The Moroccan argan tree finally reveals all the secrets of its DNA!

Published in Nature, and led by the National Institute of Agronomic Research of Morocco (INRA), this study involved experts from Mohammed V University as well as international research centers in Dubai and the United States. The sequencing was carried out with precision from a specimen collected in the province of Tiznit.

This technological progress is part of Morocco’s "Green Generation 2020-2030" strategy. The Kingdom aims to double its argan oil production to reach 10,000 tons per year, while rehabilitating 400,000 hectares of forests threatened by overexploitation and demographic pressure.

Researchers used cutting-edge techniques such as PacBio HiFi and Hi-C to map the DNA with an accuracy of over 99.9%. These methods reveal the complex organization of genes and their functioning, offering an almost complete genetic map of this tree that is essential to the local economy.

The unique representative of the Sapotaceae family in North Africa and protected by UNESCO, the argan tree plays a crucial role in the fight against desertification on the slopes of the Atlas. However, its populations have been declining since the 19th century, making this genetic innovation essential to ensure its long-term survival.