International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences
ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 2 Number 6 (2013) pp. 117-126
Characterization of the argan tree of southwestern Algeria
M.S.A.Kechebar1,2 , S.Karoune1* , M.Belhamra1 and C.Rahmoune2
1Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique sur les RĂ©gions Arides (CRSTRA). Biskra. Algeria. 2Ecotoxicology Laboratory and abiotic stress. Mentouri University of Constantine. Algeria. *Corresponding author e-mail: kechebarmohamed@yahoo.fr
A B S T R A C T
The Argan tree in Algeria is one of the media characteristics whose existence depends heavily on riparian water from wadis and springs. This species plays a very important role in its ecological interest in maintaining ecosystem weakened by desertification, as its economic interest. In therapeutic medicine, its role is not to demonstrate (prevention against cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, diabetes. Until now, in Algeria, no exact scientific information has been published giving an overview of the Algerian argan (location, size, condition stands). This study is to develop a synthetic cartography of Algerian argan be a tool for decision support operations management space and a framework for action manager. The area mapped using the GIS tool allowed us to locate sites argan and delineate. Based on three zones mapped, a structural study (horizontal and vertical) was made on populations of the argan tree Algerian region of Tindouf. Systematic sampling was adopted where the phytoecological surveys were distributed over the three perimeters Touaref Bou Aam, Merkala and Targant. The parameters studied are: the height, density and surface crown, while making a germination test seeds from three sites in order to assess the production potential of this ecosystem quality seed. The results show that the argan Algeria (Tindouf) occupies an area of 96,940 hectares spread over three main perimeters. The study of horizontal and vertical structures stand argan told us that the area Targant is one that can provide quality seeds, as the elite trees are identified in this area, however, the total area of the argan within this scope can be a strain on the intensive exploitation of this species.
Keywords
Argania area; conservation; GIS; structure; Tindouf.