Determination of fruit characteristics of some fig genotypes (Ficus carica L.) obtained by selection breeding in the eastern Mediterranean region

Abstract

Fig (Ficus carica L.) is a fruit species whose cultural history is old, what is making it related to the Ficus genus of the Moraceae (Mulberry) family. The study was conducted in Kahramanmaras and Osmaniye, that are located in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, in 2016-2022. Fig cultivation is extensive in that area and at the same time in the natural fig plantation regions. Pomological and phenological analyzes were carried out on 20 fig genotypes determined in the research. The fruit weight of the fig genotypes varied between 80.79 - 40.37 g, and the average peel thickness was between 3.79-2.28 mm. The highest soluble solids value is in the genotypes 46-OS-1 at 25%, whereas the lowest soluble solids value is in the genotypes 46-TR-9 and 80-DZ-2 at 17%, and the highest acidity value is 46-OS-3 at 0.37%. The Figs genotypes were divided into two main groups in terms of fruit shape: flattened spherical and round. All genotypes were either short or moderately necked apart from one genotype. The majority of genotypes were found in yellow tones, some in purple tones, and the color of the fruit flesh was mostly in amber tones in terms of the color of the fruit skin. As a result of the study, it was revealed that Kahramanmaras and Osmaniye provinces in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have fig natural distribution areas and new varieties can be developed by selection breeding in these localities.