FIG GERMPLASM CONSERVATION IN ALBANIA

The in situ and ex situ conservation of fig genetic resources activity in Albania has a long history, based on individual initiatives and institutional activities. The present research started in 1998 and has been mainly focused on collecting, evaluation, characterization of figs germplasm, aiming at the establishment of a strategy for long term in situ and ex situ conservation. For the in situ conservation of the genetic resources has contributed the cultivation process usually accompanied by characterization and multiplication of selected genotypes. The ex situ conservation of the fig genetic resources is being accomplished by the establishment of a germplasm collection of considerable importance at the experimental field of the Agriculture University of Tirana. The geographic and climatic conditions of Albania are favorable for large fig diversity. Most of the fig cultivation is based on 25 varieties spread through different regions: 11 varieties in Tirana, 4 varieties in Berati, 4 varieties in Vlora, 3 varieties in Shkodra, 2 varieties in Delvina, and 1 variety in Himara. Nevertheless, six varieties: Roshnik, Kraps, Patllixhan, Dimrak, Cipull, and Rotllar, are the most important in fig industry in Albania.