The study of the first and main crops in the medicinal fig fruit (Ficus carica L) concerning morphological and antioxidant characteristics

Subject Areas : Medicinal Plants

Fatemeh Zavari ¹ , ٍEsmaeil Seifi ^{2 *} , فریال وارسته ³

1 - Department of Horticultural Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Ir
2 - Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
3 - عضو هیئت علمی دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی گرگان

Received: 2024-03-10 Accepted : 2024-06-23 Published : 2024-12-06

Keywords: Antioxidant, Fig, Flavonoid, Phenol,

Abstract :

The fig (Ficus carica L.) holds a significant position as one of Iran's essential subtropical fruits with medicinal characteristics. Given the considerable genetic diversity among fig genotypes in Iran, it is necessary to assess its genetic resources. This study, conducted in 2023, aimed to compare the morphological and antioxidant traits of the first and main crops of four fig genotypes. Fruit samples were randomly collected in June (first crop) and August (main crop) for analysis based on fig descriptors. The findings revealed that the first crop of the Pardis genotype exhibited the highest fruit weight (113.85 g). Similarly, the largest fruit diameter was recorded in the first crop of the Pardis genotype (56.66 mm) followed by the first crop of Turk genotype (53.42 mm). In most genotypes, the first crop displayed higher weight, diameter, neck length, and flesh thickness; however, the main crop showed higher values in pulp diameter. The first crop fruits were longer (69 mm) and more elongated. A significant difference was observed between the first crop and the main crop across four genotypes in terms of soluble solids, pH, total phenol, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity, with the first crop demonstrating superior values in all these aspects. Notably, there was a significant variance in antioxidant activity among genotypes, with the Turk genotype exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity (82.8% free radicals). The fruiting season likely plays a pivotal role in determining the antioxidant activity level and phenolic content, suggesting that the first crop of fig genotypes possesses enhanced medicinal properties.

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