Moroccan Journal of Agricultural Sciences
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Heavy metals contamination through consumption of contaminated food crops
Get PDFContamination of food crops by heavy metals (HMs) is a public health concern that is gradually becoming a global challenge. There is rising concern about food safety and human health due to the unceasing release of HMs into the environment by various forms of anthropogenic activities and natural processes. HMs are highly persistent and when they contaminate the food chain a sustainable circle is created in the food web, the metals will be revolving between the environment, food crops and the human body. This article intended to provide an overview of the sources of HMs and their consumption through food crops. The study reviewed relevant literature published online between January 2018 and December 2020. The leading sources of food crop contamination are sewage and industrial effluents, mining, smelting, illicit dumping of solid waste, abuse of agrochemicals, atmospheric deposit and chemical processing. Leafy vegetables in general and wheat grains are the most contaminated food crops. Pb, Cr and Cd were the most reported HMs in food crops in the last three years. The rate of food crops HMs contamination in the last three years was found to be in the following order: Pb>Cd>Cr>As>Zn>Ni>Cu>Mn>Fe>Hg>Co>Al
Specific diversity, structure and carbon stock of urban plant formations in southern Benin
Get PDFThe sustainable management of urban green spaces requires the monitoring of the structural parameters of theirs trees. This study, which was carried out in the cities of Abomey-Calavi, Allada and Cotonou in southern Benin, aimed to describe the dendrometric parameters and the rate of carbon stored by urban trees. The inventory of trees planted in two types of urban forests (greened public spaces and shade rows) was performed using the roving survey method at the level of each city. Then, presence and absence data of all trees, as well as diameter at breast height (DBH) >= 10 cm and height >= 2 m were measured. These data were analyzed using R 4.0.5 software. The calculated dendrometric parameters were subjected to variance tests to assess their significance. The different counts allowed us to identify 5128 individual trees. The density per hectare varied from 36.7 to 83.1 between cities and from 40.5 to 80.4 between types of green spaces. Basal area varied from 2.25 to 11.4 m²/ha within cities. In all three cities in the study, trees had an aggregative spatial distribution, but with low numbers of individuals per site. All of the trees studied have a carbon sequestration rate of 689 t/ha. It is therefore necessary to take precautions for the strengthening and preservation of urban trees and their diversity for a more sustainable urban ecological balance.
Keywords: Benin, Biomass, Carbon storage, Tree structure, Urban forest
Effect of two drying methods on key physicochemical properties and sensory profile of dried figs (Ficus carica L)
Get PDFIn Morocco, the majority of small farmers carry out solar drying of the fruits by traditional process on their farms. Such practice leads to losses in quality and quantity in dried fruits. This study aims to evaluate sensory and physico-chemical quality of dried figs by using two drying methods: (1st) Usual solar drying practiced by farmers and (2nd) Natural convection solar drying using a green solar dryer. The obtained results showed that second method reduced the drying time from 10 days (first method) to 4 days on average. In addition, it was found that the green solar dryer allows an increase in the temperature inside the drying chamber of + 8.1°C, on average, compared to the ambient temperature. Sensory analysis showed that the five assessed attributes (Mouth feel, color, appearance, flesh thickness and texture) were highly appreciated by using natural convection solar drying. The high difference was noted for the "mouth feel" attribute, followed by "color" which are the two main aspects searched by consumers. Regarding physico-chemical properties, solar-dried figs are rich with citric acid (12.0 g/l vs 9.72 g/l) and in total soluble sugars (60.6% vs 56.0%) compared to sun-dried figs. The water activity was respectively 0.631 and 0.672 for the 1st and 2nd method. In general terms, farmers are encouraged to enhance their drying methods by using natural convection solar drying as a preservative method that maintain nutritional and sensory quality of dried figs.
Keywords: Figs, Quality, Sensory, Physico-chemical, Morocco, solar drying prototyp
A conceptual framework for achieving rice self-sufficiency in Sierra Leone
Get PDFRice production in Sierra Leone is confronted with problems relating to pests, climate change and general rice production management practices. The present paper reviews the problems associated with rice production and conceptualizes a framework on possible solutions to achieving rice self-sufficiency in Sierra Leone. It further focuses on the research concerning the contributions of agronomic and pest management practices towards boosting rice production. This review has helped inventory the key pests (insect pests, diseases, and weeds) that affect rice production in Sierra Leone. It revealed that among diverse varieties of rice, the new varieties adapt to fertilizer use. There is little information and knowledge about pesticide use to control rice pests. Furthermore, the country’s stagnant dependence on imported rice accentuates the problem of achieving rice self-sufficiency. We recommend a conceptual framework to achieve self-sufficiency in rice. Also, there is a need to carry out a rice pest survey in order to provide information about the biodiversity in the rice ecologies.  
Heavy metals contamination sources in Kano, Nigeria and their concentrations along Jakara River and its agricultural produce: A review
Get PDFIndustrialisation, environmental pollution and poor waste management distress food and environmental safety in Kano. Incessant discharge of untreated effluent and sewage, vehicular release, metal and plastic scraps dumping and processing, local dyeing and tanning, atmospheric deposit and excessive use of agrochemicals continue to contaminate the surrounding soil and surface water with toxic heavy metal (HMs). Violation of environmental regulations and failure of environmental regulatory agencies to actively enforce environmental protection laws exacerbate the situation. Soil, water bodies and food produced within the city are under threat due to the HMs contamination. Consumption of contaminated vegetables is the major route for HMs contamination in humans. The concentration of HMs in the irrigation water and soil along the Jakara river exceeds permissible limits and the water is unsafe for drinking and food production. The vegetables produced along the Jakara river were reported to be contaminated with dangerous levels of HMs. The article reviewed relevant literature and provide an overview of the ideal sources of HMs contaminants in Kano and discussed the extensively on HM contaminations in the Jakara river, surrounding soil, fishes and vegetables produced around the river and its tributary. Recommendations were also provided based on the findings of this research.
Keywords: Kano, Jakara River, Heavy Metals, Vegetable Contaminatio
Riparian and stream forests carbon sequestration in the context of high anthropogenic disturbance in Togo
Get PDFThis research was carried out in order to estimate the amount of biomass available in riparian ecosystems of Sudanian areas in northern Togo. It aimed at evaluating the land cover pattern and the productivity of tree biomass. A field survey was carried out in order to sample trees’ diameter (DBH > 10 cm) and height using rectangular sample plots of 500 m2. An allometric equation was used to compute above and below ground biomass. Landsat ETM+ image (193r053p20160327) was then used to map the major land use cover patterns followed by the computation of net primary production (NPP) of green vegetation in buffer areas around rivers and streams. For the total area sampled in riparian landscapes, the total biomass density was estimated as 196.8±1.4 t.ha-1. Tree species such as Daniellia oliveri (32.7 ± 0.58 t.ha-1) contributed a high proportion of the total biomass. Significant trees total biomass was found in the forest (157.8±40.7 kg/ha) and savanna (122.0±21.64 kg/ha) ecosystem. Five major land use cover patterns (forests, savannas, fallows-croplands, sparse vegetation-barren land and wetlands-rivers) were defined. Savannas (304 450±1572.6 ha) and fallows-croplands (65 339±456.3 ha) represent important land use. The NPP for the investigated zone was estimated at 1 249 294 ± 267.0 gCm-2y-1. However, forest (8708.1±243.4 gCm-2y-1) and savanna (3821.0±86.2 gCm-2y-1) accumulate more atmospheric carbon dioxide. The study showed that high important values of total plant biomass were located in forest ecosystems. The research in the current situation could be useful in the framework of UNFCC programs such as REDD+ and NAMA.
Key words: Biomass, NPP, carbon sequestration, land cover, riparian ecosystem, Tog
A retrospective study on frequency of canine tumors at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Rabat (Morocco)
Get PDFThis work is a contribution to the study of tumors in dogs at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Medicine Institute in Rabat, Morocco. The study aimed to present a summary of the relative frequency of tumors in dogs, their preferred localization and the influence of age, sex and breed. During the study period from 2004 to 2017, a total of 3099 records were consulted, among them 166 cases of tumors in dogs were diagnosed in both sexes, male and female, whose ages were between 3 months to 15 years. Tumors in dogs have a frequency of approximately 5.4% over the entire canine disease diagnosed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The average age group of onset of these tumors are middle-aged dogs of 7-12 years (65.7%). The German shepherd (30.7%), Poodle (22.9%), Labrador (10.2%), Rottweiler (5.4%) and Pekinese (3.6%) would be more prone to tumors. The most common tumors originated from the mammary gland (46.4%) and the skin and subcutis (25.9%). To our knowledge, there was no study like this one considering canine tumors in Morocco. Therefore, this study provides an important preliminary step to characterize and understand the occurrence of canine tumors in Rabat region.
Keywords: Tumor, dog, frequency, sex, age, breed, Morocc
Effect of planting date and sowing method on yield and grain quality of soybean (Glycine max L.) under North Sudan conditions
Get PDFThis study aimed to assess the effect of different planting dates and sowing methods on yield and grain quality of soybean. A split plot arrangement using randomized complete block with three replications was used to layout the experiment. The studied traits determining yield and grain quality, included height to first pod, no of pods/plant, 100-seed weight, harvest index, straw yield, seed yield, grain protein and oil contents. The results showed significant differences between planting dates in height to first pod, 100-seed weight, harvest index, grain yield and grain protein. Planting date in the 1st July produced 72% more grain yield than delaying planting date (15th July). Early planting date (15th June) and mid-planting date (1st July) increased grain protein of soybean by 5% than delaying planting date (15th July). Results revealed that soybean yield components were not affected by sowing methods except that of straw yield. Interaction between planting date and sowing method was significant for grain oil content.
Keywords: Soybean, planting date, sowing method, grain protein, grain yield, oil conten
Incidence of Citrus exocortis viroid and Hop stund viroid in commercial citrus groves from Morocco
Get PDFViroids are the smallest known pathogens of plants. They are single-stranded, circular, rod-like RNAs with no protein capsid nor any detectable messenger activity. Citrus species are natural hosts of at least seven viroids of the Pospiviroidae family. Exocortis and cachexia are the most important viroid diseases of citrus in Morocco. In order to assess the incidence and distribution of Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) and Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), extensive surveys were conducted, between 2008 and 2018, in the main citrus growing areas of the country. A total of 100 commercial citrus groves of different varieties were inspected for symptoms of exocortis and cachexia, and 5390 samples were collected for laboratory analyses, using imprint hybridization. Representative positive and negative samples for each viroid were selected and submitted for additional confirmatory RT-PCR assays using specific primers. The incidence of infection by viroids was about 29.0 %, regardless of citrus species and location, although a slightly higher number of infected trees were located in the Gharb region (41.5 %). CEVd was detected in 11.3 -18.2% of the tested samples, while HSVd was detected up to 10.8 % of the samples tested. Since CEVd and HSVd are readily mechanically transmissible via working tools, they affect both old and young plantings in all the surveyed regions.
Key words: Citrus exocortis viroid, Hop stunt viroid, citrus, survey, Morocc
Prospects of quinoa cultivation in marginal lands of Egypt
Get PDFThere is great opportunity in marginal lands of Egypt to be used in food production. However, these lands are characterized by low fertility and saline soil, scarce water resources and harsh weather conditions. One crop that proved to be able to grow under these unfavorable conditions is quinoa, classified by FAO in 2013 as a super food crop due to its high nutritional values. One of the most important benefits of quinoa flour is that it can be mixed with wheat flour in bread making, thus it can reduce the gap between flour production and consumption in Egypt. In this review, research carried out on quinoa, internationally and nationally, is highlighted in order to help researchers in Egypt to expand and improve their work with this important and promising crop.
Keywords: Super food, composite flour, sandy soil, salt-affected soil, water stress, salinity stres