Maghreb project seeks to better manage genetic resources of date palm

29/12/2005

Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian researchers are joining together in a project seeking better management of the date palm's genetic resources as part of a regional project financed by international funds.

By Lyes Aflou for Magharebia in Algiers – 29/12/05

[File] Date palms are an important part of the Maghreb oasis economy.

A workshop held in Ghardaia, Algeria, on 21 and 22 December brought together representatives from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia to evaluate a five-year regional project on joint management of the date palm's genetic resources, which was launched in 2001. Participants debated a number of subjects affecting the multiple workings of the date palm, and its role in the development of the oasis economy.

The project involves the three nations, representatives of the UNDP, representatives from farmers' associations and researchers and is financed by the Global Environment Facility. The $3m project is run by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute and the National Agronomy Research Institutes (INRA) of the three countries.

Participants in the project say it provides a means of safeguarding the durability of oasis production systems, which are dependent on maintaining genetic heritage. In Algeria, the project has helped save the date palm tree from various threats, particularly Bayoud disease, and preserved biodiversity in oases.

Kamel Feliachi, director general of the Algeria INRA, emphasised that the project has allowed original methods for protecting date palm cultivation heritage to be implemented by growing palm plants in vitro. He said the method has allowed oases threatened by Bayoud disease to be repopulated and is contributing to activities to support growers.

According to Nourredine Nasr, the general co-ordinator of the project, nearly 1,300 plants grown in vitro have been planted as part of the project in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia on an experimental basis and have yielded good results in battling diseases. The project has also allowed the creation of eight environmental associations, the development of partnership with the project team, the training of more than 385 participants in 15 training cycles, and study visits and exchanges between Maghreb countries. The project has also allowed an Algerian investor start producing organic alcohols based on dates in the Ghardaïa region.