Ficus carica: Production, Cultivation and Uses: Production, Cultivation and Uses

The fig, or Ficus carica, is a valuable fruit crop with vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. It's concerning that while some people go hungry in remote areas, others are obese. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for food security and sustainable energy usage. This book covers the history, production, genetic diversity, and potential of fig fruit as a functional food.

Format: Hardback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers Inc

Ficus carica, the fig, is a remarkable ancient crop plant that has its origins in Anatolia. It holds immense value as one of the most precious fruit crops, benefiting human health significantly. This fruit is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, protective compounds, and a high carbohydrate content, making it an invaluable component of the human diet.

On the one hand, there are individuals facing starvation in remote parts of the world, while on the other hand, there is a growing concern about obesity. The impact of global climate change on agricultural production and the food chain is exacerbating the divide between the poor and the rich. While some experts focus on ensuring food security from farm to fork, others advocate for sustainable energy usage.

In the midst of the current global Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of helping and supporting each other has never been more apparent and striking in human history. Recognizing the fig fruit as a functional food for human consumption becomes crucial in these challenging times. This noteworthy piece of work comprises 10 chapters, covering various aspects such as ancient history and cultural heritage, production, trade, marketing, genetic diversity, characteristics and caprification potentials, gender identification using molecular markers, the effect of cordon pruning system, virus diseases, arthropod pests and nematodes, postharvest handling and storage, and modified atmosphere packaging and edible surface coating of fig plants.

Each chapter delves into detailed research and analysis, providing valuable insights into the world of fig production, trade, and marketing. The book also explores the genetic diversity of fig plants, their characteristics, and the potential for caprification, which is the process of converting figs into dairy products. Gender identification using molecular markers is another important topic covered, as it helps in maintaining the quality and productivity of fig crops.

Furthermore, the book discusses the impact of cordon pruning system on fig production, virus diseases that affect fig plants, arthropod pests and nematodes that can harm them, and postharvest handling and storage techniques to ensure the longevity and quality of fig fruits. The chapter on modified atmosphere packaging and edible surface coating of fig plants explores innovative methods to enhance the shelf life and appeal of fig fruits, making them more marketable and appealing to consumers.

In conclusion, Ficus carica, the fig, is a remarkable crop plant with immense value to human health. Its functional properties and diverse applications make it a valuable asset in the agricultural industry. This book provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of fig production, trade, marketing, genetic diversity, characteristics, caprification potentials, gender identification, virus diseases, arthropod pests and nematodes, postharvest handling and storage, and modified atmosphere packaging and edible surface coating. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, farmers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the world of fig production and its potential benefits to human health.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 157 x 232 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781685077655