Pomological Characterization of Main Almond Cultivars from the North Eastern Morocco

Abstract

This study concerns pomological characterization of four almond cultivars (Ferragnes, Ferraduel, Marcona and Fournat) introduced in eastern Morocco. The aim is to determine recommended cultivars for this region. Several nut and kernel pomological traits were determined, nut weight ranged between 2.65 g for Ferragnes and 4.41 g for Fournat, and kernel weight ranged between 0.73 g for Marcona and 1.38 g for Fournat. Volume of nuts and kernels ranged, respectively, between 4000.98 mm 3 for Ferragnes to 846.09 mm 3 for Marcona and 9667.20 mm 3-1553.01 mm 3 for Fournat. Finally, Ferragnes, Ferraduel and Fournat have kernel yields, reaching 33%, against 20-23% for Marcona which is the most sensitive to drought

Evaluation of pomological and biochemicalquality of Moroccan almond native genetic resources for conservation of biodiversity

“…The introduction of the new varieties has made local "Beldi" almond orchards less abandoned or replaced, causing genetic erosion and regression of the indigenous almond populations while they have demonstrated through decades their tolerance to drought and adaptation to poor soils in these fragile agroecological zones. Moreover, some physicochemical analysis of the local almonds fruits quality collected from different regions of Morocco has already revealed a high quality of these almonds [7], [8] suggesting other potential post-harvest uses such as marzipan production, almond meal and oil. This could increase the market value of these fruits and improve the income of local farmers.…”

Chemical characterization of local “Beldi” almond oil for food and cosmetic purposes in northeastern of Morocco

“…Beldialmond oil has a high content of tocopherols estimated at 528.28 mg/kg, with α tocopherol as the major homolog (516.33 mg/kg) followed by γ-tocopherol (9 mg/kg) and β-tocopherol (2.95 mg/kg). This oil is very rich in tocopherols (528.28 mg/kg)compared to that from Ferragnes and Ferraduel cultivarswhere tocopherol contents range between (385-433 mg/kg) [13,29].This high content of tocopherols a (particularly α-homologue, the most effective form of vitamin E), make this oil a product of nutritional interest and beneficial for human health. Actually, this oilis considered an excellent source of natural antioxidants for food and cosmetic purposes.Therefore, these benefits will encourage the extension of Beldialmond cultivation for oil production.…”

“…This is a real opportunity for the small farmers from these marginal zones which constitutes a financial resource at the service of rural development and therefore to promote the cultivation of biodiversity preservation of theBeldialmond. Thus, our study concerns the chemical analysis of the oil extracted from Beldialmonds as a high benefit product for food and cosmetic uses.In Morocco, some studies have been conducted to determine the characterization of oil content and quality indices for almond cultivars [12][13][14]. however, no specific study is done on the Beldi ecotype except for preliminary work byNadia et al and Kodad et al [11,15] 2.…”

Micropropagation of zygotic embryos from genetically diverse almond seedling orchards in eastern Morocco

“…Hence, the importance of maintaining variability in almond crops in each production area seems to be a helpful tool for an adaptation strategy to future climate conditions, allowing sustainable production in variable weather conditions. Moreover, traditional almond plantations in eastern Morocco show a better richness in tocopherols than the other four introduced varieties cultivated in the same region (Fournat, Marcona, and the couple Ferragnes/Ferraduel) [10].…”