Assessing the Impact of Aridity on Argan Trees in Morocco: Implications for Conservation in a Changing Climate

Chaima Afi, Maryem Telmoudi, Said Labbassi, Naima Chabbi, Jamal Hallam, Fouad Msanda and Naima Ait Aabd ()
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Chaima Afi: Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, B.P 415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
Maryem Telmoudi: Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, B.P 415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
Said Labbassi: Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, B.P 415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
Naima Chabbi: Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, B.P 415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
Jamal Hallam: Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, B.P 415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
Fouad Msanda: Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Sciences, Ibnou Zohr University, B.P 8106, Agadir 80000, Morocco
Naima Ait Aabd: Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, B.P 415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco

Resources, 2024, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: Climate change, through increased aridity, threatens ecosystems, including Morocco’s endemic Argania Spinosa L. Skeels. This study assesses the impact of aridity on argan trees by analyzing morphological, ecophysiological, and biochemical parameters across various regions and comparing them with historical data. Significant variations were observed in leaf area, leaf length, chlorophyll content, relative water content, polyphenols, flavonoids, soluble sugars, and antioxidant activity, while leaf width ratio and chlorophyll ratio remained stable. Tioughza exhibited the largest leaf area (136.07 mm 2 ), the highest chlorophyll content (436.76 mg/m 2 ), and superior water retention (52.27%). Conversely, Ezzaouite showed the smallest leaf area (85.76 mm 2 ) and lowest water content (37.68%). Increased aridity has intensified these differences, revealing the argan tree’s vulnerability to climate change. The findings underscore the need for targeted conservation efforts, including reforestation, strengthened legislation, and enhanced genetic research, to sustain this vital species.

Keywords: climate change; phytochemistry; polyphenols; flavonoids; antioxidant activity; soluble sugars (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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