Nana Zhou¹ , Feng Qiao²

1 Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya, 572022, Hainan, China
2 Zibo Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zibo, 255000, Shandong, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6   doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0037
Received: 21 Oct., 2024    Accepted: 23 Nov., 2024    Published: 08 Dec., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Zhou N.N., and Qiao F., 2024, Botanical characteristics and ecological adaptability of fig (Ficus carica L.), International Journal of Horticulture, 14(6): 368-380 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0037)

The fig (Ficus carica L.), an ancient fruit tree, is highly valued for its historical, agricultural, and medicinal significance. This study systematically explores the growth characteristics, reproductive mechanisms, and adaptive strategies of fig trees under various environmental conditions. The results indicate that fig trees exhibit remarkable adaptability to drought and nutrient-poor soils, primarily through mechanisms such as leaf abscission, root structure optimization, and symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which enhance drought resistance. Additionally, the morphology of fig fruits is closely related to its unique pollination mechanism, forming a complex mutualistic relationship with fig wasps (Blastophaga psenes). The study also reveals that fig trees can promote the growth of surrounding vegetation and enhance biodiversity through root exudates and interactions with soil microorganisms. The multiple ecological adaptations of fig trees make them highly promising for sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions. Further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptability of fig trees to saline and drought stress will help optimize their cultivation and utilization.

Fig (Ficus carica L.); Ecological adaptability; Drought resistance mechanisms; Mutualistic pollination relationship; Biodiversity; Agroforestry application