Ficus Carica Research Articles

New insights into the identification of biochemical traits linked to rooting percentage in fig (Ficus carica L.) cuttings

BACKGROUND: The fig (Ficus carica L.) tree known for its tasty and nutritious fruits, is typically propagated by cutting. While previous studies have focused on the effects of different treatments and environmental conditions on fig cutting propagation, little attention has been paid to the specific role and association of biochemical properties in leaves, stem bark and fruit on the rooting process. OBJECTIVE: This research explores the complex relationship between 40 biochemical traits and the rooting ability of fig cuttings. To achieve this objective, various machine learning techniques were employed, such as a random forest model, feature importance analysis, linear regression, and principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS: The random forest model showed significant predictive ability with a classification accuracy of 100%, supported by a high kappa statistic. Feature importance analysis identified a* (a colorimetric parameter in fruit), fruit trans-ferulic acid and leaf total flavonoids as the most influential traits in determining the rooting ability of cuttings. The robustness of these findings is supported by the high R-squared value (0.9002) and low error metrics (MAE 0.7554 and MSE 0.6980) of the linear regression model built on these important traits. In parallel, PCA indicated that a*, leaf total flavonoids and fruit trans-ferulic acid were the dominant traits in samples with lower rooting percentage. CONCLUSIONS: These identified biomarkers can be effectively used by fig breeders and growers to select and introduce fig cultivars with improved rooting ability.

Coordination between water relations strategy and carbon investment in leaf and stem in six fruit tree species.

The water relation strategy is a key issue in climate change. Given the difficulty of determining water relations strategy, there is a need for simple traits with a solid theoretical basis to estimate it. Traits associated with resource allocation patterns along a 'fast-slow' plant economics spectrum are particularly compelling, reflecting trade-offs between growth rate and carbon allocation. Avocado (Persea americana ), fig tree (Ficus carica ), mandarin (Citrus reticulata ), olive (Olea europaea ), pomegranate (Punica granatum ), and grapevine (Vitis vinifera ) were characterised in terms of iso-anisohydric strategy through stomatal behaviour, water potential at the turgor loss point (TLP), and hydroscape area. Additionally, the association of these metrics with leaf mass per area (LMA) and wood density (WDen) was explored. We observed high coordination between LMA and WDen, and both traits were related to metrics of water relation strategy. More anisohydric species tended to invest more carbon per unit leaf area or unit stem volume, which has implications for hydraulic efficiency and water stress tolerance. WDen and TLP were the most powerful traits in estimating the water relation strategy for six fruit species. These traits are easy to measure, time-cost efficient, and appear central to coordinating multiple traits and behaviours along the water relations strategies.

Analysis of R2R3-MYB Repressor Subfamily Identifies FcMYB57 as a Negative Regulator of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Ficus carica L. Fruit

Dry fig is a traditional healthy snack and has important economic value in a number of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. Cultivars with no anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit peel are preferred for dry fig production. R2R3-MYB transcription factors have promotive or repressive regulatory roles in plant anthocyanin biosynthesis. In this study, 113 R2R3-MYB genes were identified in Ficus carica, 3 of which were assigned to the S4 subfamily of flavonoid-biosynthesis repressors. FcMYB57 was further recruited as a candidate anthocyanin-biosynthesis repressor based on its sequence features and expression, which was significantly negatively correlated with that of anthocyanin-biosynthesis structural genes. Transient overexpression of FcMYB57 in strawberry totally inhibited fruit pigmentation and significantly increased fruit firmness. The metabolomic analysis confirmed a significant reduction in the contents of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, as well as other flavonoids, and transmission electron microscopy revealed an increment in cell-wall thickness. Transcriptome analysis showed downregulation of anthocyanin-biosynthesis structural genes and upregulation of genes related to xylan synthesis. Yeast one-hybrid and dual luciferase assays demonstrated a negative regulatory effect of FcMYB57 on the promoter of FcUFGT3 (UDP glucose-flavonoid 3-O-glcosyl-transferase). Yeast two-hybrid assay showed that FcMYB57 does not interact with FcbHLH42, 3, 14, MYC2, or FcTTG1, all of which have a previously identified or predicted role in flavonoid biosynthesis, however, interaction was detected with FcTPL (Topless), suggesting that FcMYB57 serves as an active repressor of anthocyanin biosynthesis. This is the first identification of an anthocyanin-biosynthesis repressor in fig, with a possible role in fig fruit quality.

Aloe vera and chitosan coating, an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to reduce postharvest loss of figs (Ficus carica)

<i>Aloe vera</i> and chitosan coating, an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to reduce postharvest loss of figs (<i>Ficus carica</i>)

Protective Effects of Ethyl Acetate Extract from &lt;i&gt;Ficus Carica L.&lt;/i&gt; Leaves Against CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity In Vitro and In Vivo

Protective Effects of Ethyl Acetate Extract from &lt;i&gt;Ficus Carica L.&lt;/i&gt; Leaves Against CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity In Vitro and In Vivo

Description of a New Species of Anagyrini (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), with Some Records from India

One new species of Anagyrini (Encyrtidae: Tetracneminae) Gyranusoidea vasantharaji Zeya, Ashraf and Yadav, sp. nov., is described from the specimens reared from the insect host Planococcus lilacinus (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) infesting Ficus carica plantations in the Indian State of Karnataka. An identification key to Gyranusoidea Compere is also given. Five species viz., are newly recorded from the Indian states noted in parentheses: Anagyrus diversicornis(Howard) (Karnataka), Caenohomalopoda tahai Fatima and Zeya (Uttar Pradesh), Cheiloneurus nankingensis Li and Xu (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka), Sakencyrtus mirus Hayat (Uttarakhand) and S. albiclavus Hayat (Uttarakhand).

Comparative assessment of antioxidant activity in red apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and Fig fruits (Ficus carica L.) cultivated in Nakhchivan AR, Azerbaijan

Red apricot (Prunus spp.) and Black Fig (Ficus carica L.) are two of the most commonly grown summer fruits in the Nakhchivan region. In this preliminary study, ethanol fruit extracts were compared based on their total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant properties. According to the Folin-Ciocalteu method, the TPC was found to be 176.20 mg GAE/100 g in red apricot and 45.30 mg GAE/100 g in fig. Their antioxidant capacities were assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The scavenging activity, identified as the concentration of ethanol extract needed to scavenge half of the radicals (SC50), was determined to be 3.52 mg/mL for red apricot and 6.46 mg/mL for fig. Based on these two biological activity assays, red apricot exhibited higher phenolic composition and radical scavenging activity. However, further studies are required to understand whether these differences are attributed to secondary metabolites in these fruits.

Techno-functional properties and enhanced consumer acceptance of whipped fermented milk with Ficus carica L. By-products

The development of new fermented milks formulations enriched with fruit by-products may widen the existing market offer of products matching consumer demands on novel, and “no artificial added sugars” products. Unmarketable fig fruit, food by-product, could be considered as a potential ingredient to develop a new dairy product. The aim of this study was to study the consumer acceptance of fermented milk enriched with different percentage of pasteurized fig purée (by-products) and their technological properties. It was found that the quantity of fig puree added influenced fermented milks texture and spontaneous syneresis. Formulations containing 40% fig puree showed the highest values of firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and viscosity index with improvements seen from 20% fig puree addition. Furthermore, the inclusion of fig puree in fermented milks reduced the levels of lactic acid bacteria comparing with control samples, but the microbial load was higher than 106 UFC g−1 LAB (estimated counts in MRS) and 9 UFC g−1 LAC (estimated counts in M17). Polyphenolic content increased with fig puree percentage, enhancing antioxidant activity. Volatile compound analysis identified hexanoic acid, acetoin, and butanoic acid as predominant in enriched fermented milks. It is also worth highlighting that sensory evaluation revealed better ratings for texture and sweetness acceptance in formulations containing 30% and 40% of fig puree, correlating with instrumental data. Overall, the quality parameters were maintained and even improved, leading to high consumer acceptability ratings.

New Insights Concerning Phytophotodermatitis Induced by Phototoxic Plants.

The present review explores the underlying mechanisms of phytophotodermatitis, a non-immunologic skin reaction triggered by certain plants followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted by sunlight. Recent research has advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of phytophotodermatitis, highlighting the interaction between plant-derived photosensitizing compounds (e.g., furanocoumarins and psoralens) and ultraviolet light leading to skin damage (e.g., erythema, fluid blisters, edema, and hyperpigmentation), identifying these compounds as key contributors to the phototoxic reactions causing phytophotodermatitis. Progress in understanding the molecular pathways involved in the skin's response to these compounds has opened avenues for identifying potential therapeutic targets suitable for the management and prevention of this condition. The review emphasizes the importance of identifying the most common phototoxic plant families (e.g., Apiaceae, Rutaceae, and Moraceae) and plant species (e.g., Heracleum mantegazzianum, Ruta graveolens, Ficus carica, and Pastinaca sativa), as well as the specific phytochemical compounds responsible for inducing phytophototoxicity (e.g., limes containing furocoumarin have been linked to lime-induced photodermatitis), underscoring the significance of recognizing the dangerous plant sources. Moreover, the most used approaches and tests for accurate diagnosis such as patch testing, Wood's lamp examination, or skin biopsy are presented. Additionally, preventive measures such as adequate clothing (e.g., long-sleeved garments and gloves) and treatment strategies based on the current knowledge of phytophotodermatitis including topical and systemic therapies are discussed. Overall, the review consolidates recent findings in the field, covering a diverse array of phototoxic compounds in plants, the mechanisms by which they trigger skin reactions, and the implications for clinical management. By synthesizing these insights, we provide a comprehensive understanding of phytophotodermatitis, providing valuable information for both healthcare professionals and researchers working to address this condition.

The synergistic effect of Ficus carica nanoparticles and Praziquantel on mice infected by Schistosoma mansoni cercariae

Bilharzia is a parasitic flatworm that causes schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical illness worldwide. Praziquantel (PZQ) is a commercial single treatment of schistosomiasis so alternative drugs are needed to get rid of its side effects on the liver. The current study aimed to estimate the effective role of Ficus carica nanoparticles (Fc-NPCs), silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPCs) and Ficus carica nanoparticles loaded on silver nanoparticles (Fc-Ag NPCs) on C57BL/6 black female mice infected by Schistosoma mansoni and treated with PZQ treatment. It was proved that schistosomiasis causes liver damage in addition to the PZQ is ineffective as an anti-schistosomiasis; it is recorded in the infected mice group and PZQ treated group as in liver function tests, oxidative stress markers & anti-oxidants, pro-inflammatory markers, pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers also in liver cells’ DNA damage. The amelioration in all tested parameters has been clarified in nanoparticle-protected mice groups. The Fc-Ag NPCs + PZQ group recorded the best preemptive effects as anti-schistosomiasis. Fc-NPCs, Ag-NPCs and Fc-Ag NPCs could antagonize PZQ effects that were observed in amelioration of all tested parameters. The study showed the phytochemicals’ nanoparticles groups have an ameliorated effect on the health of infected mice.

First Report and Molecular Characterization of Umbra-like Virus on Ficus carica Caprifig Trees in Crimea.

Fig mosaic is the most serious viral disease affecting figs. A fig germplasm collection from the Nikita Botanical Garden on the Crimean Peninsula was surveyed for viruses using high-throughput sequencing and RT-PCR with primers specific to known fig viruses. Reads related to fig umbra-like virus (FULV) were generated in samples from Ficus carica caprifig (pollinator) trees of the cultivar Belle dure. F. carica trees of other cultivars, as well as F. afghanistanica, F. palmata, and F. virgata trees, tested negative for FULV. Near-complete genomes of five Crimean fig umbra-like virus (FULV-CR) isolates shared 99.4% to 99.9% identity and were most closely related (85.2% identity) to the Hawaiian FULV isolate Oahu1 (MW480892). Based on their genome structure and a phylogenetic analysis, the FULV-CR isolates were determined to be dicot-infecting Class 2 umbra-like viruses and seem to be highly divergent forms of the same virus found recently in Hawaii, USA. This is the first report of an umbra-like virus found on figs in Crimea and outside of Hawaii, expanding information on the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of FULV. All of the Crimean FULV-positive plants were also co-infected with fig mosaic virus, fig badnavirus 1, and grapevine badna FI virus.

Anti-Obesity and Antidiabetic Effects of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Fermented Extract Using Lactobacillus plantarum BT-LP-01

This study aimed to assess the effect of fermented fig (Ficus carica L., FF) on obesity and diabetes in a mouse model. FF was cultured with the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum BT-LP-01 and isolated from fig peels. The antioxidant results demonstrated that FF exhibited DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. In addition, FF showed high levels of total polyphenol and total flavonoids. Body and organ weight and dietary intake were significantly decreased in the FF groups compared to the HFD group. The FF group showed improved recovery in lipid metabolism and liver function compared to the HFD group. In addition, the FF group showed a significant decrease in serum C-P and insulin concentrations compared to the HFD group. FF-administered mice showed a dose-dependent recovery of fasting blood glucose and IPGTT and AUC levels compared to the HFD group. Furthermore, FF groups showed a decreased expression in FAS, C/EBPα, and FABP4, as well as significantly increased expression in ACC in the liver. This study demonstrates that FF is effective in reducing and inhibiting adipogenesis as well as lowering body weight, the blood glucose level, and lipid-related factors. These research findings demonstrate that FF is effective in treating obesity and diabetes.

Eco-friendly biogenic silver nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and biological applications

AbstractRecent developments in nanotechnology and nanoscience in all phases of human life have radically altered the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of numerous diseases. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have been among the most dynamic, and Several metallic nanoparticles developed for biological uses include some beautiful nanomaterials. Ag-NPs have played a pivotal role in nanotechnology and nanoscience, mostly nanomedicine. In this work, Ficus carica leaf extract was utilized to create silver nanoparticles using a straightforward procedure. This study explored the reduction of silver ions by F. carica leaf extract in the solution. UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD analysis, and STEM characterize prepared biogenic Ag-NPs. Afterward, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties were investigated. The images obtained from STEM analysis surveyed that the NP sizes ranged from 11 to 20 nm. Ag-NPs demonstrated antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against all tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains. It has been indicated that Ag-NPs have inhibitory potency against collagenase activity. Ag-NPs exhibited anticancer activity in the HeLa cell line, and the IC50 value was calculated as 8.403 μg/mL. In this study, it has been shown that the synthesis method is environmentally friendly, fast, safe, and easy to use.

Disease Identification on Fig Leaf Images Using Deep Learning Method

The fig plant, known as Ficus carica, has been cultivated worldwide, including in Indonesia. It has nutritional benefits and medicinal properties. However, there are still difficulties in growing it, making the plant scarce. The scarcity of fig plants in Indonesia is mainly due to the threat of diseases and viruses that affect them. There are various diseases that affect fig plants, including leaf rust (Cerotelium fici), mosaic disease, and Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) disease. Infected fig plants become unhealthy, experiencing stunted growth and deformed fruits thus it is necessary to identify the diseases accurately using technological assistance. This research aimed to automatically identify diseases in fig leaves. The method started by digitizing fig leaf images and confirming with botanical experts specializing in fig plants to label the types of diseases present. The research produced a dataset of fig leaf images consisting of four classes of fig leaves: Cerotelium fici, mosaic disease, whitefly, and healthy fig leaves. The dataset resulted in confirmed 300 fig leaf images. The augmentation techniques were applied to increase images to 3,300 fig leaf images. This dataset was then divided into subsets for training, validation, and testing. For the classification and identification, a Deep Learning approach was used with three models: VGG16, VGG19, and MobileNet. Among these models, MobileNet achieved the highest accuracy of 98.79%. Subsequently, the identification system was implemented by converting the generated model into TensorFlow Lite and integrating it into the Android Studio software, enabling it to function as a mobile application on Android devices.

Uji Aktivitas Antibakteri Ekstrak Buah Tin (Ficus carica L.) Terhadap Bakteri Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a normal flora in the respiratory tract that can mutate into pathogenic bacteria that cause Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) such as pneumonia. The high prevalence of pneumonia causes antibiotics to be the appropriate therapy to treat cases of infection by bacteria. However, the use of antibiotics that are not indicated can lead to other health problems, namely antibiotic resistance. One of the efforts that can be made to reduce the rate of antibiotic resistance is the utilization of natural-based antibiotics. One of the plants that has potential as a natural antibiotic is Tin fruit (Ficus carica L.) which is thought to be due to the presence of antibacterial compounds in it, namely tannins, phenols, and flavonoids. The specialty of Tin fruit is also mentioned in the Qur'an surah At-Tiin verse 1 which means "By (the fruit) Tin and (the fruit) Olive". To determine the antibacterial activity of Tin fruit (Ficus carica L.) against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The research conducted was a true experimental post test study using the disc diffusion method (Kirby Bauer method) to see the effectiveness of Tin fruit extract (Ficus carica L.) in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Tin fruit extract (Ficus carica L.) with a concentration of 50% is resistant to Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria with an inhibition diameter of 4.35 mm. While the 100% concentration is sensitive in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria with an inhibition diameter of 19.45 mm. Tin fruit extract (Ficus carica L.) has antibacterial activity in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.

Genome-wide association studies using chromosome-scale genomes of male and female lines redefines two sex-linked loci in linkage disequilibrium in Ficus carica L.

Despite its significance in breeding and agricultural practices, the genetic mechanisms that determine sex in the fig (Ficus carica) are not clearly understood, highlighting the need for comprehensive genomic and genetic research to clarify these complex processes. With the aim to accurately identifying the genetic loci involved in sex-related traits of the fig, two chromosome-scale genome sequences for ‘Horaishi’ (a female line) and ‘Caprifig 6085′ (a male line) were determined, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was subsequently conducted using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained from whole genome sequencing across genetically diverse lines and a biparental mapping population derived from a cross between the two lines. As a result, two major GWAS signals were detected. Of these, only the SNPs on FcRAN1 were found to perfectly associate with the sex phenotype, which was suggested as a sex determinant in our previous study. On the other hand, the SNP pattern of FcAG did not perfectly match the sex phenotype, but FcAG was located near and showed another strong GWAS signal, and in contrast, the polymorphisms in the deletion of FcAG did not contradict the sex phenotype or the SNP pattern of FcRAN1. These results suggest that the candidate genes for the sex-linked traits in figs are narrowed down to both FcRAN1 and FcAG, indicating that they are not limited to one or the other. Furthermore, they suggest some potential scenarios, including the possibility that the sex-linked traits are controlled either complementarily or collaboratively by these two genes, which are in linkage disequilibrium. In addition, we confirmed that a non-recombining sex-linked region exists between these two gene loci. The genome information and the finding for sex-related traits would be helpful to understand sex determination mechanisms in Ficus plants as well as the fig breeding programs.

Functions, accumulation, and biosynthesis of important secondary metabolites in the fig tree (Ficus carica).

Ficus carica is an economically important horticultural plant. Due to its abundant secondary metabolites, F. carica has gained interest for its applications in medicine and as a nutritional supplement. Both external and internal factors affect the accumulation of secondary metabolites in F. carica. The assembly of the F. carica genome has facilitated functional analysis of key genes and transcription factors associated with the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, particularly anthocyanin. In this review, we summarize the various types and functions of secondary metabolites, with a particular focus on flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenes. We also explore the factors influencing their biosynthesis and accumulation, including varieties, tissue, environmental factors (e.g., light), stresses (e.g., high temperature, low temperature, drought, nutrient deficiencies, salinity), hormonal treatments, and developmental factors. Furthermore, we discuss the involvement of structural genes and transcription factors in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, specifically anthocyanin and furanocoumarins, knowledge of which will promote the breeding and genetic engineering of novel F. carica varieties.

X-ray irradiation maintains soluble sugar content and regulates expression of genes related to sugar metabolism of figs (Ficus carica L. ‘Siluhongyu’)

Fig is susceptible to lose fruit sensory quality due to its delicate skin and the natural bottom fruit pore. X-ray irradiation is an effective strategy for fruit preservation. This study investigated appearance and basic quality attributes of ‘Siluhongyu’ fig and evaluated the effects of X-ray on fig sugar metabolism and relative expression of genes. Results indicated that ‘Siluhongyu’ fig could be accepted by consumers with suitable overall dimension, soluble sugar, titratable acidity (TA), soluble protein, and dietary fiber contents. Sugar metabolism assay revealed that 3.0 kGy X-ray effectively inhibited the decline of glucose, fructose and sucrose contents. The starch degradation and the increase of amylase activity of figs were alleviated. In addition, the neutral invertase (NI), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SS) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) activities in figs were activated by 3.0 kGy X-ray. About 22 % higher hexokinase (HK) activity was found in 3.0 kGy irradiated fruit than non-irradiated figs. Furthermore, 3.0 kGy X-ray upregulated gene expressions of NI, SS, HK, and PFK. The study proves that 3.0 kGy X-ray could be used as the feasible preservation means to regulate sugar metabolism and maintain quality of figs.

Distribution and genetic diversity analysis of fig mosaic virus in Kermanshah Province, Iran

AbstractFig mosaic disease (FMD) poses a significant threat to fig (Ficus carica) trees globally. Fig mosaic virus (Emaravirus fici, Family Fimoviridae) is one of the main causes involved in FMD. E. fici has been reported in many countries, including Iran. This research investigated the genetic diversity and distribution of this virus in Kermanshah Province, the third fig‐producing region in Iran. In 2021 and 2022, 128 samples, mainly displaying FMD symptoms, were collected from fig trees across nine counties. Using DAS‐ELISA with polyclonal antibodies, 86 samples tested positive for fig mosaic virus. The 2‐year‐old healthy fig saplings grafted with scions from infected trees exhibited mosaic symptoms and tested positive for the virus in DAS‐ELISA. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) by RdRp‐specific primers (E5‐s and E5‐a) also amplified a DNA fragment with the expected size of about 302 bp from the ELISA‐positive samples. Five of the 12 symptomless samples showed positive results in both DAS‐ELISA and RT‐PCR. This indicates that the absence of symptoms in propagation sources does not imply that they are virus‐free. Nucleotide sequences of RT‐PCR products confirmed the fig mosaic virus infection. BLAST analysis of 20 samples (GenBank accession numbers OQ552535 to OQ552554) revealed that 19 sequences show high nucleotide identity (93.4%–96.8%) with an isolate from Lorestan Province, Iran (GenBank accession number KT732024). Notably, isolate FM203 showed distinct genetic divergence (86.6%–90.2% nucleotide identity) and shared similarities with some other Iranian isolates, including those from Kermanshah and Mazandaran provinces. Phylogenetic analysis grouped most isolates with the Lorestan isolate, while FM203 was placed in a separate cluster. This study highlighted the widespread presence of fig mosaic virus in Kermanshah Province, emphasizing varying infection rates across different counties, with Dalahoo County (Rijab) showing the highest prevalence.

The Response of Ficus carica Seedlings to Foliar Spraying with α-Tocopherol and Organic Fertilization with SMC

The Response of Ficus carica Seedlings to Foliar Spraying with α-Tocopherol and Organic Fertilization with SMC