Physiological mechanisms in Ficus carica L. genotypes in response to moisture stress

The genus Ficus comprises cultivated and wild species that vary in phenotypic characteristics of both the plant and the fruit. This genus is considered to originate from Mediterranean regions and arid lands of Europe and Africa, known as the Fertile Crescent. Ficus carica L. (fig) is a globally emerging fruit crop due to its increasing production trends and capacity to produce in low water availability. Understanding the fig tree's responses to water deficit is essential for adapting to sustainable production and climate change. In this study, we investigated the water deficit tolerance of native Ficus carica accession and the Black Mission commercial variety. This research aimed to define the relationship between resistance to water deficit and plant physiological and biochemical markers (physiological and biochemical). Those markers considered relative water content (RWC), photosynthesis (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 (Ci), transpiration (E), proline (Pro), and soluble sugar content (SSC). The results revealed that fig genotypes exhibit various adaptive mechanisms and physiological responses to water deficit, including osmotic adjustment, stomatal regulation, and proline accumulation. The water deficit condition was confirmed by measuring the soil water potential; the maximum values were in the range of -2.1 to -3.6 MPa. The ‘Guadalupe Victoria’ accession demonstrated significant water deficit resilience by maintaining higher PN values in low water availability. Additionally, the study highlighted the role of osmotic adjustments in maintaining water balance and cellular function during stress periods. These findings will provide valuable insights for the selection process of genotypes with enhanced drought tolerance in water-limited environments.