Studies on the adaptability of some introduced fig cultivars to Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

-Studies were carried out on four fig (Ficus carica L.) cultivars introduced from Spain and planted at the Agricultural Experiment Station, College of Agriculture, King Saud University in 1979.

Tree size, yield of fruit and the physical and chemical properties of fruits were determined during the growing seasons of 1989 and 1990.

Tree h ~ight and canopy diameter varied among the four fig cultivars (De Rey, Blanco Temperano, Napolitana and Melares).

The average of total yield was De Rey 50.7 , Napolitana 42.8 , Blanco Ternperano 40.7.

and Melares 21.5 kg per tree .

Physical size characteristics of the fruits differed among cultivars.

Fruit moisture, TSS, acidity and vitamin C contents differed among cultivars, Total sugars ranged from 17.8 to 19.7% of fresh weight and were mostly reducing sugars .

The foregoing results show that the four fig cultivars are adapted to Riyadh region with De Rey (purple) and Blanco Temperano (yellow) being the most promising for cultivation.