The fig tree as a strategic species for the adaptation of agriculture to climate change in Chile

This report examines the potential of the fig tree (Ficus carica L.) as a key crop for the resilience of the Chilean agri-food sector in the face of climate change pressures. It evaluates the fig tree's physiological properties, particularly its remarkable tolerance to abiotic stress, within the context of intensifying water scarcity and desertification affecting the country. Through an analysis of the international FIGGEN project, this document argues that the fig tree, with efficient agronomic management and the application of advanced genetic improvement methodologies, is positioned as a viable alternative for long-term agricultural sustainability.

The context of environmental stress in Chile

The Chilean agricultural sector faces increasing vulnerability due to a prolonged climate crisis. Since 2012, 72% of the national territory has been affected by drought conditions. ¹ This situation has manifested itself in a sustained decrease in water resources, with precipitation deficits that, in 2019, reached an average of 70% in the regions from Coquimbo to Biobío. ² In terms of temperature, the average trend in the country has been an increase of approximately 0.13 °C per decade between 1961 and 2019. ²

The reduced availability of water has intensified desertification, a problem that the Ministry of the Environment has categorized as one of the most acute in Chile. ³ According to the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), 21.7% of the country presents some degree of risk of desertification, a degradation that directly threatens the subsistence of rural populations. ³ To counteract this problem, high-cost solutions such as seawater desalination have been proposed. ⁵ In this context, the adoption of resilient and highly water-efficient crops, such as the fig tree, emerges as a strategic measure to ensure the country's economic and productive sustainability, given that water represents at least 60% of its GDP. ⁵

The fig tree as a resilient species

The fig tree ( Ficus carica L.) is one of the most resistant fruit species and has the greatest potential for expansion in areas with water and soil restrictions. ⁷ Its ability to adapt to dry and arid climates is based on its physiology. It can survive in drought conditions with annual rainfall as low as 80 mm, thanks to a deep root system that seeks moisture in the lower layers of the soil. ⁹ Unlike other fruit trees, it is not very demanding in terms of soil and water quality, tolerating high levels of salts, and can even be irrigated with water containing up to 2 g/L of sodium chloride. ¹⁰ This ability to withstand salinity is superior to that of species such as almond and citrus trees. ¹¹

Regarding temperature, the fig tree adapts to a wide thermal range, growing normally even in extreme conditions. ⁹ Although temperatures above 38 °C can cause the infructescences to fall, the adult species is remarkably resistant to cold, being able to withstand temperatures as low as -12 °C. ⁹

Although the fig tree shows exceptional resistance to water stress, controlled water management is required to obtain economically viable commercial production. ¹² A mature fig orchard needs between 4500 and 7000 m³/ha of water annually, which is equivalent to about 600-700 mm per year, distributed mainly during spring and summer. ¹² The most recommended irrigation method is drip irrigation, as it maintains constant moisture in the root zone, which optimizes water use and prevents diseases. ⁶

In Chile, cultivation has focused on parthenocarpic varieties, which produce fruit without the need for pollination, a crucial requirement given the absence of the fig wasp ( Blastophaga psenes ) in the country. ⁶ The most common variety in the national territory is 'Mission', with black fruit, which produces both brebas and figs. ⁶

The FIGGEN project: A model of genetic improvement

In the field of international research, the FIGGEN (Fig Genetic Improvement Global) project is emerging as a benchmark for the future of fig cultivation. Funded by the European Union, its objective is to position the fig tree as a profitable crop in the context of climate change, addressing the low rate of genetic improvement the species has undergone. ⁸

FIGGEN's methodology is distinguished by its cutting-edge scientific approach. It uses sequencing genotyping techniques to identify genomic loci linked to drought and salinity tolerance. ⁸ This marker-assisted selection process allows researchers to identify the most suitable genotypes for arid and saline environments. ⁸ The project has compiled catalogs that identify the genotypes most tolerant to water and salt stress in collections from Spain, Tunisia, and Türkiye. ¹⁴ FIGGEN's findings are directly applicable to the reality of Chile, due to the climatic similarity with the regions of origin of the project. ⁸ By directly importing and validating cultivars already identified in catalogs, Chile can accelerate the introduction of adapted varieties, significantly reducing research costs and time. ¹⁴

Conclusions and strategic projections

Analysis of the scientific evidence confirms that the fig tree ( Ficus carica L.) is emerging as a strategic crop for the adaptation of Chilean agriculture to climate change. Its remarkable resilience to water and salinity stress allows it to thrive in the country's arid and semi-arid regions. Its full potential will only be realized through an advanced scientific approach that combines genetic improvement, following the FIGGEN model, with precise and efficient agronomic management. ⁸

Adopting this comprehensive approach can position the fig tree as a key component in the country's water and food security, contributing to the long-term resilience and sustainability of the Chilean agricultural sector.

References

¹ University of Chile. (2021, June 17). Drought and desertification: Chile's challenges in the face of growing water scarcity . https://uchile.cl/noticias/177118/los-desafios-de-chile-frente-a-la-creciente-sequia-y-desertificacion

² Office of Climate Change, DMC. Annual Report on Climate Evolution in Chile . https://cambioclimatico.mma.gob.cl/

³ Ministry of the Environment. (2018, December). Fourth State of the Environment Report . https://sinia.mma.gob.cl/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/16-suelos-pdf.pdf

⁴ National Forestry Corporation. (2016). Diagnosis of desertification in Chile and its effects on sustainable development . https://bibliotecadigital.ciren.cl/items/dec52e2b-efe6-4f75-9a1a-3f2d8685e922

⁵ ACADES. Climate change is intensifying desertification, and new investments are needed to achieve water security . https://www.paiscircular.cl/agua/acades-el-cambio-climatico-esta-intensificando-la-desertificacion-y-se-necesitan-nuevas-inversiones-para-alcanzar-la-seguridad-hidrica/

⁶ Kevin Andres Jensen Mitrovich. Fig tree in Chile . https://es.scribd.com/document/172766270/Higuera-en-Chile

⁷ University of Chile. The fig tree, Ficus carica L. . https://uchile.cl/publicaciones/58387/la-higuera-ficus-carica-l-

⁸ figsandfigs.com. (2023, July 3). Drought resistance in fig cultivation and its potential for sustainable agriculture, the central theme of a conference organized by CICYTEX and the University of Pisa . https://higosandfigs.com/2023/07/03/la-resistencia-a-sequia-en-el-cultivo-del-higuera-y-su-potencial-para-una-agricultura-sostenible-tema-central-en-una-jornada-organizada-por-cicytex-y-la-univiersidad-de-pisa/

⁹ portalfruticola.com. (April 15, 2025). Fig cultivation techniques in Chile: varieties and water requirements . https://www.portalfruticola.com/noticias/2025/04/15/higuera/

¹⁰ greencities.com The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) . https://ciudadesverdes.com/arboles/ficus-carica/

¹¹ repositorionacional.buap.mx. The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) . http://www.conabio.gob.mx/conocimiento/info_especies/arboles/doctos/50-morac5m.pdf

¹² Center for Climate Science and Resilience. Report warns that climate change has already caused 7 irreversible consequences in Chile and the world . https://www.cr2.cl/informe-advierte-que-cambio-climatico-ya-provoco-7-consecuencias-irreversibles-en-chile-y-el-mundo-la-tercera/

¹³ PRIMA Consortium. Booklet PRIMA 2019 def .(https://prima-med.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/Booklet-PRIMA-2019-def.pdf)

¹⁴ FIGGEN. FIGGEN Final Conference Proceedings . https://www.figgen.eu/images/final2024/Proceedings_Final_Conference.pdf

¹⁵ FIGGEN. FIGGEN Final Conference Proceedings . https://www.figgen.eu/images/final2024/Proceedings_Final_Conference.pdf