Selection of the promising fig (Ficus carica L.) accessions using fruit-related characters.

Abstract

Nowadays, fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits are consumed either fresh or dried and used for jam or spirit beverage production. Morphological and pomological diversity of 49 wild edible fig accessions sampled was evaluated. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the wild accessions studied using the morphological data recorded. Ripening time ranged from late July to mid‐August. Fruit skin ground color showed high variability, including cream–purple (4 accessions), purple–yellow (8), light purple (7), purple (15), dark purple (5), purple–cream (3), and cream (7). The range of fruit‐related traits was as follows: fruit length: 12.65–22.60 mm, fruit width: 10.67–24.18 mm, fruit fresh weight: 2.52–6.13 g, and fruit flesh thickness: 0.85–1.89 mm. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed 10 independent components that could explain 84.11% of total variance. Ward dendrogram created according to the data obtained revealed the variation among the accessions and showed two major clusters. The present results showed that the studied accessions had remarkable phenotypic variation, and among them, some accessions with high‐quality fruits in size, color, and taste can be planted and then used in the breeding programs. Information on the current levels of genetic diversity of germplasm is essential for devising strategies for wild forms conservation.