Expérimentation de la culture de chanvre industriel à fibres au Maroc

Abstract

Objectives: In anticipation of the legalization of hemp fiber cultivation in Morocco, an experiment of this crops was conducted between 19/04/2010 and 10/08/2010 in four different regions of the country, and concerned three varieties Santhica 27, Epsilon 68 and Futura 75, all authorized in Europe ([Δ-9-THC] < 0.2%). Methods: The tests were conducted in areas with geographical, climatic and soil characteristics different than European cultures, that's why it was necessary to verify the behavior of these plants by controlling their Δ-9-THC content. Sampling, drying and [Δ-9-THC] evaluation in these crops were performed according to procedure B of European Regulation EC N° 1177/2000, and using a simplified method based on the determination of the ratio α = Δ-9-THC/CBD. Results: The best dry matter yields, plant height and density are obtained with the variety Futura 75 in the four sites, followed by Epsilon 68 and Santhica 27. The average contents of these crops in Δ-9-THC were lower than the limit of 0.2% and ranged from 0.013% to 0.027% for the variety Epsilon 68, between 0.023% and 0.035% for the variety Futura 75 and null (undetectable by GCFID) for variety Santhica 27. Analysis of this latter variety by GC / MS SIM mode and LCMSMS allowed the identification of traces of Δ-9-THC. Similarly, the ratio α has been evaluated to 0.042 and 0.047 respectively for Epsilon 68 and Futura 75 varieties which is similar to those usually obtained for hemp fiber crops and stays muc hlower than 0.2. Conclusion: The preliminary results obtained by both methods reveal no exceeded values however the culture conditions are not exactly the same as those adopted in Europe. In addition, photoperiod characteristic of these south Mediterranean regions are very favourable, thereby resulting in a fast maturing crops which have all reached the late stage of flowering after two and half months. © 2011 Société Française de Toxicologie Analytique.