PJB-2023-498
Germination and histo morphologiacal features of argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) seeds
Hamani Zineb, Benlarbi Larbi, Sahel Nafissa and Guenaia Abdelkader
Abstract
The argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.)) Skeels is a multiple uses tree, only representative of the family Sapotaceae in Algeria with a wide range of socioeconomic and ecological services. Nevertheless, the tree is regressing in the area due to intensified use and seed germination problems. The objectives of this study were to investigate endocarp structure as well as to determine the seed morphological traits variation and its effects on germination. The ripe fruits were collected from natural populations growing southwest of Algeria. The seeds were categorized according to shape and weight, they were analyzed in relation to five morphological traits, the germination rate of different seed classes was evaluated. The endocarp's anatomical structure was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that seed weight varied from 0.775 to 5.68g, the mean length, width, circularity index and seeds chamber number were 1.96 cm, 1.37 cm, 0.71 and 2, respectively. Medium weight seeds showed the highest germination rate (73%), as for shape, ellipsoid seeds were abundant (58.30%), and offered the best germination rates followed by narrowly ellipsoidal ones with 69.52 and 61.29%, respectively. The endocarp was thick and formed a leathery or stony covering around the seed, its surface was composed of polygonal heterogeneous cells. The shell was multilayered sclerenchyma tissue, the sclereids cells were strongly lignified. The thickness and hardness of the endocarp, combined with the mass of the seeds and their shapes, could contribute to the variation of the germination of argan seeds. The results obtained might help the selection of seeds for reforestation programs seedlings
To Cite this article:
Zineb, H., B. Larbi, S. Nafissa and G. Abdelkader. 2025. Germination and histo-morphological features of argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) seeds. Pak. J. Bot., 57(1): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-1(7)
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