Articles
The unique fig caprification system and its effects on productivity and fruit characteristics
Article number
1173_22
Pages
127 – 136
Language
English
Abstract
Fig tree (Ficus carica) is associated with a species of fig wasp (Blastophaga psenes, Hymenoptera, Agaonidae) in a highly specific pollination system (caprification) that is of economical and ecological importance.
Key questions are still to be answered: is caprification necessary? Does it influence significantly fig quality? This review presents the fig tree-pollinator mutualistic relationship.
It explores aspects related to caprification techniques and difficulties (availability and quality of male figs) and its effects on fig productivity, yield regularity and fruit quality.
Disadvantages related to fig caprification are also reviewed.
Topics regarding pollinating and non-pollinating wasps preservation, fig genetic resources conservation and prospective of fig tree-fig wasp mutualism are discussed.
Key questions are still to be answered: is caprification necessary? Does it influence significantly fig quality? This review presents the fig tree-pollinator mutualistic relationship.
It explores aspects related to caprification techniques and difficulties (availability and quality of male figs) and its effects on fig productivity, yield regularity and fruit quality.
Disadvantages related to fig caprification are also reviewed.
Topics regarding pollinating and non-pollinating wasps preservation, fig genetic resources conservation and prospective of fig tree-fig wasp mutualism are discussed.
Publication
Authors
M. Mars, M. Trad, B. Gaaliche
Keywords
Ficus carica, pollination, wasps, mutualism, fruit quality, biodiversity
Groups involved
Online Articles (69)