Using a High Tunnel to Increase Fig Tree Yield in Maryland and Conserving Local Fig Germplasm

Commodities

• Fruits: figs

Practices

• Crop Production: high tunnels or hoop houses

Low temperatures in the fall and early spring have a negative
impact on fig growth, yield, and production. Furthermore, frost
occurrences induce fig fruit ripening delays, abscission of
growing buds, and corresponding economic losses at the farm.
Cultivation of fig in protected areas will aid in overcoming
these production constraints. We propose to investigate the
increase in fig yield under high tunnels in the cold environment
of Maryland's Zone 7A. We have 40 one-year-old fig trees planted
within the high tunnel and 10 fig trees planted outside the high
tunnel. This germplasm is local with unknown varieties;
therefore, this work also helps in selection and conservation of
local germplasm. In addition, 5 new varieties will be selected
for the current work. We will measure and record temperatures in
several spots within the high tunnel throughout the experiment.
We will also track the waking hours of the fig trees inside and
outside the high tunnel to compare production and ripening times.
Based on preliminary data, we predict figs planted within the
high tunnel will yield at least five times more and ripen several
months earlier. Figs are a subtropical fruit that is difficult to
ship across great distances. As a result, fresh figs are scarce
in Maryland farmers' markets. Fresh figs will help to fill a void
at the farmers' market. We are convinced that there is a large
demand for figs in the area, as indicated by social media posts
in which individuals express an interest in purchasing fresh
figs.

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the yield
potential and season extension capabilities of figs in Maryland's
7A zone. The project will put high tunnels to the test, along
with naturally easy overwintering methods and specific trimming
procedures. The ultimate goal is to provide vital information
that will help local farmers maximize revenues by selling fresh,
locally farmed figs. The research findings and information will
be shared with other local farmers in order to stimulate and
enable the production of fresh figs in the region. The goal is to
disseminate knowledge about successful production procedures in
order to make the availability of locally grown fresh figs a
feasible and sustainable choice for local farmers, thereby
contributing to the community's economic development.
Furthermore, identifying locally available unknown fig germplasm
at our farm will aid in the conservation of fig biodiversity in
our region.