Production of fresh fig (Carica ficus L.) fruits, in the south of Brazil, is limited by drastic rains that cause high losses of mature figs. Drastic pruning delays the beginning of the harvest and low temperatures hinder growth and maturation of fruits in the beginning of autumn. Fig-growing is being studied under protecting environment as technology to extend harvest period, raise productivity and to minimize fruit losses. Fig plants of variety Roxo de Valinhos were grown indoors under dripping irrigation system and three pruning periods (May 15th, August10th and October 5 th) at the second and the third vegetative cycles. Plants were lead with 4 and 8 branches per plant in the second cycle and spaced 0.75 m x 1.90 m and 1.50 m x 1.90 m apart, respectively, and with 6 and 12 branches per plant in the third vegetative cycle with the corresponding plant spacing. A randomized strip-plot design with four blocks was used with two plants per plot. Fig production under protecting environment with fertirrigation is technically viable in the Passo Fundo region in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Fig productions were 43 and 41 t ha-1 in the second and the third years, respectively. The pruning carried through in the beginning of August and the plants led with 8 to 12 branches and spaced 1.50 m x 1.90 m apart favored the fruition rate, production per plant and per area and extended the harvest period. Fig growing under protecting environment was an efficient way of preventing losses from fruit splitting and decay.
Greenhouse; Ficus carica; fig; fructification rate; productivity
