Comparison of the effect of propagation methods of dryland fig(Ficus Carica L. cv.sabz) on the establishment, growth and development of trees and fruit quality and quantity.ý

Resistance of fig trees to dryJand conditions, bas led to their extension in the appropriate areas in the country. The typical method for propagating dryland figs is to use hardwood cutting with diameters over 2 cm and lengths about 80 em. But this type of cuttings is expensive, rare and is associated with long post- plantation unfruitful period. Therefore, different methods for propagation of the Sabz cultivar of fig were compared with each other in this experiment. The experimental design was in the base of split plot with two factors and three replications. In regard to first or the main plat, two levels, one in dryland conditions and another with auxiJIiary irrigation and for the secondary plaf, eight levels were carried out as follows:). Perennial hardwood cutting, with a length of 80 em and a diameter of over 2 cm, as a control at Estahban fig planting area, 2. Annual semi-hardwood cutting from the apical of stem, with a length of 80 cm and a diameter less than 1.5 cm. 3. Perennial hardwood cutring, with a length of 40 cm and a diameter of over 2 cm, 4. Annual semi. hardwood cutting trom the apical of stem with a length of 40 cm and a diameter of less than 1.5 em, 5. Perennial hardwood cutting with a diameter of over 3 cm, being rooted in the outdoor bed (nursery) , 6. Perennial hardwood cutting with a diameter of 1.5 -3 em, being rooted in the outdoor bed, 7. Annual semi- hardwood cutting from the apical of stem, with a diameter less than 1.5 cm being rooted in the outdoor bed and 8. Perennial rooted sucker. was made each year at early fall for' the traits including of growing (emergence) . percentage, the shoot length, number of leaves, branches and fruits for each hole. The means were compared using duncan's test. The results showed that auxiliary irrigation had significant effects when compared with full dryland condition on the growing percentage and the growth rate of fig propagation . Propagation of the Sabz cultivar of fig with perennial rooted sucker was more appropriate than other treatments in regard to growing percentage and other traits. Although in full dryland conditions, perennial hardwood cutting with lengths of about 80 Cm and diameters over 2 em, had significantly more growing percentage than most other treatments, but by that method of propagation. due to slow growth. the unITuitful period became longer. Because of difficulties associated with sucker preparation in large number, perennial hardwood cutting that can be rooted in outdoor bed and remains strong during transfer ITom outdoor bed to main land is recommendable for propagation of Sabz fig cultivar. Key word: dry land fig, , hardwood cuning, outdoor bed, propagation, Sabz cultivar