Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Slimp, Madeline [1], Johnson, Matthew [2], Fokar, Mohamed [3], Hale, Haley [3], Khayi, Slimane [4], Rachid, Mentag [4].

Conservation Genomics of the Ethnobotanically Important Argan Tree.

In this project, we will be examining the conservation genomics of the ethnobotanically important and globally endangered Argan (genus Sideroxylon) tree. This will be the first conservation genomics project on Sideroxylon that uses high throughput targeted sequencing techniques. The Argan tree is endemic to Morocco and is important to the Moroccan people as the oil from the nuts is used in traditional Moroccan cooking. Recently, there has been a significant uptick in demand for argan oil globally, as its use in hair and beauty products has been popularized. Previous studies done on Argan genomics show ecotype variance and population structure across Morocco using microsatellite data. GPS data from these studies enabled us to devise a comprehensive and geographically diverse sampling scheme with nearly 400 unique tree samples. Angiosperms353 target capture baits allowed us to produce high throughput DNA sequencing data at the Texas Tech Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics. We analyzed genetic data using population genomics methods from these 353 genes to identify relationships among Argan trees across the Moroccan Argan preserve, and our results will aid in ongoing conservation efforts.

1 - Texas Tech University, Department of Biological Sciences
2 - Texas Tech University, Biological Sciences, 2901 Main Street, Ms3131, Lubbock, TX, 79409, United States
3 - Texas Tech University
4 - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (National Institute for
5 - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (National Institute for

Keywords:
Argan
conservation
Morocco
Ethnobotany.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: CB04, Conservation Biology 4
Location: /
Date: Friday, July 23rd, 2021
Time: 12:45 PM(EDT)
Number: CB04001
Abstract ID:720
Candidate for Awards:None