The cultivation of the fig tree is known from ancient times and it has a history rich in trade. It is one of the oldest types of fruits in the world that the Arab people knew and cultivated abundantly in the desert and coastal areas, it bears environmental conditions of all kinds and does not need water or fertilizers and is resistant to diseases and pests, therefore it has occupied a distinguished place in the fruit trade in general.
Fig is a seasonal fruit tree and is cultivated in the regions of West Asia and the Middle East, but its habitat extends from Turkey to northern India and is spread in the countries of the Mediterranean. It reached southern California in 1759 and in ancient times fig was used as an alternative to sugar and was one of the best trades at that time The fig tree is considered one of the fruitful trees that grow very quickly, where it takes 3 – 6 years to give its food, and the beginning of January is a branch taken from the branches of the perennial fig tree and planted at the beginning of the winter season.
Environmental Factors and Requirements for Fig Cultivation and Trade
• The ability of fig trees to adapt and live in various types of soils, but there is a specialized soil for cultivation, as they are medium brown sandy, warm, fertile, well-constructed and drainable soils.
• Water. Water should be available to irrigate fig-trees, although it can withstand thirst and absorb moisture from the ground. However, waterworks to grow faster and increase in number, so water must always be available to harvest before its date.
• There must be a high temperature and moderate air humidity in order for the fig crop to grow quickly and the winds affect the crop in terms of tearing leaves.
The Most Sought-After Types
Cervical Figs
It is one of the most famous types of figs. It is distinguished by its long neck and high sweetness. It is cultivated intensively in the coastal regions and the Levant.
Hazel Fig
It has large fruit, darkening the color of the interior after its ripening, and it is called Hazel because it is honey that is characterized by the sweetness of its fruits and the appearance of a drop of sweet liquid on top of the ripe fruit.
Black Figs
It was named in relation to the black color from the outside, their rounded fruit, many types of milk, the milk of its trees is very prolific, and bitterer than the milk of the rest of the species, its trade varies in the production of medicines and dairy.
Carobi Fig
Its fruits are of medium color, carobi, and it is the most suitable variety for the “cotton” industry.
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