Moroccan Journal of Agricultural Sciences
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Post-Buharinomics agriculture in Nigeria: What next for policy, practice, and productivity?
Full text linkThe Buhari administration (2015–2023) implemented significant reforms in Nigeria’s agricultural sector through various policies aimed at reviving local food production, reducing import dependency, and improving rural livelihoods. However, challenges such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, policy inconsistency, and funding bottlenecks stymied optimal productivity. As Nigeria transitions into the post-Buharinomics era, urgent questions arise regarding the direction of agricultural policy and its impact on food security, economic diversification, and sustainable development. This paper synthesizes the recent agricultural experience under Buhari, outlines key challenges, and offers a roadmap for the post-Buhari period.
Keywords: Food security, Growth, Policy, Reforms, Nigeri
Physico-chemical and techno-functional quality of eggs of indigenous Holli hens of Benin kept under free range and confinement systems
Full text linkIndigenous chicken populations of Benin serve as an important source of supplementary income and nutrition for rural households. The current study aimed to assess the influence of rearing system on the physical, rheological, and technological characteristics of eggs from Holli hens, an indigenous breed of Benin. Therefore, 30 new laid eggs from Holli hen reared under traditional free range and 30 new laid eggs from Holli hens kept in confinement system were sampled at 32 weeks old for the different analyses. The results showed that most external egg traits, including weight (47.3 g vs. 44.4 g), length (5.14 cm vs. 4.99 cm), and height (3.68 cm vs. 3.63 cm), did not differ significantly between confinement and free-range systems. However, shell-related parameters were significantly higher in confinement eggs, including shell weight (4.36 g vs. 3.67 g), shell proportion (9.20 % vs. 8.27%), and shell thickness (0.27 mm vs. 0.23 mm). For techno-functional properties, albumen thickness was greater in confinement eggs (6.26 mm vs. 5.26 mm), while yolk diameter and yolk index remained unchanged. The Haugh unit, indicating albumen freshness, was slightly higher in free-range eggs (77.1 vs. 76.0). Remarkable differences were observed in yolk color attributes, with free-range eggs showing higher color intensity (10.2 vs. 2.0), redness (a* = 3.78 vs. –6.30), yellowness (b* = 54.0 vs. 19.3), and chroma (54.2 vs. 20.4). Correlation analysis showed strong positive associations among egg weight, shell characteristics, and albumen traits, whereas negative correlations between egg volume and Haugh unit indicated potential trade-offs between size and freshness. Overall, confinement rearing improved shell integrity and albumen thickness, whereas free-range management enhanced yolk pigmentation, reflecting diet diversity and natural foraging.
Key words: Benin, egg quality, Holli Ecotype, indigenous chicken, production syste
Legume crops enhance water use efficiency under intercropping system with wheat
Full text linkA comparative analysis of three legume crops (faba bean, peas, and clover) as intercrops with wheat was conducted under three irrigation treatments (100%, 85%, and 70% ETc) to evaluate their contributions to enhancing the complementary effect that improves water usage and wheat production. The irrigation water applied to wheat intercropping systems was equivalent to that applied to sole wheat, indicating that both intercrops utilized the irrigation designated for sole wheat. The faba bean-wheat intercropping system exhibited the greatest water utilization and soil accessible nitrogen across the three irrigation regimens. The production of intercropped wheat was maximized in the peas intercropping system, in contrast to the yield of sole wheat. The intercropping system of peas achieved the highest land equivalent ratio (LER), water equivalent ratio (WER), and change in water use, indicating enhanced water use efficiency. In an irrigation scenario of 85% ETc, the LER and WER for the peas intercropping system exceeded those of the faba bean intercropping system under 100% ETc. The intercropping system with peas had the highest monetary advantage index value. This suggests that, in the context of limited water resources, intercropping peas with wheat is advisable to enhance the utilization of available water resources.
Keywords: faba bean, peas, clover, available soil N, land and water equivalent ratios, change in water use, momentary advantage inde
In vitro evaluation of some plant extracts for the management of Alternaria solani causing early blight of tomato
Full text linkTomato early blight caused by Alternaria solani is an economically important disease causing threat to tomato cultivation wherever it’s grown. This study evaluated the effect of three different plant extracts Neem (Azadirachta indica), Garlic (Allium sativa) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) against Alternaria solani the causative agent of early blight of tomato. The experiment was 3 × 5 factorial pitted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatment were garlic, ginger and neem extracts at four different concentration (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) control and check which were replicated three times. Data were recorded on mycelial growth of the fungus and percent growth inhibition of the extracts against A. solani. The result from the study revealed that neem extract had the least mycelial growth as well as higher percent growth inhibition compared to other treatments, followed by garlic throughout the inoculation periods. Plant extracts at 75% and 100% had the least mycelial growth compared to the control. Plant extracts at lower concentration of 25 and 50% exhibited the least percent growth inhibition compared to the control. Neem and garlic extracts at 75% and 100% concentration significantly inhibited the growth of the fungus and could therefore be recommended for further studies in the screen house and field to evaluate their efficacies against early blight of tomato under field condition.
Keywords: Plant extract, mycelial growth, mycelial growth inhibition, neem, garlic, ginge
Correlation and path analysis in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genotypes under heat stress condition
Full text linkThis investigation assessed the genetic potential of 20 rapeseed genotypes under heat stress during the Rabi season 2020–21 at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seven agronomic traits were evaluated: plant height, branches per plant, siliques per plant, silique length, yield per plant, seed index, and oil content. All traits exhibited significant variation, indicating broad genetic diversity. Punjab Sarson outperformed others in multiple traits, while PARC Canola, Hbo-555, and Faisal Canola showed high seed yields under stress. Significant positive correlations with seed yield per plant were found for plant height (0.349**), siliques per plant (0.610**), silique length (0.319*), seed index (0.313*), and oil content (0.266*). Path analysis revealed that siliques per plant (1.792) and oil content (2.379) had the strongest direct effects on seed yield, making them effective targets for selection. However, heritability for all traits was low under heat stress, suggesting that selection should be delayed until later segregating generations for better genetic gain.
Key words: Correlation, rapeseed, path analysis, heat stress, heritabilit
Trait correlation and heritability analysis in diverse upland rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes
Full text linkThis study evaluated agronomic traits' performance, correlation, and heritability in ten rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes grown at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University Dutse during the 2024 rainy season. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) among genotypes for most traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. FARO 44 exhibited the highest grain yield per hill (145.3 g), followed by FARO 16 (138.6 g) and FARO 52 (140.7 g), while FARO 47 recorded the lowest yield (103.5 g). Days to heading (DTH) and days to flowering (DTF) showed high broad-sense heritability (99.9%), along with floret per panicle (99.6%) and grain yield per hill (98.5%), suggesting strong genetic influence. However, panicle length (59.4%) and fertility percentage (55.5%) had moderate heritability, implying environmental effects. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association between DTH and DTF (r = 0.970**) and between plant height and tillers per hill (r = 0.610**). However, plant height negatively correlated with DTH (r = -0.430*) and DTF (r = -0.405*), while grain yield exhibited weak associations with most traits. These findings highlight the potential for selecting high-yielding genotypes based on traits with strong heritability, particularly floret per panicle and grain yield per hill. The results provide useful insights for breeding programs aimed at improving rice productivity under similar agroecological conditions.
Keywords: Upland rice, trait heritability, yield, days to heading, days to flowering, Nigeri
Camel milk: Composition, properties and processing potential
Full text linkCamel milk serves a crucial role in arid regions, providing exceptional nutritional and health benefits. It is characterized by a lower cholesterol and sugar content compared to the milk of other ruminants, along with a high concentration of minerals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and manganese, and elevated levels of vitamins C and B3. Furthermore, camel milk contains higher levels of protective proteins such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme. This specific composition underpins the use of camel milk in the treatment of various diseases. Numerous studies have confirmed its diverse functional properties and health benefits, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. However, despite these significant advantages, its industrial transformation into dairy products remains a major technical challenge. This is due to its low κ-casein content, the large size of its casein micelles, and the absence of β-lactoglobulin, characteristics that complicate the production of cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy products. Finally, specialized technologies and future research are required to optimize transformation processes and fully harness the potential of this milk with exceptional properties.
Keywords : Camel milk, chemical composition, technological properties, processing potentia
Genetic diversity and production systems of horses in Tunisia
Full text linkThe Arabian horse holds significant historical and cultural value in Tunisia. This study examines the technical and administrative frameworks governing horse breeding, focusing on the National Foundation for the Improvement of the Equine Breed (FNARC). It highlights FNARC’s efforts to align with the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO) standards. Through an analysis of historical records, breeding programs, and distribution data, the study explores FNARC’s structured initiatives, including the maintenance of the Tunisian Arabian Stud Book, essential for preserving lineage purity. The research also maps the distribution of Barb and Arabian horses, showing a concentration of Barb horses in western Tunisia and Arabian horses in the greater Tunis area. The findings underscore FNARC’s role in maintaining genetic integrity and enhancing Arabian horse quality, reinforcing Tunisia’s position in the global equine industry and its commitment to equine heritage.
Keywords: Genetic diversity, Horse breeds, Equine production systems, Tunisi
Innovations in post-harvest disease detection: From molecular diagnostics to AI-based imaging
Full text linkPost-harvest diseases are a major contributor to global food losses, accounting for 20-50% of perishable crops, thereby threatening food security and economic stability. Traditional disease detection methods, such as visual inspection and microbiological culturing, are often slow, subjective, and lack the sensitivity needed for early pathogen identification. Recent advancements in biotechnology and computational analytics have introduced transformative solutions, including molecular diagnostics, spectroscopic techniques, and artificial intelligence-powered imaging systems. Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, and CRISPR-based assays enable rapid and precise pathogen detection at the genetic level. Meanwhile, non-destructive technologies like near-infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging capture biochemical and morphological changes in produce, allowing for real-time monitoring. AI and machine learning further enhance these approaches by automating disease recognition through deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks, improving accuracy and scalability. This review comprehensively examines these innovations, discussing their principles, applications, advantages, and current limitations. Additionally, it explores future trends, including the integration of multi-modal detection systems and edge computing for on-site diagnostics. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, the agricultural sector can significantly reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food safety, and optimize supply chain efficiency.
Keywords: polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, CRISPR, hyperspectral imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, convolutional neural networks, food security, pathogen detection, non-destructive testin
Pathological abnormalities in genital tract of cows slaughtered at Yaounde (Cameroon)
Full text linkA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 500 cows randomly selected at the SODEPA slaughterhouse in Yaounde from March to October 2022. After slaughter, visual inspection, palpation and dissection of the entire genital tract of each cow made it possible to search for macroscopic pathological conditions. The average age, Body Condition Score (BCS) and weight of the animals were respectively 6.5 years; 3.1 and 261 kg. The M’Bororos breed was in the majority (66.6%). A percentage of 31.4% of cows were pregnant. The overall prevalence of pathologies of the genital organs was 51.4%, and the most represented were anestrus (19.6%), mucometra (10.8%), metritis (7.2%) and ovarian cysts (2.8%). Significant associations were observed between thin body condition (1-2) and anestrus, age range of 4-8 years and metritis and ovarian cysts. Anestrus, mucometra, metritis and ovarian cysts were the major pathologies responsible for infertility in cows and thin females, aged 4 to 8 years, were more sensitive.
Keywords: Cow, Genital pathologies, Slaughterhouse, Yaounde, Cameroo