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The genus Pistacia, with its species having notable ecological, economic, and medicinal implications, demonstrates remarkable environmental adaptability. The central objective of the study is to analyze interspecific variations between Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica and Pistacia terebinthus across three distinct bioclimatic zones in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. The methodology includes collecting dendrometric measurements and conducting macromorphological examinations on these two taxa, with a detailed analysis of 27 qualitative and quantitative variables. A micro-morphological analysis of leaves, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), is employed to explore specific features such as size and stomatal density, as well as qualitative aspects like epidermal cell shape and trichomes. Dendrometric measurements have revealed that the canopy surface and the number of trunks per tree can serve as distinctive features between the two species. Regarding the sex ratio of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica, 59% of the examined trees are males, primarily associated with the jujube tree in arid zones and the dwarf palm in humid areas. In contrast, female Pistacia terebinthus exhibit a similar percentage, predominantly associated with oak groves and cade juniper in their distribution areas. Principal component analysis of biometric measurements emphasized a significant disparity between the two species, representing 60.25% of the total variance. The use of SEM unveiled new features facilitating the identification of the two species. By leveraging the macromorphological and micromorphological variability of pistachio trees, we can qualify those best suited to diverse bioclimates. In this regard, we suggest incorporating them into reforestation and rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring our declining ecosystems.

The study delves into the critical issue of declining Moroccan endemic plant species of agro-sylva-pastoral and medicinal significance, impacted by various environmental degradation factors. With the aim of conserving and rehabilitating these species, the research focused on improving the germination and growth parameters of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atantica whose seeds were carried from different area of the Middle Moulouya; Oled Ali Youssef; El Orjane and Fritissa. In this study, nine different treatments were employed to overcome seed dormancy. These treatments included chemical scarification using gibberellic acid and sulfuric acid (98%), thermal scarification at 40°C for 24, 48, and 72 hours, mechanical scarification using manual sandpaper, and stratification at +4°C for 45, 60, and 75 days. The results showed that mechanical scarification yielded notably higher germination rates compared to the control group. Specifically, for seeds from Oled Ali Youssef, the germination rate was 81.11%, while for El Orjane and Fritissa, it was 38.88% and 71.11%, respectively, in contrast to 67.78%, 25.56%, and 44.44% in the control group. Moreover, the study revealed that treatments such as mechanical scarification, gibberellin application, and 30-day cold stratification significantly influenced the growth of seedlings, enhancing propagation practices for the species from its seeds. These findings underscore the importance of seed source, viability, and pre-germination treatments in achieving successful germination and growth.

The chemical composition of the fruits of the north algerian ecotype Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica was determined and compared to other fruits of different species in the genus growing in south Algeria and other Mediterranean regions. These fruits were analyzed for their dry matter, protein, crude oil, ash, fatty acids, and phytosterol content. The main fatty acids identified by gas chromatography were oleic (54.15%), linoleic (28.84%), and palmitic (12.21%) acids. The fruits of the north ecotype were found to be rich in protein, oil, fiber, and unsaturated fatty acids, suggesting that they may be valuable for food uses. The sterols isolated were campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and Δ5-avenasterol with β-sitosterol as the major constituent (85%±0.85). The biochemical data indicated an elevated MUFA rate (∼56%) in pistacia oil which may be important against certain pathologies for its nutritional and preventive virtues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]