Effect of harvest time and seed coat on germination of Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels

Abstract

The argan tree is very important to the areas it occupies. However, its natural regeneration is quasi-absent, and reforestation is achieved through planting. To study germination in response to improving different factors, we collected argan fruits from Southwest Algeria. We found that the harvest period had a significant effect on seed germination (P<0.001) and that late harvesting and seed storage at 4°C resulted in poor germination potential. Additionally, shelled seeds required a short latency period to germinate. Further, the mother tree had no significant effect on the germination percentage. Data suggested that an earlier harvest date is likely to be beneficial for seedling production.