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.
It is the first time scientists have obtained such a detailed reading of the tree’s DNA.
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.
“Our work fits into the national Generation Green 2020‑2030 strategy, which aims to strengthen the argan sector and double oil production by 2030,” said researcher Slimane Khayi, a member of the team that led the project.
According to INRA, the scientists succeeded in decoding the full genome of the Moroccan argan tree with “unprecedented precision,” assembling it chromosome by chromosome. The detailed map reveals more than 35,000 genes and confirms a complex genetic structure with significant internal diversity.
Researchers say the new genomic reference will serve as a foundation for future studies on the species, helping explain why some trees yield more oil, show stronger drought resistance or thrive in specific environments. It also sets an international benchmark for argan research.
