Biochemical responses in leaves of four fig cultivars subjected to water stress and recovery

Drought stress is one of the most important factors limiting the growth and productivity of fig (Ficus carica L.) in the Iran. Detailed knowledge about the biochemical responses of native figs to drought stress could contribute to the success of vegetation programs. Four cultivars of fig, ‘Deyme Ahvaz’ (Deym), ‘Sabz Estahban’ (Sabz), ‘Siah’ and ‘Shahanjir’ (Shah), were selected and subjected to drought by withholding irrigation for 14 days. Stressed plants were reirrigated and the recovery was studied for 7 days. Control plants were irrigated daily maintaining soil water content at about field capacity. The levels of pigments and non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes were quantified. The results demonstrate that the four investigated fig cultivars showed a clear difference in their response to water stress and recovery. Under drought conditions, Deym exhibited higher pigments content and activities of antioxidant enzymes than other cultivars. Catalase had no major antioxidative function in fig. Water stress treatment significantly increased α-tocopherol concentration but decreased ascorbic acid content in the studied cultivars.

► Drought causes oxidative stress in fig (Ficus carica L.) plants.
► Antioxidative protection contributes to withstand drought stress in fig
► Fig cultivars of Deym and Sabz are more drought tolerant than Siah and Shah.
► Catalase had no major antioxidative function in fig.
► Drought stress increased the concentration of α-TQ in fig plants.