Network for the Valorization of Plant Materials (VPMA)

Plantes aromatiques (Maroc)
I (90-1001) ; II (92-1011)

Principal investigators:
Prof. Bachir Benjilali: Institut agronomique et vétérinaire (IAV) Hassan II, Rabat (Maroc)
E-mail: [email protected]
Dr. André Bélanger: CRDH-Agriculture et agroalimentaire Canada, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Canada)
E-mail: [email protected]

In Morocco, the aim of the Plantes aromatiques (Maroc) Project was to improve on the traditional techniques for the production of essential oils, especially in the South of Morocco.The research was carried out on a dozen of aromatic plants including: Artemisia, Verbena, Rosemary, Tyme saturoides, Tanacetum annuum L., Ammi visnaga, Inula graveolens, Ciste ladanifère, and Thuja. Botanics, chemical composition of essential oils and chemotaxonomy, as well as optimal conditions for the exploitation of these plants were determined. Two optical pure natural products have been prepared, i.e. natural l-camphor from Artemisia and d-borneol from Thyme saturoides. Pilot plant production tests for some of these plants were successfully done. The research team worked closely with Moroccan professionals in this field and set up the Association pour le développement des plantes aromatiques et médicinales (Association for the Development of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants). Furthermore, great local expertise was developed and a high level scientific laboratory (SUBNAROME) was set up in this area, as a result of the project. In May 1995, the International Congress on Aromatic and Medicinal Plants and their Essential Oils was organized in Rabat by the Institut agronomique et vétérinaire Hassan II.