Fig (Ficus carica L.) genetic resources and breeding

Fig (Ficus carica L.) probably originated in the Middle East and naturalized in many places is nowadays an important crop worldwide. Wild forms are found in Mediterranean, Arabia, Iran, Asia Minor as well as in Central Asia and Transcaucasia. It's considered morphologically gynodioecious but functionally dioecious and has its specific pollinating wasp. Almost all grown cultivars are the result of old selection and maintained by vegetative propagation. Hundreds of cultivars are listed in the literature. Self-devised descriptors including various pomological, agronomic and technological characteristics as well as molecular markers are successfully used for variety differentiation and germplasm description. Morphometric and molecular analysis revealed high genetic diversity within cultivated rig germplasm. Further information is needed to understand variability structure. On another hand, Fig Mosaic Disease remain a serious pathological constraint facing rig germplasm exchange. The most effective strategy is the production of mosaic-free plants. Fig cultivation is still regaining interest and there is a need to develop varieties producing fruits of high quality. Threat of genetic erosion became evident, particularly for cultivars of "Smyrna type". Numerous collections are established in different countries. New approaches are to be developed for fig breeding. Alternative methods for genetic resources management must be considered. The establishment of reference collections, the adoption of universal descriptor list and guidelines for germplasm safe movement and the definition of variety standards will be very useful.