Protected cultivation of fig tree (Ficus carica L.): possibilities and limits

M. Mars, F. Zaouay
Fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is a traditional and resilient fruit crop in different arid and semi-arid regions. It is encountered mainly as open field plantations, mainly rain-fed. It has important socio-economic potential, but it is threatened by severe biotic, abiotic and anthropic stress. The recent regain of interest for fig fruits and derived products has been accompanied by an extension of planted areas, an increase of irrigated intensive fig plantations, and the development of protected fig cultivation on the soil or off-soil. Fig protected cultivation is considered as a solution for adaptation problems in new areas where this tree crop was introduced, to extend fig production out of season, and to overcome some biotic and abiotic stress. Several constraints are facing this new cultivation system, particularly those related to the management of crop environment, ferti-irrigation, substrate, pruning, etc. Various aspects as appropriate plant material, nurseries, specific treatments, fruit quality, impacts, profitability and sustainability of fig protected cultivation are discussed, and future research orientations are suggested.
Mars, M. and Zaouay, F. (2024). Protected cultivation of fig tree (Ficus carica L.): possibilities and limits. Acta Hortic. 1405, 35-40
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1405.3
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1405.3
Ficus carica, intensification, protected cultivation, impacts, sustainability
English
1405_3
35-40

Acta Horticulturae