This study focused on the valorization of seeds from two varieties (genotypes) of Opuntia ficus-indica harvested from the Al-Hoceima (Dellahia) and Tétouan regions of Morocco. This was achieved using in vitro cultivation (germination, micro-cuttings, and rooting). Seeds ? 5 mm in length were disinfected with 0.01% mercury chloride and cultured in a basal Murashige and Skoog medium (MS). The germinated seedlings were then proliferated in MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of benzyladenine (BAP) (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/L). The generated shoots were then rooted in MS 1/2 medium supplemented with 30 g / L sucrose in the absence and presence of indolebutyric acid (IBA) (0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 mg/L). Dark rooting in the presence of IBA was also investigated. We achieved a germination rate of 57% and 55% for the Al-Hoceima and Tétouan varieties, respectively. We also found that darkness promoted rooting in the presence of IBA. Notably, the two varieties responded differently to media conditions, indicating the importance of optimizing the growing conditions to maximize the value of different cultivars. Keywords: Opuntia ficus-indica, valorization, in vitro culture, seeds, Moroc

Abstract