Studies on genetic diversity of caprifig: Caprifig genetic resources (Ficus carica var. caprificus L.) conservation and characterization project

Abstract

Wild caprifig trees, varying rich genetic diversity in Turkey, constitute one of the valuable genetic resources. Caprifigs are important to protect the genetic resources to transfer the futureare used as pollinators. Fig Research Institute Directorate (Aydın/ Türkiye) is the institution primarily responsible for the protection of caprifig genetic resources. It has aimed to protect the caprifig cultivars and genotypes collected by survey and selection studies carried out in the fig growing regions of Türkiye, enrich the collection with new cultivars and genotypes, characterize them and provide genetic diversity for further breeding studies. The creation of the caprifig genetic resources plot began in the 1960s. As of 2022, the number of varieties and genotypes in caprifig genetic resources is 70. In this research; The project work has been evaluated in general terms, and the scientific studies on genetic diversity so far have been given in detail. Average fruit weight of Profichi fruits was determined between 7.71 - 49.40g. The birth of the fruits have occured between 05 March and 08 April.