Fig Germplasm Research Articles

Characterization of edible fig germplasm from Puglia, southeastern Italy: Is the distinction of three fig types (Smyrna, San Pedro and Common) still valid?

Fig. (Ficus carica L.) is a gynodioecious species with two major sex types: the caprifig (hermaphroditic), which has male flowers and short-styled female flowers, and the fig (female) with only long-styled female flowers. Many fig varieties require pollen to allow flower fertilization and fruit development in a process known as caprification. Fig varieties produce one or two crops per year; the first is the breba and the second, the main crop. Puglia is characterized by a wide germplasm of both edible (female) figs and (male) caprifigs. Over 100 different fig genotypes, mainly collected in Puglia, are located in the fig repository at the P. Martucci experimental station, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’. The tendency towards caprification of the three fig types (Common, Smyrna and San Pedro) is still unclear. To investigate the biological behavior of 24 fig genotypes, both caprification trials and microsatellite analysis were used. Fruit-set of brebas was very variable, whereas fruit-set of main crop was medium-high in the Common type varieties and low in the San Pedro types. Almost all genotypes were physiologically biferous. We compared these results with those obtained from molecular and phylogenetic analyses. Out of 49 SSR markers tested, 39 amplified one or two PCR products, and 31 were polymorphic. Phylogenetic analysis of the 24 fig genotypes revealed a clear distinction between Common and San Pedro type figs. Greater understanding of fig biological caprification is important to distinguish fig types into those requiring caprification and those that do not require caprification.

Incidence and distribution of viruses in Tunisian fig orchards.

A survey for viruses was carried out in the main fig-growing areas of Tunisia and in a fig germplasm collection at the Institut Superieure Agronomique de Chatt Mariem of Sousse. A total of 232 leaf samples were collected randomly from symptomatic and symptomless fig trees of 26 cultivars, and tested by RT-PCR for the presence of Fig mosaic virus (FMV), Fig leaf mottle-associated virus 1 (FLMaV-1), Fig leaf mottle-associated virus 2 (FMMaV-2), Fig mild mottle-associated virus (FMMaV), Fig cryptic virus (FCV), Fig fleck-associated virus (FFkaV) and Fig latent virus 1 (FLV-1), using specific sets of primers. About 62.1% of the samples tested were found to be infected by at least one virus. FMV was the prevailing virus with a 34.5% incidence, followed by FLV-1 (32.4%), FMMaV (10.7%), FLMaV-1 (10.3%), FFkaV (10.3%), FCV (9.9%) and FLMaV-2 (4.3%). The highest infection rate was observed in Sfax (100%), followed by Takelsa (73.4%), Djebba (70.2%), Sousse (66.6%), Mornag (54.4%) and Rafraf (50%), whereas it was moderate in Sidi Fraj (23.3%). Among all viruses detected, FMV was the most widespread, especially in Djebba (51.3%), Sfax (50%) and Takelsa (40.6%). According to the fig varieties, the highest infection rates were in the commercial cvs. Hamouri (87.5%), Bayoudhi (75%), Bouhouli (70.3%), Zidi (54.2%) Bither (53.8%), Bither Abyath (66.6%) and Soltani (69.2%). The results show the need to develop a clean stock program to prevent the dissemination of fig-infecting viruses associated with Fig mosaic disease in Tunisia.

Determination of the genetic relatedness of fig (Ficus carica L.) accessions using RAPD fingerprint and their agro-morphological characterization

Fig cultivation is widespread in Campania, but its production assumes economic relevance mainly in Cilento-Salerno area, thanks to the production of Fico Bianco del Cilento DOP.According to Convention on Biological Diversity, the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture are required for sustainable agriculture and food security (CBD, 1992).Following these considerations, a research was carried out to collect and characterize the fig germplasm of “Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni”, in order to safeguard genetic resources of this area in relation to the plant breeders' needs and other users.The accessions collected were characterized for bio-agronomical and pomological features. Moreover, a molecular characterization was performed using RAPD molecular markers. Some of the characterized accessions show pomological and organoleptic characteristic of interest for growers, breeders and for food-processing industry.A total of 16 RAPD primers produced 278 reproducible bands of which 220 (79.13%) were polymorphic. Genetic analysis, estimated by the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averaging (UPGMA), revealed the genetic structure and relationships among the local and reference germplasm. Twelve Italian fig ecotypes were characterized by RAPD analysis, showing that this is an efficient method to evaluate the Campania fig tree diversity for ex-situ conservation.

Genetic Diversity of the Palestinian Fig (<i>Ficus carica</i> L.) Collection by Pomological Traits and RAPD Markers

Analysis of differentiation (genetic diversity and related relationships) among 22 landrace (Ficus carica L. sativa) and 2 wild form (F. carica L. caprificus) accessions of fig growing under the same environmental conditions in the Palestinian Fig Collection, Til, Nablus, Palestine, using PCR-based Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and pomological markers, revealed considerable genetic diversity. The phenotypic analysis shows that pomological traits were permitted to evaluate morphological variability of fig landraces. The Jaccard similarity coefficient between landraces was determined by cluster analysis using the UPGMA method. Based on the genetic relationships among genotypes as illustrated by the dendrograms, generated from pomological and RAPD data by UPGMA clustering method, the following 12 genotypes: Qaisi, Mwazi, Barqawi, Inaqi, Swadi, Kharobi, Hmadibiadi, Sfari, Khdari, Biadi, Qrawi, and Slati, may be considered as distinct landraces. The remaining genotypes may be considered as synonymous (4) (Hmadi and Hmari, and Ajloni and Adloni), or closely related (6) landraces (Zraqi and Ghzali, Blati and Neami, and Qraee and Khurtmani). The wild fig forms clustered together and may be considered as distinct genotypes. Clustering patterns obtained from the combined (pomological and RAPD) markers had higher discriminatory power to discriminate fig landraces than using either pomological or RAPD markers alone. These results proved the importance of both pomological and RAPD markers to elucidate in part denomination problems and relationships among cultivars. Wide phenotypic and molecular diversity found in fig germplasm indicates a considerable potential for improving this crop.

Evaluation of genetic diversity among Jordanian fig germplasm accessions by morphological traits and ISSR markers

This study describes phenotypic variation in leaf and fruit traits and investigates genetic relationships among 24 landrace (Ficus carica L. sativa) and 6 wild form (F. carica L. caprificus) accessions of fig using inter simple sequences repeat (ISSR) markers. For phenotypic traits, pair-wise Euclidean distances ranged from 0.90 to 9.80. Principal component analysis revealed that the first five components explained 74.14% of the total morphological variation, where fruit traits contributed most of the total variation. Nei's genetic distance based on ISSR data ranged from 0.00 to 0.83, suggesting that the collected accessions are genetically diverse. UPGMA clustering based on phenotypic traits compared with that based on ISSR data were not consistent, however, some common groupings were observed in ISSR and phenotypic traits. In most cases, accessions collected from the same landrace or from fig wild forms tended to cluster together, confirming that names given by farmers to the collected landrace accessions are consistent and confirming also the common genetic background of wild fig accessions. High phenotypic and ISSR variability indicate that fig collections used in this study include rich and valuable genes for fig breeding. ISSR screening revealed the presence of the same ISSR allelic profile for accessions from the same landrace or wild form accessions, indicating that ISSR can provide the basic information necessary to help gene banks to conserve materials from different genetic background rather than duplicates from same clone.

Morphological and Pomological Diversity of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cultivars in Northwest of Tunisia

The fig (Ficus carica L.) is one of the oldest fruit trees cultivated in Tunisia. Djebba region is located in the northwest of Tunisia. It is very famous by fig culture. Many specific fig genotypes are very appreciated locally and nationally. Taking into account these considerations, Djebba fig cultivars are subject of label products, namely, “Djebba figs.” This study was focused on fig germplasm characterization of 17 cultivars in Djebba region based on morphological and pomological traits. Results revealed a large variability within the local fig germplasms. The comprehensive analyses of all the data permitted to distinguish some particular genotypes as distinct cultivars, and groups of cultivars as polyclone varieties. It was possible to discriminate six distinct cultivars and two groups of multiclone varieties (Soltani and Thgagli) with different degrees of polymorphism. Hypotheses of homonymy and synonymy were suggested for some cultivars. The diversity is currently threatened by genetic erosion. Measure of conservation is necessary to be undertaken.

Morphological and pomological characteristics of fig (Ficus carica L.) cultivars from Varamin, Iran

In this study, physical characteristics and quality parameters of some local cultivars of fig (Ficus carica L.) grown in Varamin, Iran were determined. The main cultivars grown in Varamin were Bidaneh, Paizeh, Zard, Siah bolol riz, Siah zoodras, Siah diras, Morabaii, Hallavi riz and Hallavi dourosht. In the pomological characteristics, fresh fruit weight ranged from 8.0 to 43.5 g. Fruit diameter ranged from 21 to 45 mm, the total amount of sugar ranged from 9.8 to 18.9%, the amount of total soluble solid ranged from 13.3 to 28.50%. In addition also skin color, internal color and skin cracks were investigated. Results show that all of physical characteristics had statistically significant differences. This study suggests that Varamin fig germplasm is diverse. Cluster analysis also allowed to clustering of nine cultivars into two main groups at near 20 of dissimilarity level. Key words: Ficus carica L., cultivars, physical characteristics, quality parameters, cluster analysis.

Comparative Assessment of SSR and AFLP Markers for Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Conservation of Fig, Ficus carica L., Genetic Resources in Tunisia

This study characterises the genetic variability of fig, Ficus carica L., using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. It compares the efficiency and utility of the two techniques in detecting variation and establishing genetic relationships among Tunisian fig cultivars. Our results show that using both marker systems, the Tunisian fig germ plasm is characterised by having a large genetic diversity at the deoxyribonucleic acid level, as most of AFLP bands were detected and all SSR markers were polymorphic. In fact, 351 (342 polymorphic) and 57 (57 polymorphic) bands were detected using AFLP and SSR primers, respectively. SSR markers were the most polymorphic with an average polymorphic information content value of 0.94, while AFLP markers showed the highest effective multiplex ratio (56.9) and marker index (45.2). The effective marker index was recorded highest (4.19) for AFLP markers and lowest (0.70) for the SSR ones. Our results demonstrate that (1) independent as well as combined analyses of cluster analyses of SSR and AFLP fragments showed that cultivars are clustered independently from their geographical origin, horticultural classifications and tree sex; (2) the analysis of molecular variance allowed the partitioning of genetic variation within and among fig groups and showed greater variation within groups and (3) AFLP and SSR markers datasets showed positive correlation. This study suggests the SSR and AFLP markers are suitable for diversity analysis and cultivars fingerprinting. An understanding of the genetic diversity and population structure of F. carica in Tunisia can also provide insight into the conservation and management of this species.

Molecular polymorphism of cytoplasmic DNA in Ficus carica L.: Insights from non-coding regions of chloroplast DNA

The trnL (UAA) intron and the intergenic spacer between the 3′ exon of trnL (UAA) and trnF (GAA) sequences were used as genetic markers for differentiating Ficus carica cultivars and establishing refined genetic relationships. The study was based on 20 fig cultivars, collected from south and centre of Tunisia. Since, the intron was thought to be more variable among close relatives than is the chloroplast spacer. The size of these non-coding regions varied from 554 to 589 and from 989 to 1022 bases pairs for the intron and the combined sequences correspondingly. The average of GC content was 33.9% and 34.6% in the intron and the combined intron and spacer respectively. High values of A + T contents were detected in both data sets and may explain the high proportions of transversions founded. The observed variation pattern of plastid DNA provides evidence of an important genetic diversity. The overall transition/transversion bias (R) was 0.202 in the intron and 0.27 in the combined regions. The RI index of 0.592 indicates that these combined sequences have clearly more homoplasy then the intron (RI = 0.705) and spacer (RI = 0.777) sequences separately. Phylogenetic trees were generated based on maximum parsimony (MP) and neighbor-joining (NJ) analysis of the chloroplast sequences data. Results proved that a typically continuous genetic diversity characterizes the local fig germplasm. In fact, relationships inferred from the cpDNA analysis suggest several clades, which do not show geographical or tree sex correspondence. Although the level of apparent diversity is considerable, we may conclude that non-coding regions of chloroplast genome provide a new and practical opportunity to evaluate genetic diversity and to discriminate fig cultivars. Revealed cytoplasmic DNA markers are reliable to elaborate a molecular data base to conduct management and breeding programs on local fig germplasm.

A survey and morphological evaluation of fig ( Ficus carica L.) genetic resources from Slovenia

In order to collect all existing phenotypic variation of fig accessions grown in Slovenia and to plan the conservation strategy by establishment of national collection in the northern part of Adriatic coast, the survey of family yards and Slovenian orchards was performed. Two main fig growing regions were included into the field inventory: littoral zone (Slovene Istria) and hinterland zone (Goriška Brda and Vipava Valley). All collected material was morphologically characterized according to internationally accepted descriptors for Ficus carica L., and some new descriptors for leaves and fruits were introduced. For identification the patterns of morphological variation within the fig germplasm principal component analysis (PCA) was used and cluster analysis was performed to decide the ultimate number of clusters by which the accessions could be assessed. Twenty-five Slovenian accessions were compared with fig varieties from a private fig collection in Croatia in order to assess the degree of similarity of figs grown on a broader region of Istria. Altogether 38 accessions were evaluated for 74 phenotypic characters. The results of morphological evaluation confirmed the usefulness of phenotypic markers for fig genetic resources characterization developed by IPGRI and CIHEAM (2003), but some new variables that in our study shoved high discrimination value could be added. Results of morphological evaluation contributed to the selection of accessions for the first national Slovenian fig gene bank. The national gene bank and fig data base will make a fundamental contribution to further genetic improvement of fig crops in Slovenian agriculture.

Selection of the Most Discriminating Morphological Qualitative Variables for Characterization of Fig Germplasm

Most descriptor lists for the characterization of genetic resources in plants include a large number of traits whose evaluation is a lengthy and expensive process making the characterization of large germplasm collections difficult. Consequently, to facilitate the study and the conservation of germplasm, it is important to select carefully the most informative variables for each species. In this work, we applied sequential statistical procedures to select the most discriminant variables in fig (Ficus carica L.) from the initial 134 qualitative variables studied. A total of 34 variables was finally selected and broken down in 97 characters that were grouped by principal component analysis in 11 principal components that explain 93.34% of the total variability. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean dendrogram derived from a similarity matrix generated using the Pearson's correlation coefficient among the 11 principal components selected classifies the cultivars in four main groups mainly based in the production type. These results show that redundant information can be obtained in morphological studies with a large number of variables resulting from correlation between variables. Consequently, a carefully selected and reduced number of highly discriminating variables can allow efficient fig germplasm characterization and discrimination resulting in significant savings of time and resources.

Microsatellite Markers as Reliable Tools for Fig Cultivar Identification

Accurate and reliable cultivar identification of crop species is essential to ensure plant material identity for registration and for cultivar protection. In this article, we proposed six simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci as a sufficient tool to characterize fig (Ficus carica L.) germplasm in Morocco maintained in an ex situ collection. A set of 17 microsatellite loci was used to characterize 75 accessions representing eight caprifigs, 51 local accessions, 11 foreign accessions, and five accessions of unknown origin. Eighty-five alleles with a mean number of six alleles per locus were observed in 62 distinct genotypes. Suspected synonyms and homonyms were confirmed, some of which maybe resulted from somatic mutation. Based on genetic criteria, including linkage disequilibrium, discrimination power, and molecular criteria as polymerase chain reaction conditions of loci multiplexing, we proposed a key identification set using six microsatellite markers to discriminate all genotypes present in the ex situ collection. Our selected SSR loci set can be used for larger genetic studies of fig germplasm, and a similar approach can be adopted for other fruit species.

Presence of triploid cytotypes in the common fig (Ficus carica L.)

Ficus carica (2n = 26) is one of the oldest fruit trees of the Mediterranean basin. Recently there has been increasing interest in this species, in particular for questions related to germplasm such as genetic diversity and cultivar identification. This study was undertaken to gain more knowledge of F. carica cytogenetics and provide data useful for the characterization of its germplasm. Karyomorphological analysis and physical mapping of 18S-25S and 5S rRNA genes by the FISH technique contributed to defining the basic traits of the chromosome complement of F. carica. However, the most interesting result was the discovery of triploid (2n = 39) cytotypes of the cultivated common fig. This result demonstrates the importance of cytogenetic investigations in studies of fig germplasm and emphasizes the role of cross-fertilization as a source of variability not only in wild populations but also in cultivated forms. The results of pollen analysis suggest spontaneous sexual polyploidization as a possible origin of triploid cytotypes. Further studies are necessary to clarify the origin and effective spreading of polyploidy, the presence of other ploidy levels, and their distribution in wild and cultivated forms.

Chloroplast DNA analysis in Tunisian fig cultivars ( Ficus carica L.): Sequence variations of the trnL-trnF intergenic spacer

We investigated the nucleotide variation of a non-coding, chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) region to infer relationships among Tunisian fig cultivars. In this study, we examine the level of genetic diversity and its distribution using sequences of the trnL and trnF genes intergenic spacer. The non-coding region displays 28 substitution sites. Insertions and deletions involving 6 sites were found. By using the Kimura-2 method, nucleotide sequences have been aligned using the MEGA program to calculate pairwise divergence of trnL-trnF spacer sequences between cultivars. The size of this non-coding region varied from 430 to 464 bases. The relatively high A + T values (63.7–64.4%) of trnL-trnF intergenic spacer in Ficus carica may explain the high proportion of the identified transversions ( t i/ t v = 0.9). These results suggest the occurrence of nucleotide diversity with a large variation level of chloroplast non-coding region. The analysed data illustrate a considerable level of variability in the genetic pool of the local germplasm. In fact, relationships inferred from the cpDNA analysis suggest several clades, which do not show geographical correspondence. Fourteen haplotypes were detected among 20 individuals examined, yielding a haplotype diversity of 0.983 and a high level of nucleotide diversity (0.0100). The observed variation pattern of plastid DNA provides evidence that the fig germplasm has been undergoing rapid expansion. Neutrality tests rejected the neutrality assumption in the total sample. The cytoplasm variability indicates a narrow genetic base in the cultivated common fig. Despite the high level value of the apparent diversity, we may conclude that fig chloroplast genome provides a new conceptual and practical opportunity to evaluate genetic diversity and to identify local cultivars, making it a valuable source to include into potential breeding programs.

Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) in fig cultivars ( Ficus carica L.)

Sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) were analysed in a set of Tunisian fig ( Ficus carica L.) cultivars. The size of the spacers sequences ranged from 200 to 279 bases for ITS1 and from 253 to 314 bases for ITS2. Variation of GC contents has been also observed and scored as 59–68% and 55–68% for ITS1 and ITS2, respectively. This data exhibited the presence of polymorphism among cultivars. The intra-specific variability level of the ITS sequences proved a variation both in the length and in the sequences studied. In fact, ITS1 and ITS2 sequences were considered as a useful tool to establish genetic relationships among cultivars. Our results indicate that the diversity detected among closely related genotypes supported strongly the efficiency of ITS sequences for establishing relationships between cultivars. ITS2 seems to be relatively more informative than ITS1 regarding length or GC contents. Considerable genetic diversity was observed among fig at intra and inter-cultivars levels. Two polyclonal varieties were identified. In addition, data proved that a typically continuous genetic diversity characterizes the local fig germplasm. The topology of the derived dendrogram strongly supported this assumption. In fact, genotypes are clustered independently from their geographical origin or the sex of trees suggesting a narrow genetic basis among the ecotypes studied in spite of their phenotypic distinctiveness. Implications of these results for management of fig germplasm collections are discussed.

Morphological Variability of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cultivars

ABSTRACT Thirty one cultivars of fig (Ficus carica L.) were analyzed based on both qualitative and quantitative morphological characters. The cultivars can be found in five different regions: three originated from the north and two from localities from the south of Tunisia. A morphological study was conducted to determine variables in biological characteristics, tree growth, and leaf and fruit descriptors. This study showed an important genetic variability on fig germplasm. Both parameters relying on leaves and fruits showed an important degree of variability respectively about 71.7% and 81.9% for the three first principal components. UPGMA dendrograms were constructed from estimated Mahalanobis distances. The geographic origin and sex of the plant were not determinant criteria for cultivars clustering. This study allowed the characterization of large number of fig cultivars belonging to different regions of Tunisia ranging from north to south. The aim of this work was the morphological characterization of local fig varieties in order to start a program of conservation of fig germplasm to protect this species from genetic erosion.

MOROCCAN FIG PRESENTS SPECIFIC GENETIC RESOURCES: A HIGH POTENTIAL OF LOCAL SELECTION

Abstract Molecular characterisation of Moroccan fig germplasm mainly originated from northern areas showed that cultivars are highly local. The few widespread denominations correspond to several distinct genotypes. The lack of widespread homogenous cultivars suggests a local fig selection process and hence local domestication. Were fig natural populations present in the region before domestication? Mitochondrial DNA RFLP data showed that Mediterranean fig populations are structured into three groups: Balearic, West and East Mediterranean. The low genetic diversity and the strong differentiation of Balearic populations support the ancient origin hypothesis and the presence of natural populations in the western Mediterranean region before domestication. Analysis of western populations using nuclear SSR loci showed genetic structuring at the regional scale (South France, Corsica, Balearic islands and northern Morocco) but also at the local scale (Tetouan – Beni Hassan and Akchour – Mokrisset). This study indicates that Moroccan fig populations may constitute indigenous gene pools for fig cultivar selection. Clonal diversity, ancient cultivation, indigenous gene pool and genetic structuring at a local scale suggest a high potential for local selection of cultivars. INTRODUCTION

Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Relationships in a Tunisian Fig (Ficus carica) Germplasm Collection by Random Amplified Microsatellite Polymorphisms

AbstractThe random amplified mirosatellite polymorphism method was performed in a set of Tunisian fig landraces using eighteen primer combinations. A total of sixty three random amplified microsatellite polymorphism (RAMPO) markers were scored and used either to assess the genetic diversity in these cultivars or to detect cases of mislabeling. Opportunely, data proved that the designed procedure constitutes an attractive and fast method with low costs and prevents radio exposure. As a result, we have identified the primer combinations that are the most efficient to detect genetic polymorphism in this crop. Therefore, the derived unweighted pair‐group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) dendrogram illustrates the genetic divergence among the landraces studied and exhibits a typically continuous variation. Moreover, no evident correlation between the sexes of trees was observed. In addition, using these markers, discrimination between landraces has been achieved. Thus, random amplified mirosatellite polymorphism is proved to be powerful for characterizing the local fig germplasm.

Genetic diversity of different Tunisian fig (Ficuscarica L.) collections revealed by RAPD fingerprints

The genetic diversity in Tunisian fig (Ficus carica L.) was studied using RAPD markers. Thirty-five fig cultivars originating from diverse geographical areas and belonging to three collections were analysed. Random decamer primers were screened to assess their ability to detect polymorphisms in this crop. Forty-four RAPD markers were revealed and used to survey the genetic diversity and to detect cases of mislabelling. As a result, considerable genetic diversity was detected among the studied F. carica accessions. The relationships among the 35 varieties were studied by cluster analysis. The dendrogram showed two main groups composed of cultivars with similar geographic origin. Moreover, the male accessions (caprifigs) were clustered indistinctively within the female ones, suggesting a narrow genetic diversity among these accessions. Our data proved that RAPD markers are useful for germplasm discrimination as well as for investigation of patterns of variation in fig. Since this designed procedure has permitted to establish a molecular database of the reference collections, the opportunity of this study is discussed in relation to the improvement and rational management of fig germplasm.

Comparative Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Two Tunisian Collections of Fig Cultivars Based on Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Inter Simple Sequence Repeats Fingerprints

This study characterized the genetic diversity of 18 Tunisian fig cultivars using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR). Both random and ISSR primers tested generated a total of 116 RAPD and 47 ISSR markers. Considerable genetic variation was observed among fig cultivars sampled from two regional Tunisian collections with an average diversity of 4.57. RAPD and ISSR banding patterns and genetic distances values reflected the high level of diversity among the collections and lower variability between the two collections. The correlation between the RAPD and ISSR similarity matrices computed for the 153 pairwise comparisons among the 18 varieties was lower and significant. An analysis of molecular variance showed that 92% of the total genetic diversity resided within collections, whereas only 8% between collections. The results indicated that in the local fig germ plasm the information provided by RAPD and ISSR is not analogous, most likely as a consequence of the fact that the two classes of markers explore, at least in part, different portions of the genome.