Genotype × Environment Shapes Fig Seed Oil Metabolic Fingerprinting

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Fig (Ficus carica L.) seed oil is an underutilized byproduct with significant nutraceutical potential.
• Limited research exists on genotype × environment (G × E) interactions influencing fig seed oil's biochemical profile.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing its use in functional foods and supplements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess compositional variability in fig seed oil across different genotypes and harvest years.
• To identify metabolic trade-offs between oil yield and bioactive compounds.
• To develop rapid authentication methods using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy for predictive G × E modeling and marker-assisted selection.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 37 fig varieties over two harvest years (2023-2024) in Morocco.
• Conducted biochemical analyses for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS), and oil yield.
• Utilized FTIR-ATR spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to characterize spectral variations and discriminate genotypes/years.

Main Results:

• Significant variations in TPC, TFC, antioxidant activities, and oil yield were observed, influenced by genotype and year.
• A negative correlation (r = -0.49) was found between oil yield and phenolic content, indicating a metabolic trade-off.
• FTIR-ATR spectroscopy successfully identified diagnostic peaks and, with PCA, discriminated between genotypes and years, capturing 75.4-84.5% of the variance.

Conclusions:

• Genotypic and environmental factors critically impact fig seed oil composition.
• Metabolic trade-offs exist between lipid accumulation and secondary metabolite production in fig seeds.
• FTIR-ATR spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis provides a robust tool for fig cultivar discrimination and selection for nutraceutical applications.