Use of rapid screening methods for detecting drought tolerant cultivars of fig (Ficus carica L.)

A preliminary study was conducted to determine the effects of water stress on four fig cultivars (Ficus carica L, 'Deyme Ahvaz' (Deym), 'Sabz Estahban' (Sabz), 'Siah' and 'Shahanjir' (Shah)) plants, using reliable and easy to use methodology. Potted plants, growing under greenhouse conditions were 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. Stem water potential, relative water content, leaf mass area, chlorophyll stability index, drought injury index, and rapid test for drought tolerance were measured in fully expanded young leaves. On the basis of above indices, these cultivars were screened and categorized as tolerant and susceptible. The results suggest that Deym and Sabz are more drought tolerant than Siah and Shah. We concluded that although these indices will be useful to rapidly screen for drought tolerance, however for an efficient screening program they are not sufficient. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V.