The evaluation of pollen viability and its germination capacity are two essential criteria for pollinator’s characterization. This study was carried out to evaluate pollen quality of eight caprifigs grown in the center-east and north-west of Tunisia. Two colorimetric tests 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and acetocarmine were used to estimate pollen viability. Germination rate and pollen tube growth in a culture medium containing 5% sucrose, 5 ppm boric acid (H3BO3) and 1% agar were registered after 24, 48, and 72 hours (H) of incubation. Results showed that the highest pollen viability rate (84%) was obtained by TTC test in caprifig Assafri, followed by Jrani (80.2%), Djebba 2 (77.8%), and Djebba 1 (73.6%). That of other caprifigs did not exceed 50% for the two tests. In all caprifig types, germination rate and pollen tube growth varied according to the incubation period. The highest percentage of germination (72%) and maximum pollen tube length (960？μm) were recorded after 72？H of incubation in caprifigs Assafri and Jrani, respectively. Among the caprifigs studied, four types (Assafri, Jrani, Djebba 1, and Djebba 2) appeared to be suitable pollinators with respect to the criteria investigated. 1. Introduction Fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is a typical species of？？Mediterranean countries. It has been cultivated since ancient times and is mentioned in the holy Quran, Christian bibles, and the Hebrew [1]. The fig is an important fruit worldwide for dry and fresh consumption, and recently their nutritive and pharmacological values have been investigated [2–4]. In nature, this tree is present in two sexual forms, the domesticated fig (female tree and producer of the edible fruit) and the caprifig (male tree) which provides the source of pollen for commercial fig plantings [5]. Fig pollen is carried by a unique wasp (Blastophaga psenes L.), that has coevolved with the fig tree [6]. In Tunisia, fig is one of the fruit crop species better adapted to different environmental areas and soils. Fig plantations are widespread over the country, and traditional methods of cultivation are still used [7]. The caprification (pollination) is quite a common practice in all regions and was cited as an important factor affecting the yield and quality of fig fruits [4, 8]. Prospection made in different regions permitted the identification of many male fig ecotypes. Several are cultivated and received names [9]. Many others are unnamed but regularly used by farmers. Differences were noted for fruit characteristics and date of pollen maturity [7, 10]. Fig pollinator,
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