Morphological and Physicochemical Characterization of Some Exotic Fig (Ficus carica L.) Genotypes in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study investigated the diversity among five introduced fig (Ficus carica L.) germplasm in Bangladesh, focusing on their morphological and physicochemical characteristics. The primary goal was to assess morphological variations, including their genetic potential for future improvement, and to examine their biochemical properties. The findings demonstrated significant variations in plant growth attributes, leaf characteristics, fruit traits, sensory attributes, and biochemical properties among the genotypes under study. Notably, two genotypes, Khurtamoni (KH) and Brown Turkey (BT), emerged as exceptional performers based on their combined pomological and nutritional characteristics compared to Golden Riverside (GRS), Egyptian-2 (E-2), and Saudi Yellow Arabia (SYA). However, KH displayed outstanding growth characteristics, excellent fruit attributes, including a remarkable fruit yield of 65.67 fruits per plant, and exceptional nutriomedicinal properties with a total phenolic content (TPC) of 8.03 mg GAE/100 g FW, a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 31.084 mg QE/100 g FW, and an IC50 value of 85.39 μg/ml. Besides, BT excelled in terms of taste, texture, juiciness, and various nutritional parameters with an ascorbic acid content of 4.4 mg/100 g, a TFC of 28.348 mg QE/100 g FW, and an IC50 value of 83.685 μg/ml. The genotype ranking, taking into account both morphological and biochemical characteristics, reveals the following order: KH > BT > GRS > SYA > E-2 as per the principle component analysis. Consequently, the study identifies KH and BT as promising candidates for fig cultivation and breeding in Bangladesh due to their exceptional attributes. Furthermore, the genotype ranking offers valuable guidance for selecting germplasm for breeding programs and promoting sustainable fig cultivation in Bangladesh.