Strategies of leaf expansion in Ficus carica under semiarid conditions
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Kinematic Analysis of Cell Division and Expansion: Quantifying the Cellular Basis of Growth and Sampling Developmental Zones in Zea mays Leaves
Published on: December 2, 2016
A M González-Rodríguez1, J Peters
1Departamento de Fruticultura Tropical, Instituto Canario de Investigaciones Agrarias (ICIA), La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain. aglezr@icia.es
Abstract:
Leaf area expansion, thickness and inclination, gas exchange parameters and relative chlorophyll content were analysed in field-grown fig (Ficus carica L.) leaves over time, from emergence until after full leaf expansion (FLE). Ficus carica leaves showed a subtle change in shape during the early stages of development, and FLE was reached within ca. 30 days after emergence. Changes in leaf thickness and inclination after FLE demonstrated good adaptation to environmental conditions during summer in areas with a Mediterranean climate. Changes in gas exchange parameters and relative chlorophyll content showed that F. carica is a delayed-greening species, reaching maximum values 20 days after FLE. Correlation analysis of datasets collected during leaf expansion, confirmed dependence among structural and functional traits in F. carica. Pn was directly correlated with stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration (E), leaf area (LA) and relative chlorophyll content up to FLE. The effect of pruning on leaf expansion, a cultural technique commonly applied in this fruit tree, was also evaluated. Although leaf development in pruned branches gave a significantly higher relative leaf area growth rate (RGR(l)) and higher LA than non-pruned branches, no significant differences were found in other morphological and physiological traits, indicating no pruning effect on leaf development. All studied morphological and physiological characteristics indicate that F. carica is well adapted to semiarid conditions. The delayed greening strategy of this species is discussed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Light Acquisition
Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata
C4 Pathway and CAM
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots

