Moroccan scientists have produced the most complete decoding to date of the argan tree’s genome, marking a major advance in understanding the biology of the emblematic species that shapes landscapes across southern Morocco and supports the livelihoods of millions. The National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA) said its research team had reconstructed almost the entire genetic sequence of the argan tree, an achievement published in the international journal Scientific Data, part of the Nature group. The breakthrough offers new insight into the mechanisms that enable the argan tree to survive in arid environments while producing one of the world’s most valuable oils. According to INRA, the scientists succeeded in decoding the full genome of the Moroccan argan tree with “unprecedented precision,” assembling it chromosome by chromosome. It also sets an international benchmark for argan research.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 07, 2026 01:32 UTC