Propagation of Some Local Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cultivars by Hardwood Cuttings under the Field Conditions in Tunisia.

Fateh Aljane,Sabrine Nahdi

doi:10.1155/2014/809450

Abstract

This research was carried out in Southeast of Tunisia in 2009 and 2010, in order to study the propagation of six (Ficus carica L.) cultivars by using hardwood cuttings under the field conditions. The effect of the cultivars and the type of buds, shoots age, shoots length, and shoots diameter were recorded. Ten cuttings per cultivar and/or cutting types with three replications were planted in rooting unit. Percentage of root emergence and six morphological parameters of young fig plants were measured. Results showed that the responses of cuttings as fig nursery plants presented a high variability among the five cultivars. The most widely varied characters were % root emergence (RE) and cumulative growth of young plant (CG). The first one ranged from 10% to 90%, the second varied within 32 and 112 cm. Concerning the ‘‘BITHER” cultivar, 6 cutting types with different age, length, and diameter were evaluated. Results showed a great variation in % of root emergence (0–90%), length of nursery plant (3–77 cm), and number of roots/nursery plant (0–29 roots). The present research showed that the hardwood cutting of local fig cultivars can be propagated under field conditions in Southeast of Tunisia.

Highlights

Fig (Ficus carica L.) is one of the traditional Mediterranean species
The descriptive data analysis revealed a high variability among all the morphological characters of young plant fig cultivars studied under the field conditions
Results revealed that root emergence percentage (RE %) had the highest value in cutting type 3 and the lowest value in type 6

Summary

Introduction

Fig (Ficus carica L.) is one of the traditional Mediterranean species. Fig fruit represents an important constituent of the diet, because of their nutritional and medicinal values [1]. This type of diet is considered one of the healthiest and is associated with longevity [2]. Figs are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, and dietary fiber; they are fat and cholesterol-free and have a high antioxidant activity [3]. Figs have recently attracted a great deal of attention and are widespread throughout the world. The world produces over one million tons of figs yearly, of which 82% are produced in Mediterranean countries [4]

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