Morpho-Genetic Characterization of Fig (Ficus carica Var. Rupestris (Hausskn.) Browicz) Genotypes Aiming to Be Used As Rootstock

Abstract Turkiye, which has very rich gene resources, is the homeland of figs as well as many plant species. The common fig species found in the natural population of our country is Ficus carica var. caprificus (male figs), Ficus carica var. domestica (female figs; edible figs) and Ficus carica var. rupestris. In the study, morphological and molecular characterization of a total of 42 genotypes, including genotypes obtained by selection breeding method from the Ficus carica var rupestris (Hausskn.) Browicz population, which is naturally spread in a limited area in Tunceli province, was performed. In this study, the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of 23 fig genotypes were evaluated. It was determined that tree growth habit, lateral shoot formation, apical dominancy and leaf length characteristics had the highest effect on phenotypic descriptions in fig genotypes. The genetic relationship between the genotypes was demonstrated with 12 SRAP primer combinations and 9 ISSR primers. As a result of the study, it was determined that the genetic similarity values ranged between 0.52 and 0.94. According to the weight grading test results, the genotypes had scores between 290 and 910. In terms of these selection criteria, the genotype FCR-19 received the highest score with 910, while this genotype received 865 points with FCR-6, FCR-7, FCR-14, FCR-15, FCR-20, FCR-24, FCR-27, FCR-31 and FCR-42 genotypes followed. At the end of the study, very detailed results on the genetic variation in the fig population in the region were obtained by morphological features and molecular methods. The 7 genotypes selected were propagated to determine their potential for dwarf rootstocks. The results of the present study may provide significant leads for further studies on this subject. Dwarf roostoscks for grafting fig is an essential tool for modern fruit growing.