Fig Fruit Research Articles

A microCT assessment of archaeological parenchyma from three riverine shell middens dating to the early Holocene, Yongjiang River Basin, Guangxi, southern China

Archaeobotanical investigations at three riverine shell midden sites dating to the early Holocene – Baozitou, Shichuantou and Nabeizui – in the Yongjiang River Basin, Guangxi, southern China have identified charred fragments of archaeological parenchyma. A subset of the archaeological parenchyma was assessed using X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT), which enabled virtual histological examination of the interior of parenchyma fragments. The microCT scanning identified a fragment of lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera), a possible immature fig fruit (poss. Ficus sp.), cooked food fragments, and less diagnostic elements, some of which derive from underground storage organs (USOs), including a bud/bulb and potentially an aroid. The fragment of lotus root from Nabeizui was directly radiocarbon dated using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry to 8770–8544 cal BP. A new AMS radiocarbon chronology based on Canarium nutshells for the three sites indicates that they were all used during the early Holocene. These findings contribute to the understanding of broad spectrum plant use by hunter-gatherer-fisher communities in southern China during the early Holocene, as well as showing the potential of microCT imaging for the analysis of archaeological parenchyma from this region.

Training Needs of Farmers in the Field of Fig Fruit Breeding in Rania District: Sulaymaniyah Governorate and Relationship with Some Variables

The study aimed to identify the training needs of the farmers in the field of fig fruit breeding and to determine the relationship between training needs and some variables. The study area included Rania District in Sulaymaniyah Governorate. The research population involved 5205 farmers. The research sample was 104 respondents who were taken using a simple random sampling method, representing 2% of the study population. The research included 20 villages that were included in the research. Data were collected through the questionnaire and personal interviews. The results showed that more than 74% of fig farmers were between (medium and high levels) in need of training in their field of work, and the average training need reached 53.25°. The results showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between the training need and the economic level and the number of years working in the field of fig breeding. The study also showed that there is no significant relationship between the training need and (the area used for raising figs). The study recommended that the responsible authorities increase extension services and activities (such as seminars, training courses, and extension magazines) to increase farmers’ skills and thus increase production.

The Anti-proliferative Effects of Ficus carica Latex on cancer and normal cell

The stems of unripe fig fruits or leaves contain a white liquid called fig latex. Fig latex contains compounds that are effective against cancer cells. It is used for various purposes in folk medicine and has been proven to have superior pharmacological properties in modern studies. The industrial value of latex from a cosmetic perspective is increasing as well. In the current study, the cytotoxic effect of fig latex obtained from Ficus carica was evaluated by MTT analysis on lung cancer (A549), breast cancer (MCF-7), triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), and non-tumorogenic lung (MRC-5) cell lines. All cell lines were treated with various dilutions of fig latex ranging from 1/1500 to 1/12 for 48 hours. In cancer cells, it induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner, and high doses caused a more serious cytotoxic effect. On the other hand, it showed less cytotoxicity on healthy cells compared to cancer cells. Fig latex IC50 values were found to be 1/26, 1/40, 1/45, and 1/7 for A549, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MRC-5 cells, respectively. Based on our findings, fig latex showed selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, making it a possible target for future cancer drug development. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential use of fig latex and its bioactive compounds in cancer treatment in terms of their functional properties.

Diversity of fruit fly species in agricultural area Chott Zahrez Chergui (Djel-fa): First record of Trupanea amoena (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Algeria

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are cosmopolitan, species-rich, and yet poorly studied in Algeria, particularly in the agro area of Djelfa. We sampled fruit flies in orchard containing three types of trees apricot, fig and grapes at each site, using the yellow traps. Results show that the orchard differed significantly in species richness, abundance, diversity and evenness. A total of 956 individuals distributed by nine species of Diptera, including four species of fruit flies are collected. The results revealed that most abundant species are Drosophila melanogaster at the apricot fruit site (RA%=28.32%), Zaprionus indianus at fig fruit site (RA%=34.74 %) and Tephritis praecox at the grapes fruit site with (RA%= 51.61 %). The orchard selected a greater number of species and individuals, and higher diversity indices H′=2.40 bits; 2.32 bits and 2.02 bits. Statistically, the result of stepwise multiple regressions revealed a very strong correlation between the number of fruit fly species and the temperatures with (r=93.1%) and (Sig .000**). Thus, fruit flies appear to have rather arrow with the host plant requirements and their phenology was correlated with environmental differences. Our study highlighted for; the first time; the presence of Trupanea amoena in Algeria. This important and substantial preliminary work on this new species in Algeria provides a solid basis for future research and extension of the study in particular for monitoring and control of this dreaded agricultural pest.

The Impact of Cluster Fig Fruits Powder Addition on Nutritional and Organoleptic Properties of Some Healthy Food Products

Cluster fig, also known as goolar in Hindi, is a medicinal fruit abundant in India, offering a rich source of iron and other essential micronutrients. Wheat, a staple in the Indian diet, is energy-dense and provides valuable carbohydrates and proteins. Pearl Millet, the most commonly grown type of millet, is renowned for its high calorie, vitamin, and mineral content. Mung beans, part of the legume family, are calorie-dense and a great source of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In this study, cluster fig powder, germinated wheat flour, germinated mung bean flour, germinated pearl millet, carrot powder, and beetroot powder were utilized for product development. Two products were developed with three treatments, varying the quantity of ingredients. Sensory and proximate analysis were conducted on the developed products, with each treatment having three different replications to minimize errors during analysis. Based on the sensory evaluation, T1 is considered the best among all treatments, with a moderate ratio of cluster fig contributing to its taste and flavor. The ash content varied across replications, with the control product having the highest ash content of 11.03%, likely due to experimental errors. Treatments T1, T2, and T3 had ash content values of 10.19%, 10.55%, and 10.89%, respectively. Organoleptic evaluation indicated that as the quantity of cluster fig increased, the taste became bitter, leading to decreased acceptability. Proximate analysis revealed that an increase in the quantity of cluster fig resulted in higher iron and zinc content in the products. This study highlights the organoleptic acceptability and nutritive & medicinal properties of cluster fig, providing insights into the appropriate quantities of cluster fig powder and other ingredients for various processed convenience healthy foods. The research emphasizes the use of cluster fig, a readily available fruit in India, which has not been previously utilized in convenience food products.

Antagonistic Activity of Macrolepiota sp. CS185 against Post-Harvest Fungi of Fig Fruits (Ficus carica L.)

Macrolepiota sp. CS185 is a basidiomycete with high potential as a biocontrol agent against various phytopathogenic fungi. Regardless of its pronounced potential as a post-harvest fungi biocontrol agent, its activity in tomato seedlings infected with Alternaria alternata has not been well studied. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the cultures and supernatants’ antagonistic activity against fig fruits’ post-harvest fungi and antifungal activity production kinetics. The culture antagonistic characteristics were assessed through multiple confrontations, the supernatant concentration effect, and the kinetics of antagonistic action. The multiple confrontations showed differences (p ≤ 0.05) among phytopathogens and over time, with Colletotrichum sp. 2 being the most susceptible. Based on the 9-day incubation profile, the treatment fractions supplemented with a 50% concentration of Macrolepiota sp. CS185 supernatants showed a higher inhibition percentage (%In). Except for Alternaria alternata 1 and 2, the rest of the isolates showed a similar decrease in antagonistic activity up to a certain extent over time. Among all tested strains, Colletotrichum sp. 2 was found with a higher susceptibility. Regarding the production kinetics of antagonistic activity, a triple interaction was observed between the phytopathogen, the age of the Macrolepiota sp. CS 185 culture, and incubation time. In addition, changes in the mycelium growth rate (p ≤ 0.05) along with the higher activity in the supernatants of 20 and 30 days were observed and suggested the production of multiple bioactive metabolites. These results indicate that Macrolepiota sp. CS185 produces antifungal metabolites at different times and could be a suitable candidate to control fig fruits’ post-harvest fungi issues.

In planta expression of specific single chain fragment antibody (scFv) against nucleocapsid protein of fig mosaic virus (FMV)

Fig mosaic virus (FMV) is recognized as the main viral agent associated with the mosaic disease (MD) of fig trees (Ficus carica). Due to its worldwide occurrence, FMV represents the most significant global threat to the production of fig fruit. A disease management strategy against the MD in fig orchards has never been effective; and therefore, expression of recombinant antibody in plant cells could provide an alternative approach to suppress FMV infections. In this study we focused on expressing a specific recombinant antibody, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), targeting the nucleocapsid protein (NP) of FMV in planta. To accomplish this objective, we inserted the scFv gene into a plant expression vector and conducted transient expression in leaves of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samson plants. The construct was transiently expressed in tobacco plants by agroinfiltration, and antibody of the anticipated size was detected by immunoblotting. The produced plantibody was then assessed for specificity using ELISA and confirmed by Western blot analysis. In this study, the plantibody developed against FMV could be considered as a potential countermeasure to the infection by conferring resistance to MD.

Effect of flax seed mucilage and guar gum coating enriched with postbiotics on postharvest storage of fig fruits (Ficus carica L.)

Fresh fig or the common fig fruit is a climacteric and highly perishable fruit with a short shelf-life of ∼5 days. The edible coating is a prominent method to improve the shelf-life of fruits. Therefore, this study aims at analysing the different combinations of the coating solutions, namely: flax seed mucilage, guar gum, flax seed mucilage + 1 % guar gum, flax seed mucilage + 1 % guar gum + 10 % postbiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus delbrueckii), flax seed mucilage + 10 % postbiotic and 1 % guar gum + 10 % postbiotic-based edible coating solutions were employed to treat fresh fig fruits in order to enhance their shelf-life. The fruits were stored for 9 days at ambient temperature (25±2 °C) and the quality attributes of the fig fruits, such as the: titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, ripening index, weight loss, firmness, color parameter, antioxidant properties, total phenol and flavonoid contents, were examined. This study showed that the flax seed mucilage + 1 % guar gum + 10 % postbiotic-coated fig fruits, improved the shelf-life, reduced postharvest-spoilage and had better quality attributes than the other coatings studied. Therefore, the flax seed mucilage and guar gum incorporated with postbiotics, as a novel edible coating, enhanced the postharvest shelf-life of fig fruits.

Total Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels after Giving Olive Oil and Fig Fruid Extract Against Rattus Novergicus With High-Fat Diet

The reserach entiled “Changes in total chol; esterol levels and trigelyceride levels after administration of olive oil and fig leaf extract “was conducted from July to September 2024. This study aims to determine changes in total chplesterol levels and triglyceride levels when given olive oil and fig friut extract to white mice on a high-fat diet. Based on the results of stufy, constant result was obtained for total cholesterol in all treatment groups, namely 86.5 mg/dL and significant results were obtained in reducing triglycerides in the olive oil treatment group and the combination of olive oil and fig fruit extract, namely in the group given olive oil of 170.5 mg. /dL (81.19%), in the group given a combination of fig fruit extract it was 43.75 mg/dL (38.55%), and the increase in the group given fig fruit extract was 38 mg/dL (29.92%). The combination of olive oil and fig fruit extract has a constant effect on total cholesterol levels and reduces triglyceride levels. Fig fruit extract has a constant effect on total cholesterol levels and increases triglyceride levels. Olive oil has a constant effect on total cholesterol levels and more significant results in reducing triglyceride levels in mice with high-fat feed in all treatment groups.

Genetic mosaic of the Mediterranean fig: comprehensive genomic insights from a gene bank collection.

High-depth whole-genome resequencing of 53 diverse fig tree genotypes yielded a rich dataset of genetic variants. We successfully identified 5,501,460 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 1,228,537 insertions and deletions (InDels), providing a high-density and excellent-quality genetic map of the fig tree. We also performed a detailed population structure analysis, dividing the 53 genotypes into three geographical groups and assessing their genetic diversity and divergence. Analysis of structural variants (SVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) revealed their potential functional impact, particularly in plant-pathogen interaction and secondary metabolism. Metabolomic fingerprinting of fig genotypes uncovered extensive variation in primary metabolites and polyphenolic compounds, highlighting the influence of genotype on fruit quality traits such as nutritional content and bioactive compound composition. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified critical SNPs associated with fruit quality and morphological features. The discovery of significant candidate genes, such as AGL62, GDSL, and COBRA-like protein 4 genes, offers promising targets for marker-assisted selection and genome editing approaches to improve fig fruit morphological and quality traits. This extensive genomic analysis of fig trees enhances our understanding of the genetic basis of important agronomic traits and provides a rich resource for future research in this economically and nutritionally significant fruit.

Volatile profile of breba and fig fruits (peel and pulp) from different Ficus carica L. varieties

BackgroundIt is currently estimated that around 50 % of fig production in Spain is not marketed and it is wasted, increasing the quantity of food loss. It is necessary to highlight that this is the first study comparing peels and pulps of breba and figs fruits to help improve the knowledge of volatile profile in four different Spanish varieties. The aim of this study was to investigate the volatile composition by HS-SPME of breba and figs (peel and pulp) of different varieties selected for their commercial relevance in Spain. ResultsIn this study, 35 compounds have been detected in the different parts of breba and figs fruits. It can be said that the data presented here showed that variety affected the volatile profile in both edible (pulp) and non-edible (peel) Ficus carica L. fruit parts in both brebas and fig fruits, being Colar de Albatera which presented higher content in key volatile compounds. On the other hand, differences have also been observed between pulp and peel fruit part in each fruit: peel was richer in key volatile compounds than pulp, especially in Colar de Albatera variety. ConclusionApart from the high content of phenolic compounds and nutritive properties of the edible and non-edible part of brebas and figs, specially Colar variety, it can be concluded that this material can also increase the olfactory sensory attributes.

Evaluation of viability and germination of pollen grains of three local caprifig cultivars and their effect on some characteristics of fig fruits (Ficus carica L.)

This research was carried out in fig fields in the village of Kafar-Jales, in the north of Syria. The analyses were conducted in the laboratories of the Faculty of Agriculture at Idlib University during the 2022 farming season, to evaluate the viability and germination of three local varieties of Caprifig (Bunduqi, Azraq, Panjani). The morphological characteristics, the date of the exodus of insects (Blastophaga psenes) from male fruits, the quantity of pollen, and the percentage of germination and viability were studied on four nutritive media at a temperature of 27°C. The measurements were taken after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. These three pollinators were used to pollinate three varieties of edible figs (white Satehi, Safrawi, and Habashi) to study the effect of pollen source on the productive characteristics of edible fig fruits. The result showed significant superiority of the Bunduqi cultivar over the rest of the cultivars in traits of the fruit’s early ripening, pollen quantity, and date of departure of insects. The Azraq cultivar is found to be superior to Bunduqi and Panjani cultivars in the germination rate of pollen at all stages of the experiment and in all used media. The addition of stigma flower extract in culture media increased germination percentage by 35% for all studied Caprifig cultivars. The addition of 10% sucrose in the cultivation environment increased the percentage of pollen germination by 20%. The cultivars that were inoculated with the Panjani pollinator outperformed the characteristics of the length, diameter, and weight, demonstrating that the fruit’s quality characteristics are affected by the genotype of the pollinator used. The results of this research can be beneficial for both fig growers and plant breeders, as they help to select the best pollinators and contribute to the development and improvement of the quality of the cultivated fig fruits.

Bioactive compound composition and cellular antioxidant activity of fig (Ficus carica L.).

Fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit is consumed worldwide as a functional food. It contains phytochemicals that have been related to health benefits. However, the characteristic chemicals remain unclear. In this work, phytochemicals were prepared from figus by ultrasound-assisted extraction under optimized conditions. The chemical composition of fig fruit and leaves was characterized by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). One hundred and fifty-seven compounds were identified, including 58 flavonoids, 29 coumarins, 19 acids, 15 terpenoids, 11 alkaloids, and 25 other compounds. The mass spectrum (MS) fragmentation pathways of representative chemicals were elucidated. Flavonoid glycosides and prenylated flavonoids were mainly present in fig fruit, whereas coumarins were abundant in leaves. Both fig fruit and leaf extracts showed good cellular antioxidant activity. The full phytochemical profile of fig was revealed by UPLC-MS/MS. Prenylated flavonoids and prenylated coumarins were the characteristic phytochemicals. These data provided useful information for the extensive utilization of fig fruit in functional food. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of peeling, filling medium, and storage on the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of canned figs (Ficus carica L.)

The fig fruit, which has a short seasonal availability due to its perishable nature, was subjected to a canning process, and the effects of canning on phenolics and antioxidant properties were evaluated. For this purpose, the most popular fig varieties grown in Türkiye, namely Sarilop (yellow coloured) and Bursa Siyahi (dark purple coloured), were canned in different filling mediums such as syrup, water, and fig juice, as peeled or unpeeled. The canned figs were also stored at room temperature for 12 months, and the changes in phenolics and antioxidant properties during storage were determined. The canning process preserved a great part of the phenolics and antioxidant capacity. After canning, the Sarilop figs experienced a minor reduction in their total phenolic content, whereas no significant change was observed in the total phenolic content of the Bursa Siyahi figs. The total antioxidant activity of the figs increased by canning, which was observed more clearly for the unpeeled Bursa Siyahi figs. At the end of the storage, both Sarilop and Bursa Siyahi figs canned with fig juice had higher total phenolics, total antioxidant activity, and individual phenolics than the figs canned with other filling mediums. During the 12-month storage period, the most stable phenolic compounds found in the canned figs were rutin and gallic acid. However, the monomeric anthocyanins of the Bursa Siyahi figs were negatively affected by the storage and canning process.

A study on Standardization of Value-added Products of Fig Fruits Grown in Ballari District of Kalyana, Karnataka, India

The fig fruit, Ficus carica L., (Moraceae family) is one among the major fruit crops grown in Ballari district of Kalyana Karnataka. Due to rapid respiration rate and significant ethylene production fruits are climacteric and extremely perishable. Among the three varieties namely Ballari, Daenna, and Turkey brown are grown in Ballari District, Ballari variety covers larger area. Although growing fig is a year-round farming activity in the region, there are just a few fig processing technologies available to adopt. ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ballari conducted a study to develop novel value-added products using fig varieties grown in the district. Processes to make dry fruit fig burfi and fig-banana rolls were standardised and nutritional value of the standardised products were analysed. The results showed fig dry fruit burfi made from Ballari variety having high protein (12.78g), calcium (17.45mg) and iron (6.0mg) content compared to other two varieties. Fig banana rolls made from Ballari variety also showed higher total mineral content (2.06g), fibre (1.62g), protein (0.70g) and carbohydrates (81.26 g) compared to other two varieties. After 60 days of storage, an organoleptic evaluation and microbiological analyses were carried out. Dry fruit burfi and fig-banana rolls made from Ballari variety were shown to be more nutrient-dense and performed better in organoleptic test when compared to those made with other varieties. Microbial loads test after 60 days of storage period showed the total plate counts below the permissible IFSA (International Flight Services Association) requirements for fig burfi and fig banana rolls made of all the three varieties. None of the products had any mould or yeast. The study revealed the value added products made from Ballari variety fig are more nutritious than that made with other two varieties grown in the district.

Effect of Postharvest UVB Irradiation on the Fruit of cv. Dottato (Ficus carica L.)

Exposing fruits and vegetables to UVB radiation post-harvest is a technique used to modify secondary metabolites and prolong their shelf life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of UVB irradiation on the chemical and physical characteristics of fig cv. Dottato fruits. The UVB irradiation was 2.26 Wm−2. Two exposure times were carried out: 10 and 60 min resulting in a UVB dose of 1.4 and 8.1 kJm−2, respectively. In the control, the UVB was eliminated by a polyester film (control −UVB). After treatment, the fig fruits were stored and analyzed at different times until decay. Quality parameters (decay, weight loss, color, chlorophyll, and firmness) and physicochemical parameters (soluble solids content, pH parameters, and titratable acidity) were positively influenced by irradiation. Total and individual sugars increased gradually during the storage period in both the skin and the flesh, with glucose being higher after 10 days in the UVB treated samples. Total carotenoid content increased gradually during the storage period, with a marked increase in the +UVB fruit. The content of total and individual polyphenols was positively influenced by UVB treatment, with the UVB treated samples showing the highest values at both 7 and 10 days. The study showed an increase in by-products in both the skin and the flesh. This research confirms the effectiveness of UVB radiation in improving the nutritional qualities and shelf life of Ficus carica fruits.

Exploring the pharmacological versatility of ficus carica: Modulating classical immunometabolism and beyond

The burden of metabolic disorders is alarmingly increasing globally. On the other hand, sustainability is the key project of the 21st century. Natural products offer a coherent option for the complementary management of both these challenges. Ficus carica (FC), commonly known as the fig fruit, has an experimentally proven potency for the modulation of cell cycle, immunity, inflammation, metabolism, and oxidative stress. Here, we review the potential of FC-derived products (FCDP) in slowing down the progression of cancers, acute/chronic inflammation-related conditions, infections, metabolic disorders, toxicities, neurological and neuromuscular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, vascular diseases, and skin-stressing conditions, as well as, in boosting normal healthy functions of the endocrine, immune, metabolic, and nervous systems. It reveals a variety of cellular and molecular targets for FCDP: cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IFN-γ), chemokines (CCL2), other inflammatory mediators (CRP, PGE2), immune receptors (TLR-2, TLR-4, FcεRI), oxidative stress-related markers (SOD, GSH, MDA, GPx, catalase, ROS, NO, protein carbonyls), kinases (MAPKs, hexokinase, G6Pase, FBPase, PEPCK, Akt, AMPK, GSK3, CDKs), other enzymes (COX-2, iNOS, MMPs, caspases), growth factors/receptors (VEGF, EGFR), hormones (DHEAS, prolactin, GnRH, FSH, LH, estradiol, DHT, insulin), cell death-related markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Bak, FasL, gasdermins, cytochrome C), glucose transporter protein (Glut4), and transcription factors (NF-κB, HNF-4α, Foxo, PGC-1α, PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, CREB, NFATC1, STAT3). FCDP cause both activation and inhibition of AMPK, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling to confer condition-specific advantages. Such a broad-range activity might be attributed to different mechanisms of action of FCDP in modulating functions within the classical immunometabolic system, but also beyond.

Evaluation of Quality Characteristics and Bioactive Compounds of Fig Fruit Grown in the Black Sea Region, Türkiye

Evaluation of Quality Characteristics and Bioactive Compounds of Fig Fruit Grown in the Black Sea Region, Türkiye

Study on skin anti-inflammatory activity of fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit extract fractions

Study on skin anti-inflammatory activity of fig (<i>Ficus carica L.</i>) fruit extract fractions

New Approaches in Fig Preservation: Use of Melatonin to Maintain Postharvest Quality of Fig (Ficus Carica L.) Fruit During Cold Storage

New Approaches in Fig Preservation: Use of Melatonin to Maintain Postharvest Quality of Fig (Ficus Carica L.) Fruit During Cold Storage