PJB-2023-498
GERMINATION, HISTOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF ARGAN SEEDS
HAMANI Zineb
Abstract
The argan tree is a multiple uses tree only representative in Algeria of the Sapotaceae 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, after 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 show 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%, 61.29% respectively. the endocarp is thick and forms a leathery or stony covering around the seed, its surface is 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, can contribute to the variation of the germination of argan seeds. The results obtained are significant for the selection of seeds for reforestation programs seedlings.
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