International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 368-380 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 368 Feature Review Open Access Botanical Characteristics and Ecological Adaptability of Fig (Ficus caricaL.) NanaZhou1, FengQiao2 1 Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya, 572022, Hainan, China 2 Zibo Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zibo, 255000, Shandong, China Corresponding author: qiaofeng8804@163.com International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0037 Received: 21 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 23 Nov., 2024 Published: 08 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhou and Qiao, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhou N.N., and Qiao F., 2024, Botanical characteristics and ecological adaptability of fig (Ficus carica L.), International Journal of Horticulture, 14(6): 368-380 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0037) Abstract The fig (Ficus carica L.), an ancient fruit tree, is highly valued for its historical, agricultural, and medicinal significance. This study systematically explores the growth characteristics, reproductive mechanisms, and adaptive strategies of fig trees under various environmental conditions. The results indicate that fig trees exhibit remarkable adaptability to drought and nutrient-poor soils, primarily through mechanisms such as leaf abscission, root structure optimization, and symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which enhance drought resistance. Additionally, the morphology of fig fruits is closely related to its unique pollination mechanism, forming a complex mutualistic relationship with fig wasps (Blastophaga psenes). The study also reveals that fig trees can promote the growth of surrounding vegetation and enhance biodiversity through root exudates and interactions with soil microorganisms. The multiple ecological adaptations of fig trees make them highly promising for sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions. Further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptability of fig trees to saline and drought stress will help optimize their cultivation and utilization. Keywords Fig (Ficus carica L.); Ecological adaptability; Drought resistance mechanisms; Mutualistic pollination relationship; Biodiversity; Agroforestry application 1 Introduction Ficus carica L., commonly known as the fig, is one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees and is highly valued for its historical, agricultural, and medicinal significance (Falistocco, 2020). It is a flowering plants belongs to the Ficus genus in the family of Moraceae, recognized for its distinctive fruit, which is botanically classified as a syconium, an enclosed inflorescence (Nair et al., 2021). Native to the Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia, Ficus carica has spread widely across the world due to its adaptability and economic value. For centuries, the fig has been cultivated not only for its edible fruit but also for its ecological role and its ability to adapt to various environmental conditions. The fig (Ficus caricaL.) tree is a deciduous species that can grow up to 10 meters tall (Hiwale and Hiwale, 2015). It is characterized by its smooth white bark, large palmate leaves, and a unique fruiting mechanism that involves a complex mutualistic relationship with fig wasps. The study found that the reproduction of figs relies on a symbiotic relationship with pollinating wasps (Blastophaga psenes). This biological mechanism is highly complex and an integral part of the fig ecosystem (Falistocco, 2020). The tree's adaptability to various climates and soil types has enabled it to thrive in a range of ecological zones, from semi-arid regions to temperate climates. Figs are valued not only for their delicious yet highly perishable fresh fruit but also for their various processed forms, such as dried figs, fig syrup, jams, jellies, spices, or preserved fig paste and fig pulp. Historically, figs have been esteemed for their nutritional and medicinal properties, making them an ancient and important source of food and health benefits (Barolo et al., 2014). Understanding the botanical characteristics of the fig tree is crucial for optimizing its agricultural production, improving its resistance to environmental stress, and enhancing its ecological contributions. The fig tree's drought tolerance, adaptability to various soil conditions, and ability to grow in diverse climates make it an ideal subject
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