Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute preserves local fig genetics

The Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute (KTAE) has successfully secured the genetic preservation of local fig varieties from the Black Sea region. Since 2018, the institute has collected seeds from Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Kastamonu, Sinop, and Artvin to prevent the loss of these local genotypes due to global warming and climate change.

An orchard established in the Bafra district has begun producing its first fruits from these seeds. The project currently maintains 16 different genotypes. Institute Director İlyas Deligöz stated that the goal is to develop varieties for different selection purposes to serve both producers and consumers.

Following research, the institute plans to submit three varieties—one for fresh consumption, one for jam, and one suitable for both—for registration next month, with two additional fresh-consumption varieties to follow in February. Once registered, the institute will begin producing and distributing saplings to farmers.