BREEDING DROUGHT RESISTANCE IN FIG VIA CONTROLLED HYBRIDIZATION

Abstract

This study as a part of a fig drought tolerance breeding program, was conducted to evaluate the effects of pollen sources and maternal plants on drought tolerance of first generation seedlings. Three Iranian cultivars were selected as maternal plants from hot dry lands of central Iran and cross pollinated with four Iranian caprifigs. The offsprings were subjected to drought stress by stopping irrigation for 15 days and reirrigated for 10 days to screen drought tolerance. The results indicated hybrids 1, 7, 8, 9 and 11 were able to preserve water status and growth rate at higher levels during the water stress period. These hybrids were able to accumulate higher concentrations of proline and soluble carbohydrates for osmoregulation and prevent structural damages under water stress. It was concluded that drought tolerance in fig offsprings is highly related to drought tolerance of their parents, and using a highly drought tolerant parent in controlled pollinations may result in a drought tolerant hybrid. Hence, using caprifig ‘Khormaei’ as paternal parent and fig ‘Siah’ or ‘Sabz’ as maternal parent in controlled pollinations to obtain drought tolerant fig hybrids was suggested.