Characterization of local fig clones (Ficus carica L.) collected in Northern Morocco

Introduction - A survey of family yards and traditional orchards was conducted to collect and evaluate phenotypic variation of fig (Ficus carica L.) accessions grown in Northern Morocco. Materials and methods - 20 local farmers were surveyed to identify different fig accessions grown in three northern regions of Morocco (Taounate, Ouazzane, and Meknes). The survey targeted the varietal profile of cultivated fig trees, propagation methods and selection and denomination criteria. Fruit samples were collected, and their pomological and colorimetric traits were characterized. In total, 33 descriptors established by IPGRI were used, 22 of which were qualitative and 11 of which were quantitative. Results and discussion - Pomologic and colorimetric analysis revealed a wide range of variation and highly significant level of variability (p<0.05) among all sampled genotypes. The principal component analysis revealed two mean groups with a total inertia of 78.7% based on the quantitative traits. While three distinctive groups with a total inertia of 90.92% were found based on pomologIcal traits. Pomology analysis exhibited a dominance of both globose and rounded shapes. Most of the genotypes have skin ribs and did not present the drop at the ostiole. Hierarchical ascendant classification (HAC) performed on all 38 variables (color and pomological descriptors) resulted in two main clusters. With the exception of 'Ghoudan' and 'Ghani', all genotypes with the same denominations were clustered into the same group. Conclusion - This work revealed a mislabeling within the local fig germplasm according to morphological, pomological and colorimetric traits of collected figs. This problem was found to be correlated to denomination criteria used by local farmers. Indeed, the combination of pomological and colorimetric parameters exhibited an important level of discrimination.