tunisia (arid bioclimatic stage). Four cultivars of Fig (Ficus Carica L.) were evaluated 'Sawoudi', 'Bayoudhi', ' Mlouki ',' Assal '. The phenolic composition and antioxidant activities of skin, pulp and whole fruit were determinate. In this study the results showed that the total polyphenol contents of Assal cultivar were the highest in the various tissues (190.98-697.94 mg/100g FW). In all cultivars and whatever the tissue examined (whole fruit, peel, and flesh), the flavonoid content varied from 14.71 to 63.92 mg/100gFW). Also, Assal cultivar was the richest with flavonoids in comparison to other cultivars. The ortho-diphenol content varied from 8.21 to 118.62 mg/100g FW. Indeed, the flesh of Sawoudi and Bayoudhi cultivars had the higher ortho-diphenol content. On the other hand, Bayoudhi (flesh) was the more concentrated in anthocyanins which was around 2.8 mg/100g FW. However, the highest anthocyanin content in the peel was registrated in Sawoudi cultivar (0.934mg/100g FW). This cultivar had the most important antioxidant activity (p <0.05) evaluated by the four test DPPH, ABTS, reducing power and phosphomolybdenum. The comparison between the different cultivars has shown that Assal had the highest levels of total polyphenols and flavonoids as well as potential antioxidant activity. The results of the present study suggest that fig skin may be useful as a viable source of natural antioxidants for agri-food applications.