Optimisation of seedlings production of the argan trees (Argania spinosa L. Skeels) in nurseries in eastern Morocco by sowing in clusters in the greenhouse

Laboratory for Agricultural Production Improvement, Biotechnology and Environment, Faculty of Science, Mohammed First University, 60000, Oujda, Morocco

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Abstract

The germination of argan trees seeds (Argania spinosa L. Skeels) is defined as a crucial step in the domestication and production of seedlings for the reforestation of argan groves. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of sowing in clusters (1, 2 and 3 kernels/bag) on the germination of two varieties of argan trees, Béni-Snassen and Souhayl. The kernels are sown in topsoil and placed in a greenhouse. The results reveal a significant influence of genotype and sowing method on germination dynamics. In the Béni-Snassen variety, a homogeneous latency period of 14 days was observed for all treatments, with a maximum germination rate of (81.76%) for the two-kernel/bag treatment, with a Tso of (7.02) days reflecting high physiological vigour. The germination kinetics confirm the superiority of the treatment (2 seeds/bag). The Souhayl variety showed marked germination variability, characterised by a prolonged latency period of up to 19 days for the one-seed and two-seed treatments, a later average germination time T₅₀ of (9.3) days and (10.2) days respectively for the (1 seed/bag) and (2 seeds/bag), respectively, as well as relatively low germination rates of (25.29%) and (27.05%) for the one seed/bag and two seeds/bag treatments, respectively. However, treatment with three kernels per bag improves performance with a germination rate of 56.47% and a Tso of 8 days. Overall, the results obtained highlight the germination superiority of the Béni-Snassen variety and confirm the decisive role of sowing in clusters in the successful germination of argan trees. The use of topsoil illustrates the feasibility of simple and inexpensive techniques to optimise seedling production.