Local Caprifig Tree Characterization and Analysis of Interest for Pollination

• Published in: Acta horticulturae no. 605; pp. 61 - 64
• Main Authors: Oukabli, A, Mamouni, A, Laghezali, M, Ater, M, Roger, J.P, Khadari, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Society for Horticultural Science 01-01-2003
• Subjects: Blastophaga; climatic factors; cultivars; figs; flowers; pollen; pollination; trees; Vespidae
• ISSN: 0567-7572; 2406-6168
• DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2003.605.7

No limitation for the completion of the Blastophaga reproductive cycle exist under Moroccan climatic conditions. The limiting agronomic factors are the number of caprifigs and pollen production per caprifig when female figs are receptive. Evaluation of 9 local caprifig cultivars was carried out on the basis of mamme and profichi abundance, and on quantity of pollen and Blastophaga produced per caprifig. The caprifig trees presented differences in the phenology of mamme development with an onset of initiation scattered over time. The average number of mamme varied from 0.5 to 4.5 per 25 cm long branch. The number of mamme was the largest for Chellah 3, Dokkar Tardif and Frond d’oued 4 taking into account the number of growth units per tree. This character gives an idea on the availability of flowers that can shelter over-wintering Blastophaga. The transfer of wasps is compromised by the reduced size of the ostiole only for Chellah 3. These caprifig trees are also characterized by an important profichi load. The complementary in their fructification characteristics permit a plasticity of the pollinator cycle.