Potential of Aleppo pine production in north-eastern Tunisia: socio-economic value and cultural importance

ABSTRACT

The Aleppo pine is a species of socio-economic value thanks to its seeds called ‘Zgougou’ in Tunisia. The objective of this study is the quantification of the seed production in the Aleppo pine forests in North-eastern Tunisia. The seeds have a socio-economic and cultural role. The results show that seed production can reach 335.4 kg ha⁻¹. The harvesting of Aleppo pine seeds provides employment for the local population in areas where the Aleppo pine flourishes. Reforestation of degraded areas should focus on Aleppo pine for these reasons.

KEYWORDS:

• Aleppo pine
• seeds
• socio-economic
• culinary heritage

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.