Drought stress is one of the most important factors limiting the growth and productivity of fig (Ficus
carica L.) in the Iran. Detailed knowledge about the biochemical responses of native figs to drought stress
could contribute to the success of vegetation programs. Four cultivars of fig, ‘Deyme Ahvaz’ (Deym), ‘Sabz
Estahban’ (Sabz), ‘Siah’ and ‘Shahanjir’ (Shah), were selected and subjected to drought by withholding
irrigation for 14 days. Stressed plants were reirrigated and the recovery was studied for 7 days. Control
plants were irrigated daily maintaining soil water content at about field capacity. The levels of pigments
and non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes were quantified. The
results demonstrate that the four investigated fig cultivars showed a clear difference in their response
to water stress and recovery. Under drought conditions, Deym exhibited higher pigments content and
activities of antioxidant enzymes than other cultivars. Catalase had no major antioxidative function in fig.
Water stress treatment significantly increased -tocopherol concentration but decreased ascorbic acid
content in the studied cultivars.