Evaluation of gas exchange capacity and physiological responses of selected Sarilop (= Calimyrna) fig clones

Turkey, with 10.6 million trees is the prime producer of figs. More than 75% of the national production is provided from Sarilop trees planted in the Meander basin in western Turkey, and all is destined for the dried fig market. As a consequence of a pleselection study carried out during the period between 1975 and 1982, a progeny garden was established at Aydin Fig Research Institute with 86 clones selected from Big and Small Meander Basin as 5 trees per clone. Between 1991-93, these clones were evaluated, and clones # 28, 37, 43, 45, 50, 61, 63, 75, 82, 83 were found promising in terms of fruit yield and quality and growth characteristics. In order to study the physiological responses of these clones grown under rain-fed conditions, photosynthesis and transpiration rates along with stomatal conductance were measured with a portable photosynthesis system (CI-301 PS, CID, Inc.) in August and September 1997. In addition, leaf samples were taken during the onset of fruit ripening period, and leaf area, number of stomata, relative turgidity and succulence index values were determined and calculated. In the statistical evaluation of the results, the investigated clones were found to vary significantly in some parameters which can be of further use in terms of photosynthetic efficiency and drought resistance.