3rd Edition Of Plant Science and Molecular Biology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Olive trees are one of the most widely grown crops in the world, with production principally concentrated in the Mediterranean basin. Countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco are among the world's largest producers of olive oil. This intensive production generates huge amounts of agricultural and industrial waste each year, including olive pits and skins, whose management and disposal pose a growing environmental challenge internationally.
The argan tree, a species endemic to Morocco, is recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, reflecting its environmental and cultural importance. It is also a valuable economic resource with high added value on international markets, particularly in the agri-food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Morocco is a world leader in the production and export of argan oil, and also produces significant quantities of solid residues from industrial transformation.
The olive tree (Olea europaea) and the argan tree (Argania spinosa) both occupy a strategic position globally due to their economic and environmental importance, as well as the high value of the bioactive compounds contained in their products.
Long considered low-value residues, olive and argan residues are now the subject of growing scientific interest due to their richness in bioactive compounds comprising polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and lignins. These compounds have scientifically proven biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, giving these raw materials promising potential for innovative applications in the agri-food industry. They can be used as sources of functional ingredients, natural additives, and alternative preservatives, thus meeting the growing global demand for more natural, sustainable, and more consumer-friendly food products.
In the same vein, the energy recovery of these by-products is part of the global transition to renewable energies and the search for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Thanks to their lignocellulosic composition, argan and olive shells and pits have a high calorific value, enabling them to be used in the production of solid biofuels, biochar, and bioenergy through thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis and gasification. On a global scale, these technologies help reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Thus, the recovery of argan and olive residues, rich in bioactive compounds, is an integral part of the international drive for sustainable development and the circular economy. It makes it possible to transform abundant by-products from strategic sectors into high value-added resources, while strengthening the competitiveness of producing countries, particularly those in the Mediterranean region. As part of the sixth theme, this work aims to explore and optimize the use of these biomaterials in the food and energy sectors, highlighting their potential role in strengthening food security, supporting the energy transition, and ensuring the sustainability of agro-industrial systems on a global scale.
Keywords:
Bioactive compounds; Olive and argan by-products; Polyphenols; Biomass valorization; Bioenergy.