Short communicationVegetative propagation of argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) using in vitro germinated seeds and stem cuttings

- We developed a novel protocol for in vitro micropropagation of argan plantlets.
- Higher rooting percentages in hardwood lignified cuttings were obtained.
- Efficient production of clonally identical argan plants have been achieved.

In vitro culture and rooting of stem cuttings can be used for vegetative propagation of plant material. Argan trees (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) are endemic to semi-desert areas of South-western Morocco, where they cover more than 8000 km2 and have important socio-economic and environmental impacts. Seed germination was improved by culturing in vitro isolated kernels on Murashige and Skoog (MS) axenic medium with 1.0 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA3). Newly in vitro-produced seedlings were then transferred to MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ) and 1.0 mg/L GA3 to promote shoot development. The microcuttings produced were rooted using MS medium supplemented with two synthetic auxins, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), at 1.0 mg/L each. The rooted microcuttings were then transplanted to soil and acclimated in a greenhouse environment. In addition, hardwood stem cuttings collected from adult argan trees were rooted by using a combination of IBA and NAA.

179The steps used in this work are indicated. Coloured rectangles indicate the different growing media (blue: 1.0 mg/L GA3-supplemented medium, green: 0.5 mg/L TDZ-supplemented medium, brown: 1.0 mg/L of both NAA- and IBA-supplemented medium, grey: soil substrate) and the duration of the treatment.