https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6739-3895
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ABSTRACT
This study aimed to screen 135 cultivars of fig (Ficus carica L.) to identify the most suitable cultivars in terms of morpho-agronomic and biochemical characters. The free radical scavenging activity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS and β-Carotene bleaching assays. The studied genotypes exhibited significant variability (p < .01) following all traits analyzed. The Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) revealed a significant relationship between biochemical components and morpho-agronomic traits of fig. With the exception of the drop at the ostiole, lenticel color, and seed sizes, all variables showed highly significant differences. All studied genotypes averaged the fruit weigh of 34.41 ± 14.78 g with a dominance of globose shape. Based on the principal component analysis, the most discriminant attributes were the fruit geometrical traits, color, and peel characteristics. Also, the total sugars (10.08–15.10 g/100 gdw), total anthocyanins (0,41 to 47.95 mg cy-3-rutinoside/100 gdw) and flavonoids (103,7 ± 8.9–14.6 ± 4.6 mg CE/100 gdw) contributed significantly in fig assessment. Unweighted pair group cluster analysis based on Euclidean distance revealed five distinct groups. The local genotype ‘Ounq Hmam PS14ʹ showed a typical profile and was classified as an independent branch. The findings confirmed the effectiveness of combining morpho-agronomic and biochemical analyses in fig assessment. They also showed that the studied fig germplasm has high phenotypic diversity, which is probably more genetically related. The studied accessions can be recognized as an important gene pool for future breeding programs.
Acknowledgments
This work was financed by Competitive Mechanism of Research-Development and Extension (MCRDV) program founded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco.
Authors contribution
Lahcen Hssaini designed the methodology of the research, analyzed samples, performed the statistical analysis and interpreted the data. Jamal Charafi and Hafida Hanine helped in the methodology and provided the technical support for designing and conducting research. Ibtissam Guirrou and Abderrahman Mekaoui contributed to plant sampling and analysis. Rachid Razouk and Said Ennahli performed the review and Lahcen Hssaini wrote the manuscript.
Declaration of Interest
Declare conflicts of interest or state “The authors declare no conflict of interest”.