Local Fig Research Articles

Current report of Silba adipata (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) attacking local fig (Ficus variegata) fruits in Bali: Molecular identification, invasion, and preference

Silba adipata is a new pest attacking white cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) whose attack symptoms are similar to those of Bactrocera dorsalis. The S. adipata was also reported to attack local fig (Ficus variegata). This study aimed to ascertain the type of black fruit fly on F. variegata, the invasion time of S. adipata attack on F. variegata fruit, and the potential of F. variegata fruit extract as an attractant for the black fruit fly. The methods used for objectives (1), (2), and (3) were CO1 analysis, a survey method, and a preference test, respectively. The results showed that the species of black fruit fly that attacked local figs (F. variegata) in Bali was S. adipata. S. adipata invades fruit at the age of 10 weeks after the formation (WAF) of the ovary; the highest attack occurs on fruit 13 days after the formation of the ovary. Local fig fruit extract effectively attracts black fruit flies. Local fig extract was effective in attracting S. adipata to chili plants. Concentrations of 20%-100% were significantly effective in attracting adult S. adipata compared to the control. The extract concentration of 60% was highly effective in attracting S. adipata adults.

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

Food Baits and Traps for Monitoring Drosophila Suzukii and Zapronius Indianus “Drosophilidae” in Fig Orchards

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura and Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae) are invasive pests that attack fig crops in Mexico. Monitoring fruit flies ' populations' density is the main tool for taking control action choices. In the case of fruit flies, the use of food baits and traps is a regular practice in fruit and vegetable production. However, local fig growers are characterized by a low technological level, with a constant search for economical and practical options to impr

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.

The unknown followers: Discovery of a new species of Sycobia Walker (Hymenoptera: Epichrysomallinae) associated with Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae) in the Neotropical region

Biotic invasion in mutualistic communities is of particular interest due to the possible establishment of new relationships with native species. Ficus species are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, and they host specific communities of chalcid wasps that are strictly associated with the fig inflorescences. Some introduced fig species are capable of establishing new relationships with the local fig wasps, and fig wasp species may also be concomitantly introduced with their host plants. Ficusbenjamina L. is widely cultivated across the world, but the associated fig wasps are not reported outside of the species native range. We describe for the first time a non-pollinating fig wasp associated with F.benjamina inflorescences outside its native distribution. Sycobiahodites Farache & Rasplus, sp. n. is the third known species of the genus and was recorded in populations of F.benjamina introduced in the Neotropical region throughout several localities in Argentina, Brazil and Colombia. Sycobia is a gall-inducing non-pollinating fig wasp genus associated with fig trees in the Oriental and Australasian regions. This species competes with pollinators for oviposition sites and may hinder the future establishment of the native pollinator of F.benjamina, Eupristinakoningsbergeri Grandi, 1916 in the New World. However, the occurrence of a gall inducing species in this host plant may open ecological opportunities for the establishment of species belonging to other trophic levels such as cleptoparasite and parasitoid wasps.

Propagation of Some Local Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cultivars by Hardwood Cuttings under the Field Conditions in Tunisia.

This research was carried out in Southeast of Tunisia in 2009 and 2010, in order to study the propagation of six (Ficus carica L.) cultivars by using hardwood cuttings under the field conditions. The effect of the cultivars and the type of buds, shoots age, shoots length, and shoots diameter were recorded. Ten cuttings per cultivar and/or cutting types with three replications were planted in rooting unit. Percentage of root emergence and six morphological parameters of young fig plants were measured. Results showed that the responses of cuttings as fig nursery plants presented a high variability among the five cultivars. The most widely varied characters were % root emergence (RE) and cumulative growth of young plant (CG). The first one ranged from 10% to 90%, the second varied within 32 and 112 cm. Concerning the ‘‘BITHER” cultivar, 6 cutting types with different age, length, and diameter were evaluated. Results showed a great variation in % of root emergence (0–90%), length of nursery plant (3–77 cm), and number of roots/nursery plant (0–29 roots). The present research showed that the hardwood cutting of local fig cultivars can be propagated under field conditions in Southeast of Tunisia.

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.

Color and Antioxidant Characteristics of Some Fresh Fig (Ficus carica L.) Genotypes from Northeastern Turkey

Fruit skin color, total phenolics, total anthocyanins, soluble solids content, titratable acidity and total antioxidant capacity in fresh fruits of a number of local and well-known fig (Ficus carica L.) genotypes and cultivars grown in northeastern Turkey were determined. TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays were used to determine total antioxidant capacity. Fruit skin color of genotypes were found to be very diverse, i.e., light green, light purple, purple, dark purple and black. The content of total phenolics, soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity greatly varied in the range from 24 to 237mg of gallic acid equivalent per 100g fresh weight, 18.60 to 26.30% and 0.16 to 0.47% in local genotypes and studied cultivars. In general, total antioxidant capacities determined by two methods expressed higher values in the local fig genotypes compared with the cultivars. The results suggested that genotype is the main factor that determines difference in the composition of bioactive compounds in figs and provide information on putative health benefits locally grown genotypes.

Molecular characterization of autochthonous Turkish fig accessions

Turkey is one of the main genetic centers for fig tree, Ficus carica L. The genetic variabilities of 76 fig accessions from Hatay province of Turkey were evaluated by analysis of 10 simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci. The number of alleles revealed by SSR analysis ranged from 3 to 12 alleles per locus with a mean value of 6.8. A total of 68 alleles were detected by SSR and the average heterozygosity was higher than the expected one. In addition, seven random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers detected a total of 68 clear and reproducible bands, 55 of which were polymorphic, so it was possible to effectively characterize these fig accessions with either marker techniques. In both marker systems, Mantel’s correlation between similarity scores and cophenetic values was moderately high (0.90 for RAPD and 0.87 for SSR), which demonstrated that the clustering patterns fitted the data well. The clusters obtained using these types of markers were independent. This study indicated that there is great genetic variability among local fig accessions, making them a valuable genetic source for incorporation into potential breeding programs especially for table fig selections.

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

FIG GROWING IN EASTERN BLACK SEA REGION (TURKEY)

Anatolia is the main genetic origin of fig in the world. Various types of fig cultivars are grown under different climatic conditions in Anatolia. Eastern Black Sea region is more valued especially for table fig cultivars. In this study, fig growing is evaluated in Artvin, Rize, Trabzon, Giresun and Ordu provinces. This region is suitable for fresh fig growing. There are different local fig cultivars diverse in their fruit characteristics. There is an important potential in fresh fig growing, and thus for breeding. Studies have put forth that 15 local fig cultivars are grown in this region. The fruit weight of these local cultivars are between 10 g-150.51 g, total soluble solid contents are between 15-22 %, yield are 15-31.8 kg/tree, maturity dates are from July 25 and September 20.