Effect of Net Covering on Some Vegetative, Physiological, Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Rainfed Fig (Ficus carica L. cv. Sabz)

Rainfed figs are damaged by birds, red bees and heat stress. Although the application of net covering on the trees is a suitable method for reducing this kind of damage, net effects on vegetative and reproductive characteristics of fig has not yet been determined.  The aim of this experiment was to determine the effects of net color and shading on some characteristics of fig tree under rainfed conditions. For this purpose, a research was carried out on rainfed fig (Ficus carica L. cv. Sabz) in a randomized complete block design as factorial experiment with net color (black, white, blue, green and red) and shading (30 and 50%) factors plus control (without net) at Estahban fig research station in 2017-2018 . Results showed that the blue net was the best color because of the least disorders (chlorosis and necrosis), the largest leaf dimensions (length and width) and chlorophyll a concentration and suitable influence on the quantity and quality of the fruit. The blue net with 30% shading increased the dimension, relative water content and stomatal conductance and reduced defects  and ion leakage of leaf. The control trees had the highest level of disorder  sign and was under drought stress, but some of the nets, especially blue net with 30% shading showed a favorable effect on fig characteristics and reduced drought stress.