Genetic diversity and breeding of argan tree (Argania spinosa l. skeels)

Abstract

Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is an endemic woody species in Morocco with important ecological and socioeconomic interest. The argan tree constitutes an essential element of the biodiversity of agroforestry ecosystems. To alleviate the pressure on the species and to satisfy the growing demand for its oil, the preservation and characterization of the high diversity of endangered populations of argan trees and its cultivation (in their natural habitat), constitute a crucial step toward their conservation. Thus, the analysis of the structure and distribution patterns of genetic diversity is paramount for the management and development of conservation strategies. Thereby, various strategies have been employed to evaluate the degree of genetic diversity based on morphological, chemical, biochemical and molecular markers. The status of different morphotypes and molecular markers were examined and investigated to evaluate the measure of genetic diversity. The application of molecular biotechnologies (DNA markers) to practical breeding and selection is a novel strategy and a powerful methodology for plant breeding. This chapter summarizes current knowledge and progresses made in argan tree, and discusses their limitations and perspectives related to the genetic aspects of this ecological and socioeconomically important tree crop.