Description of the growth and development of the fig tree (Ficus carica) and its environmental interaction in Costa Rica

The fig crop has been exploited in Costa Rica as an agricultural diversification alternative. The predominant cultivar in the country is 'Brown Turkey'; therefore, it is necessary to generate information regarding its agricultural management process. Hence, the current research studied throughout two years (2012-2013), the transition of the 'Brown Turkey' fig tree growth in its mature state. It was possible to establish the variation in the average thickness of the stem, the average length of the sprouts (stimulated by the tree pruning) and the fruit yield projection. Through a factorial design, ANOVA F-test and Fisher means test (p=0.05), the main factors of year, month and type of sprouts were evaluated when its corresponds. Additionally, Pearson correlations and regressions (p=0.05) were executed with the temperature, the relative humidity and the growth parameters. It was determined that the average thickness of the stem is significantly affected (p<0.05) by the age of the tree; with the younger trees widening with higher proportions. In regards to the average length of the sprouts, it was determined that it is influenced (p<0.05) by maturity (year) and the type of sprout. The more mature the tree, the longer the sprouts. The closest to pruning sprouts presented higher growth than distant. Considering the fruits/sprouts, it was observed an increasing tendency as the tree ages. The projected yield presents significant difference (p<0.05), increased four times in 2013. The fruiting phase was longer in the year 2013 (July-November) than in 2012 (September- November). This study only determined one significant correlation and lineal regression: Average length of the sprouts = -286.8+17.80∗average thickness of the stem; valid for predictions in four years old trees, but none correlation between growth and environmental variables were found.