Response of fig trees (Ficus carica L. ‘Calabacita’) to irrigation and water deficit in Extremadura, Spain

Fig cultivation for dried fruit production is traditionally rainfed in Mediterranean environments; however, the expansion of irrigated orchards driven by climate variability requires improved understanding of fig tree responses to water deficit.
This study evaluated the physiological, vegetative and productive responses of three-year-old fig trees (Ficus carica L. ‘Calabacita’) subjected to different irrigation regimes in Extremadura, Spain in two treatments, Control irrigation, scheduling was based on crop coefficients derived from a weighing lysimeter and Drying, irrigated as Control except that irrigation was withheld from 6 July to 12 August.
Summer water deficit significantly reduced soil moisture and midday stem water potential, while stomatal conductance remained largely unaffected.
Vegetative growth and total dried fig yield showed no significant differences between treatments, although seasonal yield distribution was altered.
Trees rapidly recovered after irrigation resumed.
Results highlight the usefulness of midday stem water potential and soil moisture monitoring as sensitive indicators for irrigation management and support the adaptation of irrigation strategies to phenological stage and tree age in fig orchards.

XI International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops

A. Vivas, M.H. Prieto, M.J. Moñino

fig tree, irrigation management, Mediterranean climate, stem water potential, water deficit

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1468.59