Journal of Agriculture and Applied Biology
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Development of physicochemical properties and color of Arbutus unedo L. fruit during osmotic process
No full textArbutus unedo L. fruit, rich in bioactive compounds with health bene-fits, experiences rapid softening and significant postharvest quality changes, affecting its consumer appeal and storage life. This study investigates the effect of osmotic dehydration (OD) on the physico-chemical composition, water loss (WL), sugar gain (SG), weight re-duction (WR) and color during drying. The fruit was subjected to OD using sucrose solutions of varying concentrations (30, 50, and 60 °Brix) and temperatures (30 and 40 °C). The fresh fruit exhibited a moisture content of 57 %, a pH of 4.37, and 16.90 % of total soluble solids (TSS). The total phenolic content of arbutus fruit was 15.62 ± 0.78 µg/mg extract and the total flavonoid content was 1.63 ± 0.06 µg/mg extract. Our findings revealed that OD at 30 °Brix enhanced the color and reduced the browning compared to untreated fruit (p < 0.05). OD using a 60 °Brix solution notably reduced the moisture con-tent by approximately 13% while simultaneously lowering the pH and increasing the TSS significantly (p < 0.05). These changes strong-ly correlated with WL, SG and sucrose concentration (R = 0.89, 0.79, and 0.82, respectively). OD prevented the color deterioration during drying with E ranging between 6.43 ± 3.37 and 19.97 ± 3.52. The study proposes that OD at 60 °Brix and 40 °C produces dried arbutus unedo fruit with reduced moisture content and minimized color dete-rioration after the application of convective drying, rendering it suit-able for industrial applications as functional food and the production of value-added dried berries
Study of the impact of desertification on land use in the El Bayadh region, South-Western Algeria
Full text linkAlgeria\u27s steppe rangelands, covering an extensive 32 million hectares, serve as a vital biological zone, functioning as a transitional buffer between the sub-humid northern areas and the parched Sahara to the south. These rangelands are crucial for preserving biodiversity and aiding local inhabitants, although they are progressively susceptible to desertification, a significant environmental peril in Algeria. The wilaya of El Bayadh, a significant steppe area, is notably impacted by this occurrence. This research examines land use alterations in the wilaya of El Bayadh from 1990 to 2022, using remote sensing methodologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) alongside Landsat TM satellite images. The aim is to observe the advancement of desertification and delineate the spread of sand deposits in three northern communes: Bougtoub, El Kaf Lahmar, and Tousmouline. The findings demonstrate a significant increase in silting over the research period, indicating substantial changes in land cover. These results emphasize the increasing severity of desertification and stress the need for prompt action to protect this delicate environment. This study offers significant geographical data and analysis, establishing a basis for formulating effective policies and methods to address desertification. Through the implementation of specific strategies, stakeholders and policymakers may alleviate the detrimental impacts of desertification, foster sustainable land use practices, and secure the enduring stability of Algeria\u27s steppe areas. The research highlights the need of using modern geospatial technology to tackle environmental issues and enhance resilience in at-risk ecosystems
Impact of pesticide on the physical and chemical agricultural soil in a semi-arid region of Algeria (M’Sila)
No full textThis study aims to monitor the impacts of pesticides on the physical and chemical quality of agricultural soil in Algeria\u27s semi-arid region. The region primarily cultivates market garden crops such as potatoes and wheat. Sandy soil types and a semi-arid climate characterize it. Twenty- seven samples were collected from various soil horizons at different depths and locations within the study area. Among these, 9 samples were designated as controls, 9 were treated with a potent herbicide called haloxyfop-methyl ester, and the remaining 9 were treated with a fungicide containing two active ingredients: fenamidone and a methyl ester. The measured parameters (pH, conductivity, TDS, CO, MO, lime- stone, Mg+, Ca+, NO2, P2O5, K2O) exhibited variability, with the treated samples generally showing higher values than the control samples. This difference can be attributed to various factors, such as treatment con- ditions, characteristics of the study area, types of pesticides used, and the application of mineral and organic fertilizers, as well as chemical pesticides. Intensive agriculture often employs this approach, aiming to produce large quantities of food on a relatively small land area. The heavy metals analysis (iron, copper, manganese, aluminum, and chro- mium) of agricultural soil showed concentration values within interna- tional norms. Despite this, these metals remain toxic chemicals with bi- oaccumulative persistence in the environment. The uncontrolled use of pesticides impacts both the short-term and long-term soil quality. While they effectively kill weeds and fungi, they also penetrate and ac- cumulate in the soil and pollute groundwater. It is crucial to use herbi- cides sparingly and choose those with minimal environmental impact
Assessment of agro-morphological performance of twenty-four corn (Zea mays l.,) parent lines resistant to Striga hermonthica for determining hybrid parents
No full textThe data available on the study of corn parental lines against weeds in Côte d\u27Ivoire is still limited. The principal objective of the present study was to assess the agro-morphological performance of those resistant to Striga hermonthica. Specifically, the objective was to as-certain the hybrid parents of twenty-four individuals from IITA under conditions of artificial Striga infestation. The trials were conducted at the CNRA research station in Ferkessédougou, located in northern Côte d\u27Ivoire. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Nine CIMMYT/IBPGR were used. Analy-sis of variance revealed significant differences between the lines about the different agro-morphological traits. Hierarchical ascending classification (HAC) revealed variability structured into four groups of morphological diversity. Group 2 and Group 4, respectively, con-tained the earliest (FM = 57.93 +- 1.72 and 58.62 ± 3.15) and most productive (NER = 21.25 +- 4.57 and 13.70 +- 2.77) lines, which also exhibit very good emergence density (DL = 28.25 ± 5.13 and 25.00 +- 7.50). Group 3 contained the intermediate lines (FM = 61.50 +- 1.88; FF = 63.18 +- 2.64; NER = 10.81 +- 5.27; DL = 23.12 +- 8.09). Group 1 contained the late lines (FM = 66.50 +- 2.82; FF = 68 ± 0.00), which demonstrated reduced productivity (NER = 3.75 +- 1.76) and exhibit-ed a low emergence density (DL = 9.25 +- 10.25). Discriminant factor analysis (DFA) identified nine parental lines in groups 2 and 4 that exhibited favorable characteristics about early maturity and produc-tivity. These lines may be used as hybrid parents in a program de-signed to enhance corn productivity in Côte d\u27Ivoire
Agroforestry in crops systems and its influence on the chemical fertility of soils in semi-arid regions: Case of the Dahra foothills (North-West, Algeria)
No full textTo guarantee a stable offer and healthy food, the new techniques of maintaining and improving the natural production capacity of agri-cultural land must take appropriate measures for each environ-ment. However, the identification and the valorization of all local dynamics of production systems must ensure the conservation of agricultural land fertility and butter fertilizer management. This study aims to evaluate the physico-chemical quality of soils in the north-western foothills of Dahra. After a bioclimatic overview of the study area, out of the fourteen studied stations, four of the most practiced farming systems (agroforestry, non-irrigated tree crop cultivation, annual field cropping and fallow cultivation) were compared based on analyses of various indicators related to the physico-chemical properties of soils used in the literature concerning soil chemical fertility. Indeed, the studied soils ex-hibit a clay-loam and sandy-loam textures, a slightly acidic pH, and an organ-ic matter content that requires improvement for more active biological ac-tivity. To optimize soil fertility, the practice of green manures as contribu-tions of major elements (N, P, and K) would be desirable along with studied crop rotations. The results showed that lands in the north-western foothills of Dahra are naturally intended for agriculture and predisposed to promot-ing agro-ecological practices, particularly agroforestry. This will improve soil health through enhanced biodiversity and efficient resource use. Also, the biological fertility measures offer more opportunities for sustainable agriculture in semi-arid environments where agroforestry practic-es and green manures effectively contribute to increasing organic matter content, bio-fertility, income diversity, and the standard of living for farmers
Cultivation of Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Genovese) in aquaponic and hydroponic systems: A comparative study
No full textRecently, many horticultural crops have been subjected to study under hydroponic and aquaponic conditions, with a view to enhance their productivity. Nevertheless, a comparative analysis of these two soilless cultivation systems has rarely been undertaken, despite the fact that they represent two distinct approaches. This study’s objective was to compare between the aquaponic cultivation system and the hydroponic one, with the aim of identifying the most suitable soilless system for cultivating Genovese basil (O. basilicum L. cv. Genovese). For the purpose of this study, a factorial randomized complete block with three repetitions was conducted. It was carried out at the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia under glasshouse conditions. Accordingly, the variation of the soilless cultivation systems effects was determined by measuring and evaluating plant growth, biomass production and photosynthetic performance of basil. Main results showed that plant height (25.69 ± 2.87 cm/plant), length of internodes (2.47 ± 0.17 cm/plant) and leaves number (10.89 ± 1.02 leaves/plant), fresh and dry weight of shoots (9.17 ± 0.49 g and 1.03 ± 0.05 g, respectively) and roots (5.22 ± 0.14 g and 0.37 ± 0.03 g, respectively) were significantly higher in aquaponically grown plants in comparison to hydroponics. However, no significant differences were noted between aquaponics and hydroponics regarding the shoot and root dry matter contents. In addition, the content of chlorophyll a (44.59 ± 3.42 µg∙mg-1 FW) and the efficiency of the photosystem II (Fv/Fm) (0.83 ± 0.01) were significantly higher in basil grown in aquaponics when compared to the hydroponic system. Overall, these findings indicate that aquaponics seems to be more suitable for growing basil plants than the hydroponic system
First record of Triplax melanocephala (Latreille, 1804) (Coleoptera: Erotylidae) in the cork oak at Collo forest (Algeria)
No full textThe Erotylidae family remains poorly documented in North Africa, with very limited published data available on its distribution and ecological preferences. This study provides the first confirmed record of Triplax melanocephala (Latreille, 1804) within Algerian cork oak (Quercus suber) forests, significantly expanding the known range of this species in the region. A total of 71 specimens were documented, collected primarily through soil-surface interception traps deployed across multiple sites. Among these, 25 individuals were captured between 2015 and 2016 in different sections of the surveyed oak groves. Field observations revealed that T. melanocephala exhibits a strong association with decaying cork oak wood, particularly in trees heavily colonized by mature tinder fungi (Fomes spp.). Further investigation through careful dissection of these fungal growths uncovered an additional 30 specimens, reinforcing the species\u27 reliance on this microhabitat. The beetles were most frequently found in moist, shaded areas of decomposing wood, suggesting that microclimatic conditions may play a key role in their distribution. The study sites included Oued Agouf, where 2 specimens were collected in 2015 and 4 in 2016; Ain Fegoum, with 6 specimens in 2015 and 8 in 2016; and El Maktoua, where 4 specimens were recorded in 2015 and 6 in 2016. These findings indicate a consistent presence of T. melanocephala across multiple locations, though population densities varied between sites. This discovery not only fills a gap in the understanding of Erotylidae in North Africa but also highlights the ecological importance of old-growth cork oak forests and their associated fungal communities in supporting specialized beetle fauna
Field efficacy of different insecticides against jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula) in brinjal at Gauradaha, Jhapa, Nepal
No full textJassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula) is regarded as the most harmful sap-sucking pest affecting the brinjal crop. This research evaluated the efficacy of insecticides against Jassid in seasonal brinjal in open fields at Gauradaha, Jhapa, Nepal, from January to April 2023. We selected a registered hybrid variety and designed the experiment with seven treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments were: T1: Emamectin benzoate 5% WDG-0.625 g/plot, T2: Spinosad 45% SC-0.5 ml/plot, T3: Neem oil 5000 ppm-8 ml/plot, T4: Fipronil 0.3% GR-40 g/plot, T5: Beauveria bassiana-1.3 g/plot, T6: Imidacloprid 70% WG-0.14 g/plot, and T7: Untreated or Control (water spray)-2 l/plot. Treatments were applied 3 times using a foliar spray method. Data regarding the Jassid population before spraying insecticides and after the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days of spraying were recorded. Data were collected, log10 transformed, and analyzed using ANOVA in GenStat (15th edition), with mean separation by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results show that Imidacloprid was the most effective against Jassid, with mean mortality of 82.04%, 40.35%, and 42.13% followed by Fipronil with 33.12%, 12.56%, and 17.86%. The highest yield (14.32 Mt/ha) was recorded from Imidacloprid 70% WG followed by Beauveria bassiana (13.82 Mt/ha). Regarding the B: C ratio, Imidacloprid 70% WG was the superior treatment with the highest value (2.5) followed by Fipronil 0.3% GR (2.1). The highest length (20.48 cm) and diameter (4.5 cm) were observed in Imidacloprid and Fipronil, while the lowest was recorded in Emamectin benzoate (12.14 cm) and Control (3.6 cm), respectively. These findings demonstrate that Imidacloprid significantly reduces Jassid populations and enhances brinjal productivity and economic returns, making it a superior choice for pest management in brinjal cultivation in Jhapa, Nepal
Comparatif monitoring arthropod: Auxiliary-pest complex in vineyard table grapes cultivars in Boumerdes vineyards, Northern Algeria
No full textAs an alternative to chemical treatments, traps are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to control pests in agricul-tural systems. The efficacy of traps can be maximized by taking adventage of the fact that arthropods, and especially pests, have preferences for certain colors and stimuli. From January to De-cember 2022, in the locality of Corso, situated in Boumerdes Province, Northern Algeria. The experimental site consisted of a three-year-old table grape plantation. A descriptive observa-tional method was employed to assess the performance of four different trap types: pitfall traps, food-based traps, and two col-or-based traps (yellow and blue). The experiment followed a completely randomized design with five replications to ensure reliable and accurate results. Yellow traps proved to be the most successful throughout the research., capturing a total of 1,925 arthropod individuals. In contrast, food-based traps were the least effective, with only 14 individuals captured. The traps re-vealed a richness of 106 species spanning 54 families, 11 orders, and 3 classes, highlighting the diverse arthropod community present in the vineyard ecosystem. The most frequently captured species was Jacobiasca lybica, which accounted for 81.6% of the total pests trapped. The timing of trap installation was also a crit-ical factor, with the morning period yielding the highest capture rates. These findings underscore the importance of using color-specific traps and strategic timing to enhance pest management in vineyards