Overview of fig tree cultivation in the Maltese islands

Abstract

The fig tree, Ficus carica, originated in the Middle East and has been under cultivation since at least 11,000 years during the Neolithic period. It is well adapted to the Mediterranean conditions and grows well in the Maltese Islands. More than 30 different varieties of fig trees used to be cultivated in Malta but this number has now decreased. The fig tree produces an early fruit which matures around mid-June and is known as "bajtar ta' San Gwann", which are plump and tender. Late figs known as "tin" are produced from the same tree but mature some six weeks after the early figs have finished. Late figs undergoes an important process of pollination known as caprification. From the caprifig a tiny insect, Blastophaga pesenes emerges and enters the late fig to pollinate the fruit. The fig fruit is rich in several minerals and is a good source of antioxidant which helps in maintaining good health and wellness. Moreover, the fruit possess a high fibre content which nourish and tone the intestines and act as a natural laxative. Regular pruning of fig trees is a prerequisite for better fruit production, decreased incidence of pests and diseases and easier harvesting. Fig trees host more than 30 insect pests and diseases of which some can be detrimental to the tree. The most important pest is a bark beetle, Hypocryphalus scabricollis, native of the Indian sub-continent and reported from Malta in 2009. This beetle has been decimating fig trees in Malta and Gozo for these last 8 years and more than 50% of such trees have already been killed.