Biodiversity of fruit species in the valley of Oued Righ: the case of the area of Touggourt (Algeria).

Introduction. Algerian oases are characterized by a diversification of local fruit species and cultivars. However, this diversity is subject to erosion. To preserve the genetic heritage, we undertook the first work on the inventory of fruit species crops in the region of Touggourt in south-eastern Algeria. Materials and methods. Our working methods were based on surveys carried out on farms in the Oued Righ region according to a questionnaire that met our objectives. For this, we divided the study region into three zones and in each zone we selected ten farms for the inventory of fruit species cultivated. Results and discussion. The results of our investigations allowed us to identify thirteen species, including four species with a wide distribution (pomegranate tree, apricot tree, fig tree and vine). The local genetic diversity of these species is little known. The varieties or cultivars inventoried have local names given by the farmers in the region according to certain morphological characteristics of the fruit. We surveyed five cultivars for the fig tree, two cultivars for the pomegranate tree, two cultivars for the vine, and two apricot tree cultivars. The study of the biodiversity of fruit trees in the Oued Righ region showed high richness of the species and cultivars; some are local and others are endemic to the region. Better knowledge of genetic diversity will begin with tests of behavior and characterization of the different genotypes encountered to dispel the ambiguities and to highlight the actual composition of populations or varieties of different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]