Comprehensive Evaluation of Growth, Fruiting Habits, and Fruit Quality of Eight Open-field Cultivated Fig Varieties in Kashgar Prefecture

Objective This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the growth, fruiting habits, and fruit quality of figs under open-field cultivation conditions, in order to select superior fig varieties suitable for cultivation in the kashgar Prefecture region of Xinjiang. This will enhance the economic benefits of figs and enrich the local diversity of fig varieties.

Methods The study selected eight fig cultivars planted in the kashgar Prefecture of Xinjiang, including 'Xinjiangzaohuang' 'Lvzao' and 'Baolaonei' as experimental materials. It investigated the growth, fruiting habits, and fruit quality characteristics of different fig varieties, with the goal of identifying those suitable for local cultivation.

Results 'Xinjiangzaohuang' and 'Lvzao' are early-maturing varieties, with the earliest ripening period, and the harvest period is more than 80 days. 'Chinese purple fruit' is a late-maturing variety, with the harvest period of only 69 days. Additionally, 'Chinese purple fruit' has the smallest annual growth, the shortest internodes, the highest fruiting quantity, and exhibits a phenomenon of double fruits. 'Jinaofen' has the largest single fruit weight, at 65.73 g, belonging to the large-fruit type, with the highest yield, approximately 20.52 t·hm⁻². It also has the largest annual growth of new shoots and is prone to excessive growth. 'Violette solise' has the smallest single fruit weight, only 37.76 g, and the lowest fruiting quantity and fruit branch rate. 'Xinjiangzaohuang' has the highest content of soluble solids, at 19.29%, while 'Sitela' has the lowest content, at only 14.60%.

Conclusion 'Xinjiangzaohuang' has an early market entry, a long harvest period, high yield, and high economic benefits. 'Chinese purple fruit' has a high yield, short internodes, and small annual growth, and it is preliminarily recommended for facility cultivation to extend the harvest period. 'Jinaofen' and 'Violette solise' have large annual growth of new shoots and are prone to excessive growth, so attention should be paid to water and fertilizer management as well as pruning.