Abstract

Dried fruits of Ficus carica, commonly known as figs, have been cherished for their rich flavor and nutritional benefits for centuries. Apart from their culinary value, figs are also known to harbor a diverse range of microorganisms, including bacteria, which play crucial roles in the fruit's growth, development, and overall health. This study aims to explore the microbial diversity present in the rhizosphere and endosphere of dried fruits of Ficus carica, providing valuable insights into the bacteria associated with this fruit and their potential ecological significance. A high diversity of bacterial communities associated with Ficus carica rhizosphere soil was detected, especially in two regions of Beni Khiar and Kerkouane. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolates demonstrated that species were divided into six phyla, 17 different bacterial genera, indicating a large genetic diversity in Ficus carica rhizosphere.