Fig Germplasm Research Articles

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.

Evaluation of genetic diversity of figs (Ficus carica L.) in Sulaymaniyah governorate using morphological, pomological and ISSR molecular marker

The fig (Ficus carica L.) is a fruit tree that is important in the Mediterranean region, and thus genetic improvement has become an important field of research for better crops, with information on this species, particularly its genetic variability correlated to morphological traits of figs, for this purpose, the cultivars and wild types distributed in Sulaymaniyah province were investigated. Samples from 66 fig accessions were collected, 15 primers for ISSR markers were used to describe genetic variation, with 12 morphological traits. Analysis of variance recorded highly significant differences concerning plant morphological and pomological traits in addition to genetic diversity. The highest values for shoot length (79.959 cm), internode diameter (15.563 mm), leaf length (28.183 cm), leaf width (28.480 cm), leaf petiole length (13.397 cm) and leaf petiole diameter (18.360 mm) recorded in AC17, AC41, AC20, AC20, AC17 and AC24, respectively. However, the lowest values (11.120 cm, 4.340 mm, 10.910 cm, 9.813 cm, 3.987 cm and 2.323 mm) for the mentioned traits were recorded in AC14, AC12, AC12, AC12, AC37 and AC52, respectively. The highest values for fruit weight (63.447 g), fruit length (46.960 mm), fruit thickness (60.420 mm), fruit stalk length (29.887 mm), fruit stalk diameter (10.433 mm) and ostiole diameter (8.717 mm) were given by AC03, AC22, AC54, AC58, AC58 and AC14, successively. Whereas the lowest values (4.483 g, 14.770 mm, 18.497 mm, 2.373 mm, 2.533 mm and 2.557 mm) were observed in AC37, AC37, AC12, AC08, AC25 and AC30, successively. The first two principal components analysis (PCA) described 49.15% of the total quality variance. ISSR marker produced 197 polymorphic bands. The genetic diversities ranged as (0.883 to 0.980) and polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged as (0.878 to 0.979), with 100% polymorphism levels. The fig accessions classified into 10 clusters by dendrongram created by ward method. The results indicated that natural fig populations in this region provide a rich genetic resource for fig germplasms, and significant genetic variation across accessions originating from different populations, as well as the marker was informative for genetic variability detection in the collections. The findings of this study could support in the conservation and further utilization of fig germplasm.

Lipidomic profiling reveals phenotypic diversity and nutritional benefits in Ficus carica L. (Fig.) seed cultivars.

Ficus carica L. seeds are a substantial source of minor oil with high unsaturation levels and potent antioxidant properties. The study aims to evaluate the mineral composition, lipodomic profile, and vibrational fingerprints of 22 fig genotypes utilizing FTIR-ATR techniques and chemometrics. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy and chemometric techniques were employed to examine the phenotypic diversity of fig seeds. The investigation was performed in detail. The research analyzed twenty-two fig genotypes to assess their nutritional properties, genetic relationships, and potential applications. The results demonstrate substantial nutritional benefits related to fig seeds, which could serve as genetic resources for selection programs for extracting vegetable oil and functional ingredients. Additionally, a detailed lipodomic profile analysis led to the categorization of the genotypes into four unique clusters. The study uncovered new insights regarding the nutritional composition of the samples, while also highlighting significant similarities and differences. The findings showcased the phenotypic diversity within the studied fig germplasm, which is likely attributed to underlying genetic factors. These accessions offer a valuable gene pool for future breeding programs and diverse applications involving fig seeds. This work contributes to the selection of potential genotypes for scientific and industrial purposes. Furthermore, the application of FTIR and chemometrics revealed a noteworthy diversity of patterns, emphasizing the previously underestimated significance of this aspect in evaluating the chemodiversity of the species.

Genetic diversity of fig (Ficus carica L.) germplasm from the Mediterranean basin as revealed by SSR markers

Fig (Ficus carica L.) tree is cultivated worldwide and is highly appreciated for its fruit, which is consumed fresh or dried, having high nutritional and pharmaceutical value and for these reasons there is an increasing interest for its cultivation. In the present study, an ex situ collection of 60 fig accessions (41 indigenous Greek and 19 from other Mediterranean countries) was established and its diversity was analyzed using eight simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. Greek fig genotypes showed relatively low allelic variation (the average number of SSR alleles per locus was 3.75), an excess of heterozygosity (mean He = 0.489 and Ho = 0.557), and extensive outbreeding (mean F index − 0.151). Cluster analysis showed that the established fig population exhibited weak genetic structure, with most of the genetic variation (89%) being present within individual members of the clusters. Both cluster and principal coordinate analysis confirmed that there is little correlation between genetic makeup and geographical origin of the fig accessions. Polymorphism information content with an average of 0.421 was reasonably informative. An identification key scheme for fig cultivars that will be useful in cultivar discrimination and intellectual property protection was developed. This work will contribute to a sustainable fig production regionally and worldwide, through the establishment and conservation of a reference fig collection, providing germplasm for future breeding efforts.

Characterization of Divergent Grapevine Badnavirus 1 Isolates Found on Different Fig Species (Ficus spp.).

Fig mosaic disease is spread worldwide and is believed to have a viral etiology. Divergent isolates of grapevine badnavirus 1 (GBV1), named fGBV1, were discovered on Ficus carica, F. palmata, F. virgata, and F. afghanistanica in the fig germplasm collection of the Nikita Botanical Gardens, Russia, expanding the list of viruses infecting this crop. The complete genomes of five fGBV1 isolates from F. carica and F. palmata trees were determined using high-throughput and Sanger sequencing. The genomes comprised 7283 base pairs, contained four overlapping open reading frames, were 99.7 to 99.9% identical to each other, and related to GBV1 (83.2% identity). The reverse transcriptase RNase H genome regions of fGBV1 and GBV1 share 84.6% identity, indicating that fGBV1 is a divergent isolate of GBV1, which was found on the new natural hosts from a different family (Moraceae). Further, fGBV1-specific primers were developed to detect the virus using RT-PCR. Survey of 47 trees, belonging to four fig species and 14 local and introduced F. carica cultivars, showed the high fGBV1 prevalence in the collection (93.6%), including trees with no obvious symptoms of fig mosaic disease.

SSR Based Molecular Characterization of Local Fig (Ficus carica L.) Germplasm in Northeastern Turkey

SSR Based Molecular Characterization of Local Fig (Ficus carica L.) Germplasm in Northeastern Turkey

Ethnobotanical and on farm genetic surveys of fig (Ficus carica L.) genetic resources in Kerkennah islands.

Fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is characterized by a wide genetic diversity in Tunisia although it is considered as a secondary species. In Kerkennah islands, despite several biotic and abiotic stresses, local population has conserved the fig germplasm. This species is very well suited to the harsh environments. In order to enhance on farm conservation of fig genetic resources and to have inventory of related traditional knowledge (TK), a global survey was conducted among a wide range of stakeholders and local governmental agencies in Kerkennah archipelago. For this purpose, prospections were done during two successive years covering the totality of the islands. A total of 9 locations and 26 sub-locations were visited. Twenty four farmers were solicited. Surveys have taken into account sex, age of farmers, predominant agricultural activities of farmers, field area, fig cultivated varieties, land management, traditional knowledge, production and its use, source of incomes and marketing of production. Participatory Four Cell Analysis (FCA) allowed the classification of fig cultivars regarding the threat level of loss and the adequate manner of conservation. Results of this study showed that it is imperative to pay particular attention to threatened and rare cultivars. Hence, the importance to conserve such diversified germplasm. On farm conservation program is a suitable alternative for such region for preservation of traditional knowledge, cultivars rehabilitation and a sustainable agriculture.

Genetic characterisation and population structure analysis of Anatolian figs (Ficus carica L.) by SSR markers

Abstract The common fig (Ficus carica L.) is a tree species and is one of the oldest fruit trees cultivated in Turkey. The Western Anatolian region of Turkey produces nearly a quarter of the total dried fig production of the world. This region also harbours a rich fig germplasm. However, so far this germplasm has remained largely uncharacterised. In this study, using 14 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs, we analysed a total of 310 fig accessions from six different regions of Anatolia. In structure analyses, Western Anatolian accessions formed a group, which was correlated with their geographical distribution. In addition, 7 identical, 36 synonymous, and 22 homonymous fig accessions were identified. In multilocus lineages (MLLs) analysis a total of 54 accessions were matched to different accessions as clone assignment. The results will facilitate future germplasm management and breeding efforts in this economically important tree species by identifying genetic diversity, genetic relations and characterising the structure of studied populations and accessions.

Molecular characterization of fig (Ficus carica L.) germplasm from Northeastern Black sea region

Turkey is well known for fig production and diversity in the world and fig trees are prevalent in various parts of the country. Eastern Black sea region has table fig cultivation, and together with local cultivars, unnamed numerous genotypes are present in the region. Progress in fig breeding requires the exploitation of genetic variation among cultivars, landraces and gene pools. Local cultivars (Patlican, Kara Patlican, Beyaz Torosun, Kara Torosun), standard cultivar (Bursa siyahi), and unnamed genotypes (from T1 to T37) as well were analyzed using SSR markers. The analysis revealed 116 alleles and all of them were found polymorphic. Genetic similarity ranged between 0.24 and 0.90. T24 and T25 genotypes (0.90) were the closest cultivars, while Bursa Siyahi cultivar and T19 genotype were the most distant genotypes (0.24). The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 (LMFC37 and MFC4 primers) to 9 (LMFC30 primer). LMFC30 (9 alleles), MFC3 (8 alleles), FCUP038 and LMFC32 (7 alleles) SSR primers were the most polymorphic. The selected SSR primers provided a great resolution in evaluating the relationship of the local fig thanks to their rich allelic diversity and co-dominance.

Diversity Screening of Fig (Ficus Carica L.) Germplasm through Integration of Morpho-agronomic and Biochemical Traits

ABSTRACT This study aimed to screen 135 cultivars of fig (Ficus carica L.) to identify the most suitable cultivars in terms of morpho-agronomic and biochemical characters. The free radical scavenging activity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS and β-Carotene bleaching assays. The studied genotypes exhibited significant variability (p < .01) following all traits analyzed. The Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) revealed a significant relationship between biochemical components and morpho-agronomic traits of fig. With the exception of the drop at the ostiole, lenticel color, and seed sizes, all variables showed highly significant differences. All studied genotypes averaged the fruit weigh of 34.41 ± 14.78 g with a dominance of globose shape. Based on the principal component analysis, the most discriminant attributes were the fruit geometrical traits, color, and peel characteristics. Also, the total sugars (10.08–15.10 g/100 gdw), total anthocyanins (0,41 to 47.95 mg cy-3-rutinoside/100 gdw) and flavonoids (103,7 ± 8.9–14.6 ± 4.6 mg CE/100 gdw) contributed significantly in fig assessment. Unweighted pair group cluster analysis based on Euclidean distance revealed five distinct groups. The local genotype ‘Ounq Hmam PS14ʹ showed a typical profile and was classified as an independent branch. The findings confirmed the effectiveness of combining morpho-agronomic and biochemical analyses in fig assessment. They also showed that the studied fig germplasm has high phenotypic diversity, which is probably more genetically related. The studied accessions can be recognized as an important gene pool for future breeding programs.

Assessment of genetic diversity in Moroccan fig (Ficus carica L.) collection by combining morphological and physicochemical descriptors

There are not many exhaustive works emphasizing the amount of genetic diversity based on multivariate analysis of a large sample of fig (Ficus carica L.) cultivars in Morocco. In this study, 96 local and 44 introduced fig cultivars were assessed using 41 descriptors. The studied genotypes exhibited a highly significant variability based on morphological, colorimetric and physicochemical traits. Most of characters showed a high coefficient of variations (> 30%) revealing a high level of phenotypic diversity among the genotypes. Principal component analysis showed that the first 10 components explained 60.26% of the total inertia. Fruit weight, caliber, stalk, neck size, fruit shape, and skin color coordinates contributed to most of the total variation. Matrix of correlations showed significant positive and negative correlations among variables particularly fruit sizes, shape and skin color. Cluster analysis using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Averages procedure for studied accessions revealed two major clusters and five subclusters. Principal component analysis scatter plot expressed a low level of variance compared to the cluster. It confirmed the same classification of the fig accessions, where fruit dimensions and skin color coordinates were the most discriminant descriptors. The results highlight a high phenotypic diversity within studied fig germplasm, which is probably more genetically related. The accessions panel can be recognized as an important gene pool for future breeding programs. The present study is of importance for planning fig genetic resources inventory, preserving the existing genetic variability and establishing national collections.

Validation of Gender Specific CAPS Marker in Turkish Fig (Ficus carica L.) Collection and F1 Progenies

In most dioecious plants, distinguishing male and female progenies is not possible until flowering or fruiting stage. The fig (Ficus carica L.) is such a plant where distinguishing male and female plants at the seedling stage can accelerate fig-breeding programs. An orthologue of RAN1 loci was reported to be associated with sex determination in fig (Mori et al., 2017). The objective of this study is to validate this locus on Turkish fig germplasm collection and F1 population obtained from a cross between female genotypes ‘Bursa Siyahi’ and male genotype ‘Ak Ilek’. A total of 144 genotypes from germplasm collection and 115 F1 individuals were tested with CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences) marker following the Mori et al. (2017). The loci produced a 315bp amplification product from all genotypes. PciI digestion of PCR products resulted in 100% concordance between phenotypes and molecular tests. On the other hand, HpyCH4IV enzyme digestion of 8 female genotypes resulted in false negatives among the tested materials. Therefore, despite overall results show that the locus is suitable for gender selection of plants at the seedling stage in the breeding programs, care should be taken when HpyCH4IV enzyme is to be employed for CAPS assay.&#x0D; &#x0D; *********&#x0D; In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 3, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue.&#x0D; *********

82份南疆无花果种质资源遗传多样性的SSR分析

82份南疆无花果种质资源遗传多样性的SSR分析

Genetic diversity and population structure in caprifigs (Ficus carica var. caprificus) using SSR markers

Abundant wild and cultivated fig germplasm can be found in Turkey, a center of diversity for figs; however, many of these valuable genetic resources have not yet been identified or characterized using molecular markers. In the present study, microsatellite markers were used to characterize a set of 96 caprifig (Ficus carica var. caprificus) accessions from Turkey. The caprifig accessions showed considerable polymorphism with an average of 8.3 alleles per locus. The number of alleles per locus varied from three for the loci LMFC18 and LMFC23, to 14 for the loci FCUPO38-6 and FCUPO08. Genetic distance values and cluster analyses revealed high genetic similarities, except for the reference group, among the caprifig groups. Factorial correspondence analysis also separated the caprifig groups, suggesting that caprifig populations from Turkey were unmixed, probably because of low gene flow, likely because germplasm has not yet been moved among geographical areas and because many caprifig populations arose from propagation by seed. In our population structure analysis, the caprifig accessions could be grouped according to the regions from where they were sampled. Our molecular data revealed great genetic diversity within this caprifig germplasm. This genetically rich caprifig germplasm resource will be useful for both fig breeding programs and analysis of the complex genetic structure of figs that reproduce using various pollination strategies.

DNA profiling of figs (Ficus carica L.) from Slovenia and Californian USDA collection revealed the uniqueness of some North Adriatic varieties

A set of 23 local varieties from Slovenia and 218 fig accessions from Californian fig germplasm collection were compared to determine the identity of genotypes and their possible genetic relationships. Figs were genotyped using twelve microsatellite loci. One hundred alleles were identified over all microsatellite loci with an average of 8.33 alleles per locus and a polymorphic information content of 0.557 per locus. DNA genotyping demonstrated a relatively high level of genetic diversity between analysed figs. Comparison of fig genotypes from Slovenia and California demonstrated that only six Slovenian varieties shared identical DNA profiles with figs from the Californian collection, while the other 17 Slovenian varieties were unique and characteristic to the North Adriatic region. The information obtained will contribute to a better management of fig genetic resources.

Characterization of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Germplasm in Central Kashmir of North Western Himalayan Region

The present study was focused on collecting, evaluating and characterization of fig germplasm, aiming for the establishment of long term in-situ and ex-situ conservation. Morphological and chemical characters were evaluated for 13 individual fig accessions grown in two districts of Central Kashmir. The results revealed that fig accessions have a vast diversity in terms of morphological (metric and non-metric) and chemical characters. Intermediate and high plant vigour, open to erect growth habit and dense and intermediate relative degree of branching was observed in the studied accessions. Maximum yield (kg/plant) along with maximum yield efficiency (kg/cm2) was recorded in ML-G-17 accession closely followed by JN-S-09 (32.82 kg/plant) for yield. Fruit weight varied from 24.40 (B-G-07) to 74.25g (DH-S-06) while width/length ratio ranged between 0.887 (CHS-03) and 1.150 (YL-G-01). Total soluble solids varied from 9.20 to 20.20 per cent and total sugars from 6.70 to 16.60 per cent in B-G-14 and AH-S-06, respectively. Oblate, oblong and globose fruit shape was recorded. External fruit colour varied from yellowish green to dark purple while internal colour of pulp ranges between light pink and dark red. On the basis of the studied parameters ML-G-17, AH-S-06 and DH-S-04 accessions are found to be promising. These valuable and superior fig accessions have potential for raising the new plants through propagation techniques, deserve further characterization and conserve under in-situ conservation for future breeding programmes.

Evaluation of fig germplasm against insect and mite pests in North-West India

Evaluation of fig germplasm against insect and mite pests in North-West India

Efficacy of Tissue Culture in Virus Elimination from Caprifig and Female Fig Varieties (Ficus carica L.).

Fig mosaic disease (FMD) is a viral disease that spreads in all Tunisian fig (Ficus carica L.) orchards. RT-PCR technique was applied to leaf samples of 29 fig accessions of 15 fig varieties from the fig germplasm collection of High Agronomic Institute (I.S.A) of Chatt-Mariem, to detect viruses associated to FMD. Analysis results show that 65.5% of the accessions (19/29) and 80.0% (12/15) of the fig varieties are infected by FMD-associated viruses. From all fig accessions, 41.4% of them are with single infection (one virus) and 24.1% are with multi-infections (2 virus and more). Viruses infecting fig leaf samples are Fig mosaic virus (FMV) (20.7%), Fig milde-mottle-associated virus (FMMaV) (17.25%), Fig fleck associated virus (FFkaV) (3.45%), and Fig cryptic virus (FCV) (55.17%). A reliable protocol for FCV and FMMaV elimination from 4 local fig varieties Zidi (ZDI), Soltani (SNI), Bither Abiadh (BA), and Assafri (ASF) via in vitro culture of 3 meristem sizes was established and optimized. With this protocol, global sanitation rates of 79.46%, 65.55%, 68.75%, and 70.83% respectively for ZDI, SNI, BA, and ASF are achieved. For all sanitized varieties, the effectiveness of meristem culture for the elimination of FCV and FMMaV viruses was related to meristem size. Meristem size 0.5 mm provides the highest sanitation rates ranging from 70% to 90%.

DETECTION OF FIG MOSAIC VIRUS, FIG LEAF MOTTLE-ASSOCIATED VIRUS 1 AND FIG MILD MOTTLE-ASSOCIATED VIRUS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

During May 2015, a small scale survey was conducted on 27 fig trees situated in three locations (Mostar, Trebinje and Ljubuski) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to investigate the presence of Fig mosaic virus (FMV), Fig leaf mottle-associated virus 1 (FLMaV-1), Fig leaf mottle-associated virus 2 (FLMaV- 2) and Fig mild mottle-associated virus (FMMaV). Samples consisted of leaves singularly taken from trees with symptoms of mosaic, vein yellowing, ring spots, necroses and leaf malformations (23 plants) and one asymptomatic tree, all situated in a fig germplasm collection plot. Additional three samples were taken from symptomatic fig plants of three outdoor gardens. Total RNAs extracted from the leaf midrib using RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (QIAGEN), were used in RT-PCR assays with specific primer pairs for each virus following protocols described in Elbeaino et al. (2006, 2009, 2010). RT-PCR results revealed 19 FMV- (70%), 25 FLMaV-1- (92%) and 4 FMMaV- (15%) positive samples. Double infections with FLMaV-1 and FMV were detected in 74% samples, while triple infections with FLMaV- 1, FMV and FMMaV affected 15% of tested figs. After cloning and bi-directional sequencing of 2 clones from random PCR amplicons for each virus, nucleotide BLASTn sequence analyses for FLMaV- 1 (350 bp) (GenBank Accession Nos. KU198378-KU198382), FMMaV (311 bp) (KU198388) and FMV (302 bp) (KU198367-KU198373) showed identity levels of 84-95%, 89-92% and 83-97%, respectively, with homologues available in GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first report of three fig-infecting viruses (FLMaV-1, FMMaV and FMV) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the results obtained, even if limited, reflect a precarious sanitary status of fig that needs a clean stock program in this country.

Characterization and defining of a core set of novel microsatellite markers for use in genotyping and diversity study of Adriatic fig (Ficus carica L.) germplasm

To support studies of the genetic diversity and population structure of Ficus carica L., 16 additional microsatellite markers were developed from genomic libraries enriched for GA/TC and GT/AC motifs. A total of 87 alleles were amplified in 83 analyzed fig samples. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to eight, with a mean value of 5.44 alleles per locus. Mean values of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.575 and 0.626, respectively. Calculated PIC values varied among loci in a range from 0.369 to 0.761. All markers were successfully cross-amplified in five closely related species belonging to the Moraceae family: Ficus (F. barteri Sprague, F. rubiginosa Desf. ex Vent., F. benjamina L.) and Morus (M. alba L. and M. nigra L.). These novel microsatellite markers represent a new valuable tool for further genome investigation, population studies, and management of genetic resources of wild, feral, and domesticated Ficus carica L. samples and other related species of Moraceae family, distributed mostly in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world.