Germination of Argania spinosa: Overcoming genetic and physical barriers of Morocco's infamous seed
2018
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Germination of Argania spinosa: Overcoming genetic and physical barriers of Morocco's infamous seed
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2018
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Argania spinosa (argan tree) is one of the oldest species of trees on the planet today, with individual trees living hundreds of years. Its vital role in providing food for animals, slowing desertification and providing precious cosmetic oil, make studying the tree of vital importance for the Moroccan economy and environment. The argan tree is secluded to growing in the southwest region of Morocco at the edge of the Sahara Desert. However, due to the rapid increase in the price of the oil its seeds produce and the expanding desert, this fragile and ancient tree’s future is being threatened. Preservation efforts are being made, but first research is needed to know what threats the tree is facing and to what extent. The beginning of the tree’s life if a very good place to start. We know that germination is being challenged, but by what factors?
This investigation took to a germination experiment testing the best conditions of argan seeds by comparing size, temperature and specific trees. No significant results were found from these comparisons. Seeds were infected by fungus and insects. Oil composition was compared between trees and found significant color differences, but not significant differences in fatty acid content. Also a cross-cultural comparison was realized for the differences in how Americans and Moroccans conduct research.
Sauter
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University Honors Capstone Project Paper and Poster, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2018. Rebecca Sauter authored paper and poster; Dr. Naima Ait Aabd authored poster. 2017 Student Project for Amity among Nations (SPAN) Morocco.
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Sauter, Rebecca. (2018). Germination of Argania spinosa: Overcoming genetic and physical barriers of Morocco's infamous seed. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/197897.
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