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Fassih B, Ait-El-Mokhtar M, Nait Douch A, Boutasknit A, Ben-Laouane R, Aganchich B, Wahbi S. Combined Effect of Subsurface Water Retention Technology and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth, Physiology and Biochemistry of Argan Seedlings under Field Conditions. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2098. [PMID: 39124215 PMCID: PMC11313992 DOI: 10.3390/plants13152098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The argan (Argania spinosa L. Skeels) ecosystem is severely degrading in arid and semi-arid lands due to climate change, particularly in terms of density loss and reforestation failure. Thus, it is important to adopt innovative effective sustainable practices to optimize the densification and reforestation success of the argan tree. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the combined effect of subsurface water retention technology (SWRT) and the use of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on edaphic, growth, physiological and biochemical parameters of field-grown argan seedlings in the Essaouira region, Morocco. In this experiment, one-year-old argan seedlings were transplanted in the absence and presence of biodegradable plastic and AMF. Our findings revealed that the application of SWRT enhanced soil profile moisture up to 640% at 40 cm depth compared to the control. The combination of this technology with AMF also improved soil fertility. Furthermore, the application of SWRT, with or without AMF, significantly enhanced argan seedling height (208 and 168%, respectively), stomatal conductance (54 and 33%, respectively), and chlorophyll fluorescence (21 and 20%, respectively). Similarly, the combined application of SWRT and AMF significantly improved protein and sugar content (36 and 57%, respectively), as well as antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) and chlorophyll pigments content compared to the control. However, this treatment reduced malondialdehyde and H2O2 content in the argan leaves. As a summary, SWRT technology combined with AMF may be used as a valuable strategy to promote the success of argan reforestation and to limit soil erosion and desertification in arid and semi-arid climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boujemaa Fassih
- Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources (AGROBIOVAL), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco; (B.F.); (A.N.D.); (B.A.); (S.W.)
| | - Mohamed Ait-El-Mokhtar
- Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources (AGROBIOVAL), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco; (B.F.); (A.N.D.); (B.A.); (S.W.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment & Agri-Food URAC 36, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Techniques—Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia 28800, Morocco
| | - Aicha Nait Douch
- Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources (AGROBIOVAL), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco; (B.F.); (A.N.D.); (B.A.); (S.W.)
| | - Abderrahim Boutasknit
- Department of Biology, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, Mohammed Ist University, Nador 62700, Morocco;
| | - Raja Ben-Laouane
- Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Errachidia 52000, Morocco;
| | - Badia Aganchich
- Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources (AGROBIOVAL), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco; (B.F.); (A.N.D.); (B.A.); (S.W.)
| | - Said Wahbi
- Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources (AGROBIOVAL), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco; (B.F.); (A.N.D.); (B.A.); (S.W.)
- Centre d’Agrobiotechnologie et Bioingénierie, Unité de Recherche Labellisée CNRST (Centre AgroBiotech-URL-CNRST-05), Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
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El Yamani M, Ijjouk R, Kahime K, Rharrabti Y. Ethnopharmacological Knowledge and Antioxidant Propensities of Argania spinosa L. from Morocco. Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci 2024; 2024:6795451. [PMID: 39104428 PMCID: PMC11300070 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6795451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This work aims to merge ethnopharmacological knowledge with biochemical analysis to enrich our understanding of the significance of the argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) and to valorize its crucial role in the province of Essaouira (Morocco). First, a survey was conducted using semistructured interviews with 325 informants from Essaouira province between February and April 2023. The interviews covered sociodemographic data and information on argan tree uses, whether for therapeutic, cosmetic, or food purposes (i.e., applications, parts used, preparation, and administration). Second, phenolic extracts were prepared from various parts of the argan tree (i.e., leaves, kernels, nut shells, press cake, and oil) and then assessed for their antioxidant potential to scientifically validate their traditional uses. The evaluation of antioxidant activity focused on their free radical scavenging and reducing capacities, using DPPH and FRAP assays. Findings confirmed the cultural significance of the argan tree for the local population, as well as their strong dependence on its products. Indeed, it was noted that argan-based products are widely favored in traditional cuisine, with a prevalence of 83.4%; Amlou is the most commonly consumed food. Therapeutic and cosmetic applications accounted for 48.6% and 28.0%, respectively, predominantly for treating skin and subcutaneous issues (69.5%) and diabetes (19.7%). Argan oil was the most cited argan product used, often consumed raw (97.5%), followed by almonds (22.8%). Cataplasm (26.1%) and maceration (24.6%) were preferred for argan derivative preparation. External application (50.1%) was the primary administration method, followed by oral consumption (38.1%) and massage (27.7%). For in vitro assays, the argan tree could prove to be a promising source of phenolic compounds, especially in the leaves (>4 times richer than other parts, 231.046 ± 5.090 mg GAE/g DW). DPPH and FRAP tests demonstrated notable antiradical potential and reducing power, concentration-dependent. Leaf-derived phenolic extracts exhibited the highest free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 0.589 ± 0.005 mg/ml) and the best reducing capacity (IC50 = 0.420 ± 0.005 mg/ml), although these potencies remained below the standard used. This study represents valuable documentation that can serve to preserve information on the use of argan products while exploring their phytochemical and pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El Yamani
- Laboratory of Applied Sciences for the Environment and Sustainable DevelopmentEssaouira School of TechnologyCadi Ayyad University, Km 9, Route d'Agadir, BP. 383, Essaouira Al Jadida, Morocco
- Laboratory of Natural Resources and EnvironmentPolydisciplinary Faculty of TazaSidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Taza-Gare, BP. 1223, Taza, Morocco
| | - Rachid Ijjouk
- Laboratory of Applied Sciences for the Environment and Sustainable DevelopmentEssaouira School of TechnologyCadi Ayyad University, Km 9, Route d'Agadir, BP. 383, Essaouira Al Jadida, Morocco
| | - Kholoud Kahime
- Laboratory of Applied Sciences for the Environment and Sustainable DevelopmentEssaouira School of TechnologyCadi Ayyad University, Km 9, Route d'Agadir, BP. 383, Essaouira Al Jadida, Morocco
| | - Yahia Rharrabti
- Laboratory of Natural Resources and EnvironmentPolydisciplinary Faculty of TazaSidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Taza-Gare, BP. 1223, Taza, Morocco
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Chabbi N, Labbassi S, Afi C, Chafiki S, Telmoudi M, Tiouidji FE, Wifaya A, Bouharroud R, Tahiri A, Qessaoui R, Bendiab K, Hsissou D, Ait Aabd N, Mimouni A. Mineral and Organic Fertilizers' Effect on the Growth of Young Argane Trees ( Argania spinosa L.) and Soil Properties under Vulnerable Conditions. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2026. [PMID: 39124143 PMCID: PMC11314062 DOI: 10.3390/plants13152026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is an endemic species to Morocco that has multiple uses. It plays multiple important roles in terms of its botanical, ecological, and economic properties. However, the domestication of this species will open up considerable economic opportunities for Morocco. Here, for the first time, we assessed the effect of different doses of compost and NPK fertilizers on the vegetative growth parameters, biochemical and antioxidant potential of the Argania spinosa plant, and soil properties. Over a two-year period (2022-2023), eight different treatments were applied across two experimental sites. These treatments included the following: T0 (Control), T1 (F1-80.50.70 g NPK/plant), T2 (F1-125.75.100 g NPK/plant), T3 (F2-160.100.140 g NPK/plant), T4 (F2-250.150.200 g NPK/plant), T5 (F1-2.5 kg/plant compost), T6 (F1-5 kg/plant compost), T7 (F2-5 kg/plant compost), and T8 (F2-10 kg/plant compost), with F1 and F2 being the frequencies of application. We compared several doses of fertilizers with no fertilization as a control. The results showed a significant influence of the compost and NPK fertilizer on the vegetative growth parameters. For the Tamjlojt site, the first year is important because treatments T3 and T4 significantly increased height by 71.94 ± 21.15% and 74.31 ± 12.31%, respectively. For the circumference, the results showed a significant improvement by the treatments T4 and T3, and T1 demonstrated the highest gain. For the collar diameter, all treatments showed a significant difference. The most notable difference was observed with treatments T3 and T7 with 115.63 ± 33.88% and 101.09 ± 20.84%, respectively. For the Rasmouka site, the second year was the most important. The treatments with the most important height increase were T7 and T8, with a value of 43.14 ± 10.06% and 36.44 ± 9.95%; the same was observed for collar diameter as a significant increase was found in T8 and T7 with a value of 55.05 ± 15.7% and 54.08 ± 9.64%. For the circumference parameter, the treatments that increased significantly this parameter were T8 and T7 with a value of 53.36 ± 15.11% and 50.34 ± 11.29% in 2023. In addition, the highest content of carbohydrates was recorded for the treatment T3 with a value of 148.89 ± 8.11 (mg EG/g). For phenolic determination, the highest value was 2532 ± 457.13 (µg GAE/mL), shown for treatment T1. For flavonoids, the treatments that showed a significant effect were T1 and T6 with a value of 2261.98 ± 184.61 and 1237.70 ± 95.65 (µg QE/mL), respectively. For the impact on soil properties, the electrical conductivity, at the Tamjlojt site, treatment T1 showed a significant increase to 1139.00 ± 241.30 (ms/cm), while at the Rasmouka site, treatment T8 showed a significant increase to 303.33 ± 9.33 (ms/cm). Concerning organic carbon, all treatments resulted in increased percentages of this parameter in the soil. For the Tamjlojt site, the T7 treatment had a significant positive effect on this parameter with a value of 0.87 ± 0.12%. For the Rasmouka site, the T3 treatment increased the percentage of organic carbon with a value of 1.17 ± 0.07%. In addition, the organic matter content showed an improvement with a value of 2.02 ± 0.12%. As there are no previous studies in Argania spinosa fertilization, this study greatly contributes to our understanding of the benefits of using different fertilizers at different doses, in particular T8 and T7 as organic fertilizers and T3, T4 as chemical ones, on argan growth, the biochemical and antioxidant properties of leaves, and its soil properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naima Chabbi
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
- Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology-Gueliz, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - Said Labbassi
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
- Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology-Gueliz, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - Chaima Afi
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources (LBVRN), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
| | - Salahddine Chafiki
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
- AgroBioSciences Department, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Ben Guerir 43150, Morocco
| | - Maryem Telmoudi
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
- Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology-Gueliz, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - Fatima Ezzahra Tiouidji
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
- Laboratory of Environmental, Ecological and Agro-Industrial Engineering (LGEEAI), Faculty of Science and Technology of Beni Mellal, Sultane Molay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Wifaya
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
| | - Rachid Bouharroud
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
| | - Abdelghani Tahiri
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
| | - Redouan Qessaoui
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
| | - Khadija Bendiab
- Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology-Gueliz, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - Driss Hsissou
- Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology-Gueliz, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - Naima Ait Aabd
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz Mimouni
- Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, BP415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco
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Cañas Kurz EE, Hellriegel U, Hdoufane A, Benaceur I, Anane M, Jaiti F, El-Abbassi A, Hoinkis J. Comparison of Pilot-Scale Capacitive Deionization (MCDI) and Low-Pressure Reverse Osmosis (LPRO) for PV-Powered Brackish Water Desalination in Morocco for Irrigation of Argan Trees. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:668. [PMID: 37505034 PMCID: PMC10384803 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13070668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The use of saline water resources in agriculture is becoming a common practice in semi-arid and arid regions such as the Mediterranean. In the SmaCuMed project, the desalination of brackish groundwater (TDS = 2.8 g/L) for the irrigation of Argan trees in Essaouira, Morocco, to 2 g/L and 1 g/L (33% and 66% salt removal, respectively) using low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO) (p < 6 bar) and membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) was tested at pilot scale. MCDI showed 40-70% lower specific energy consumption (SEC) and 10-20% higher water recovery; however, the throughput of LPRO (2.9 m3/h) was up to 1.5 times higher than that of MCDI. In addition, both technologies were successfully powered by PV solar energy with total water costs ranging from EUR 0.82 to EUR 1.34 per m3. In addition, the water quality in terms of sodium adsorption ratio was slightly higher with LPRO resulting in higher concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+, due to blending with feed water. In order to evaluate both technologies, additional criteria such as investment and specific water costs, operability and brine disposal have to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo E Cañas Kurz
- Center of Applied Research, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ulrich Hellriegel
- Center of Applied Research, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Abdelkarim Hdoufane
- Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40010, Morocco
| | - Ibtissame Benaceur
- Faculty of Sciences and Technologies Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University, Errachidia 52000, Morocco
| | - Makram Anane
- Centre de Recherches et des Technologies des Eaux, Soliman 8020, Tunisia
| | - Fatima Jaiti
- Faculty of Sciences and Technologies Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University, Errachidia 52000, Morocco
| | | | - Jan Hoinkis
- Center of Applied Research, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Aragosa A, Specchia V, Frigione M. Valorization of Waste from Argan Seeds for Polyhydroxybutyrate Production Using Bacterial Strains Isolated from Argan Soils. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15081972. [PMID: 37112119 PMCID: PMC10141640 DOI: 10.3390/polym15081972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the valorization of argan seed pulp, a waste material obtained from argan oil extraction, for the biosynthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). A new species that showed the metabolic capacity for the conversion of argan waste into the bio-based polymer was isolated from an argan crop located in Teroudant, a southwestern region of Morocco, where the arid soil is exploited for goat grazing. The PHB accumulation efficiency of this new species was compared to the previously identified species 1B belonging to the genus Sphingomonas, and results were reported as dry cell weight residual biomass and PHB final yield measured. Temperature, incubation time, pH, NaCl concentration, nitrogen sources, residue concentrations, and culture medium volumes were analyzed with the aim of obtaining a maximum accumulation of PHB. UV-visible spectrophotometry and FTIR analysis confirmed that PHB was present in the material extracted from the bacterial culture. The results of this wide investigation indicated that the new isolated species 2D1 had a higher efficiency in PHB production compared to the previously identified strain 1B, which was isolated from a contaminated argan soil in Teroudant. PHB final yield of the two bacterial species, i.e., the new isolated and 1B, cultivated under optimal culture conditions, in 500 mL MSM enriched with 3% argan waste, were 21.40% (5.91 ± 0.16 g/L) and 8.16% (1.92 ± 0.23 g/L), respectively. For the new isolated strain, the result of the UV-visible spectrum indicates the absorbance at 248 nm, while the FTIR spectrum showed peaks at 1726 cm-1 and 1270 cm-1: these characteristic peaks indicated the presence of PHB in the extract. The data from the species 1B UV-visible and FTIR spectra were previously reported and were used in this study for a correlation analysis. Furthermore, additional peaks, uncharacteristic of standard PHB, suggest the presence of impurities (e.g., cell debris, solvent residues, biomass residues) that persisted after extraction. Therefore, a further enhancement of the sample purification during extraction is recommended for more accuracy in the chemical characterization. If 470,000 tons of argan fruit waste can be produced annually, and 3% of waste is consumed in 500 mL culture by 2D1 to produce 5.91 g/L (21.40%) of the bio-based polymer PHB, it can be estimated that the amount of putative PHB that can be extracted annually from the total argan fruit waste is about 2300 tons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Aragosa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- School of Science and Engineering, Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane 53000, Morocco
| | - Valeria Specchia
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Establishment of argan tree plantlets (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) grown from generative and vegetative propagation under different watering regimes at the nursery stage. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2022.102457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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