Variable responses of Ficus carica genotypes to water deficit: antioxidant and membrane stability insights

Drought stress is a significant challenge to agricultural productivity, particularly for fig plants, which require robust adaptive mechanisms against water-limited environments. This study aims to assess the biochemical responses of six different fig genotypes to varying soil moisture conditions. The measures of electric conductivity (EC), antioxidant activity (AA), total flavonoid (TFC), total phenolic (TPC), tannins (TT), and total protein (TP) were used as markers of stress tolerance in water deficit (WD) and rehydration conditions. Results showed genotypespecific differences in AA and secondary metabolite production. TFC was associated with enhanced oxidative stress tolerance, particularly under WD conditions, as the Arista genotype showed a 40% increase at 7 days after irrigation suspension. TPC levels indicated a general increase in response to WD, with the Arista genotype exhibiting the most pronounced rise. Conversely, TT decreased by nearly 50% in the Ceballos genotype under field capacity (FC) conditions, likely due to dilution effects from increased growth rates. In addition, TP varied significantly among genotypes, with the San Antonio genotype showing a 25% increase under WD. These findings provide insights into physiological mechanisms underpinning fig plant adaptation to water stress, highlighting the potential of specific genotypes for cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions, offering a framework for selecting young drought-resistant fig varieties.