Original scientific paper
Quantitative and Qualitative Characterization of 'Boufeggous' Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.): A Comparative Analysis from Different Provinces in Southeast Morocco
Abdelfattah Goubi
; University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Faculty of Science Dhar El Mahraz, Laboratory of Biotechnology, conservation, and valorization of natural resources, Fez, Morocco
Dounia Amghar
; University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Fez, Morocco
Abdellatif Boutagayout
; Environment and Valorization of Microbial and Plant Resources Unit, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
*
Eimad dine Tariq Bouhlali
; Oasis Systems Research Unit, Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Errachidia, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, Rabat, Morocco
Houria Nakhla
; University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Fez, Morocco
Lahsen El Ghadraoui
; University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Fez, Morocco
Raja Guemmouh
; University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Faculty of Science Dhar El Mahraz, Laboratory of Biotechnology, conservation, and valorization of natural resources, Fez, Morocco
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study aimed to examine changes in the pomological characteristics of fruits, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity of ‘Boufeggous’ dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from various provinces of southeast Morocco, including Errachidia, Zagora, Tata, and Figuig. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the different ‘Boufeggous’ cultivar samples by analyzing the pomological characteristics, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) classified the samples into two distinct groups. The first group comprises samples of ‘Boufeggous’, notably those from Figuig and Zagora, characterized by their large size and remarkably thick flesh. In contrast, dates from Errachidia and Tata had smaller dimensions. The second group consists of ‘Boufeggous’ from Tata, which demonstrates an abundance of polyphenols and displays significantly higher antioxidant activity than dates from other provinces. Therefore, dates originating from Errachidia are richer in flavonoids and anthocyanins. These promising results pave the way for the increased valorization of Boufeggous dates by optimizing agricultural practices and exploring phenolic compounds for nutraceutical applications while adapting these cultivars to the specific conditions of the provinces studied.
Keywords
antioxidant activity; ‘Boufeggous’ variety; Phoenix dactylifera L.; phenolic Content, Southeast Morocco
Hrčak ID:
326844
URI
Publication date:
14.1.2025.
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