Preliminary Characterization of some Fig Biotypes in Romania

Fig (Ficus carica L.) is an antique fruit species originated from Asia and spread all over the world. In Romania, many genotypes are found on mild climate zones, being cultivated in small gardens as ornamental and fruit plant. At the Bucharest Faculty of Horticulture recently, fig genotypes have been collected from different places, propagated and studied. This paper presents the first results regarding the characterization of some fig genotypes found in different areas of Romania. An Iraqian fig genotype was also characterized. On medium term, the team aims to identify local grown fig plants, to establish a fig distribution wide map in Romania and to analyse different plants parameters in order to decide the best genotypes to be planted in the future. Cuttings from different figs genotypes and different regions of Romania and Iraq were collected and rooted. After planting in pots, the new obtained plants where grown under controlled conditions for a year. By using the mother plants and/or the new propagated plants, several measurements and determinations were done in order to characterize each genotype. Leaves were studied and measured with Win Folia scanner and software, while fruits were observed, measured and total soluble solids was determined by refractometer. The collected biotypes are planted in four testing plots in different regions in Romania.