Abstract
This paper is a literature review of the silviculture of stone pine (Pinus pinea L.), combined with information available from North Africa in comparison with the northern Mediterranean zone. The objective is to use the available research results to provide guidance for stone pine stands for timber, cone, and pine nuts production management established in the Mediterranean zone. Pinus pinea L. is a Mediterranean species of economic importance due to its timber and pine nuts that have high market value, and its production can increase the economic value and development of degraded and marginalized areas. Special emphasis is given to the case study of Tunisia silvicultural system and other Mediterranean basin areas to characterize the production of stone pine stands. Among the objectives of this work is to give results on the methodology for producing grafted plant of stone pine on different regions and edaphic conditions and to evaluate the development of the plantations that generate both economic and ecological benefits (soil protection). In North Africa, we conclude that the area allocated to pine nuts should be notably greater. Our results provide useful information for the silviculture of Pinus pinea production of cones to be used in new program of forest management in North Africa.