Quality and yield of two fig varieties(Ficus carica L.) under intensive management in greenhouse conditions

Resumen

Demand for fresh and processed figs (Ficus carica L.) is increasing annually in both domestic and international markets. Mexico has the potential to become a major global producer. However, open-field cultivation poses phytosanitary and climatological control challenges; therefore, the adoption of technologies such as greenhouse production constitutes a viable alternative for increasing fig fruit yield and quality in a profitable and sustainable manner.

Objective: To evaluate the performance and quality of two fig varieties under intensive management in greenhouse conditions.

Design/methodology/approach: The experiment was conducted at the Higher Technological Institute of Eldorado, in Eldorado, Sinaloa, Mexico (24°19´28” N, 107°22´01” W; 11 m above sea level). The fig varieties Netzahualcoyotl and Black Mission were planted at a spacing of 1.0 m between plants and 1.80 m between rows in a greenhouse with a plastic roof, 6 m in height, and vertical walls covered with aphid-proof mesh. The crop was managed with eight stems per plant and 20 fruits per stem. The variables evaluated were yield, fruit weight, total soluble solids (°Brix), and the polar and equatorial diameters of the fruit.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the Netzahualcoyotl and Black Mission varieties for yield, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, and fruit weight. The Netzahualcoyotl variety exhibited greater polar and equatorial fruit diameters (50 and 54 mm, respectively) than the Black Mission variety (42 and 47 mm, respectively). Likewise, Netzahualcoyotl showed higher fruit weight and yield (70 g and 62 t ha⁻¹, respectively) compared with Black Mission (52 g and 46 t ha⁻¹, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the two varieties in terms of fruit total soluble solids (°Brix).

Limitations on study/implications: The fig fruits used for sampling were processed as rapidly as possible due to their high perishability.

Findings/conclusions: The Netzahualcoyotl variety exhibited superior yield compared to the Black Mission variety, mainly as a result of its greater polar and equatorial fruit diameters and higher fruit weight.