Co-evolution of enzyme activities and latex in fig (Ficus carica L.) during fruit maturity process

In this study, enzyme activities and latex production were assessed on twenty fig cultivars of San Pedro, Common, Smyrna and Caprifig-types, throughout different maturity stage (unripe, mid-ripe and ripe) for three times a day (morning, mid-day and late afternoon). Comparison of latex yield revealed negative correlation between the developmental changes of enzymes in the target fig types. The highest latex yield was 1% recorded in the Common-type cultivar Kahli and both San Pedro-type cultivars Bither Abiadh and Bither Akhal, while this yield declined 10-fold in the Smyrna-type cultivar Njali at mid-maturity stage. The protease activity exhibited the highest level of 1,312,652 U/ml in cultivar Bidh Beghal (Smyrna-type) at the ripening stage that was correlated with the increase of lipase level by 286.33 U/ml at the mid-maturity stage, while its inhibition was recorded by 100% at the unripe stage. The synergic effect between lipase and protease activities was recorded during the receptivity period, which means that enzyme expression of the fig latex depends upon the emitted volatile compounds. The apparent reliance on constituents as attractants and few and specific pollinators may indicate co-evolution.