Moroccan Journal of Agricultural Sciences
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Valorization of orange peels as a source of natural antioxidants from pectin-extracted compounds
Full text linkCitrus peels, a major by-product of the fruit industry, are rich in pectic polysaccharides with potential bioactive properties. This study aimed to extract and characterize pectin from orange peels and to evaluate its physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential. The extracted pectin was analyzed for its physicochemical characteristics, and its antioxidant potential was assessed using three in vitro assays: DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. The extraction yielded 19.0% dry material, with moisture (13.0%), ash (10.3%), total sugars (16.3%), and protein content (0.10%). Phytochemical analysis showed low levels of polyphenols (1.17 mg GAE/g DM), flavonoids (0.55 mg QE/g DM), and condensed tannins (0.10 mg CE/g DM). Despite these low phenolic contents, the pectic extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, with IC₅₀ values of 2.32, 2.00, and 1.85 mg/mL, respectively. These findings indicate that orange peel pectin is a promising natural antioxidant source with potential applications in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, promoting the sustainable valorization of citrus by-products.
Keywords: Orange peel, Pectin, Extraction, Antioxidant activity, DPPH, ABTS, Citrus by-product
Ethnozoological knowledge of reptile species involved in international trade: implications for sustainable conservation in Benin
Full text linkThe objective of this work is to assess the evolution of international trade in reptile species in relation to their state of conservation at the national level. The study was carried out in southern Benin precisely in the municipalities with release sites. The sampling method used is the technique of stratified random sampling. The ethnozoological knowledge was therefore evaluated by a survey of healers, hunters, farmers. Various ethnozoological parameters were determined for each target reptile species. The target species are those regularly and legally exported over two decades. These species are locally known and there is a diversity of local names reinforced by a high ethnic coverage rate (TCE). The informants have a very good homogeneity of knowledge (IE >= 0.5) and a diversity of uses of reptiles in the study area is noticed. A total of thirty-two (32) uses were obtained, of which meat consumption (95%) is the most important. This confirms the fact that the endogenous values relating to reptile species are increasingly abandoned in favor of food uses. Note also that of all the types of specimens cited, only the whole animal is used much more. This confirms the drastic regression of reptile populations.
Keywords: Reptile species, CITES-Benin, Endogenous knowledge, Conservatio
Impact of heat stress on milk production performance of cattle in the suburban area of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Full text linkThis study aims to assess the impact of heat stress on milk production of cattle under sudano-guinean climate in the suburban area of the city of Ngaoundere (Cameroon). It was carried out on 98 cattle of different breeds and sexes in order to determine their stress situation by measuring the level of cortisol in their blood plasma and by calculating the temperature-humidity index (THI). It was seen that, about half of the cattle (49.0%) are under stress according to their cortisol level (higher than 11.7 ng/ml). Gudali (75.9%) and Holstein (41. 7%) were more stressed than Montbeliard (38.2%) and cross breeds (34.8%). Females (54.3%) were more stressed than males (23.5%). Gudali and Montbeliard cattle were more susceptible to heat stress with a higher THI mean (70.4) than Holstein (69.5) and crossbreeds (68.9). There was a significant difference in THI among breeds whereas no difference in THI between sexes was observed. Stressed cows have lower daily milk production (7.81 L) than unstressed cows (19.9 L). Meanwhile, milk production decreases as THI increased.
Keywords: Dairy cows, heat stress, cortisol, temperature-humidity index, Cameroo
Impact of Moringa oleifera on anemia
Full text linkAnemia is a widespread global health issue, affecting over two billion individuals, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Vulnerable populations such as children under five and pregnant women are disproportionately affected, with significant consequences for cognitive development, maternal health, and productivity. Moringa oleifera Lam., also known as the “miracle tree” or “tree of life,” has long been used in traditional medicine for its nutritional and therapeutic benefits, particularly in reducing anemia. This review evaluates clinical evidence supporting the use of Moringa oleifera as a natural therapeutic for anemia and discusses its potential advantages over conventional treatments such as iron supplements and fortified foods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, and academic books up to April 2024. Keywords included “Moringa oleifera,” “anemia,” and “clinical trials.” From an initial pool of 80 studies, 65 were excluded due to duplication or lack of relevance. The remaining 15 full-text articles were reviewed, and 12 met the inclusion criteria. Moringa was administered in various forms, including leaf powder, extracts, capsules, and fortified foods. The selected studies included 1,084 participants from diverse regions, with intervention durations ranging from 4 weeks to 6 months. Moringa oleifera supplementation led to significant improvements in anemia-related biomarkers, such as hemoglobin levels and hematological indices including hematocrit and red blood cell count. Mild gastrointestinal side effects were reported in a few cases but resolved spontaneously. Nevertheless, additional high-quality studies are warranted to further evaluate the plant’s efficacy and safety.
Keywords: Moringa oleifera, Anemia, Hemoglobin, Clinical Trials, Iron Deficiency, Malnutritio
Screening of rice genotype and evaluation of their ratooning ability in Jigawa State, Nigeria
Full text linkThis study evaluated the genetic variability and ratooning ability of ten Nigerian rice genotypes under the Sudan Savanna conditions of Jigawa State, Nigeria. The experiment assessed performance differences between the main and ratoon crops using key agronomic and yield traits. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) were observed for the number of tillers, productive tillers, tiller weight, plant height, yield per tiller, yield per plant, filled grains, and harvest index in the main crop, indicating substantial genetic diversity. Most traits exhibited high heritability (56.1–96.8 %) and high genetic advance, suggesting predominance of additive gene action. Similar trends were recorded in the ratoon crop, with high GCV, PCV, and heritability for the number of ratoon tillers, productive tillers, ratoon height, spikelet fertility, and ratoon yield per plant, implying effective selection potential. Among the genotypes, FARO 44, FARO 60, and NERICA 8 displayed superior ratooning ability and the highest yield recovery (78.4 %, 77.6 %, and 72.8 %, respectively). The results demonstrate the presence of wide genetic variability and significant scope for genetic improvement through direct selection. These findings emphasize ratoon cropping as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to enhance rice productivity in northern Nigeria.
Keywords: Genetic variability, Heritability, Ratooning ability, Ric
Adoption of regenerative agricultural practices among maize farmers in Katsina State, Nigeria
Full text linkThe study examined adoption of regenerative agricultural practices among maize farmers in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 130 farmers through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit regression model. Results showed that maize farming in the area is largely practiced by middle-aged male farmers, most of whom manage small farms and rely on family labour. Farmers mainly learn about regenerative practices through friends, family members, farmer groups, and maize associations, highlighting the influence of informal networks. Adoption levels were highest for practices such as minimum tillage, organic manure application, crop rotation, and cover cropping methods that are affordable and easy to incorporate. Practices like agroforestry, irrigation, and mulching were adopted by far fewer farmers. It was found that farm size, household size, income, and age significantly influenced whether farmers adopted RAPs, showing that socioeconomic conditions shape adoption decisions. Farmers still face major challenges, including weak extension services, limited access to improved seeds, high input costs, and inadequate credit support. It can concluded that while many farmers are embracing key RAPs, improving access to quality information, reliable extension support, and affordable inputs is essential for wider and effective adoption of RAPs.
Keywords: Adoption, Farmers, Farming Systems, Katsina, Maize and Regenerative Agricultural Practice
Feeding and contact toxicity of selected botanicals and their mixtures against Spodoptera frugiperda
Full text linkA laboratory investigation was conducted to assess the feeding and contact toxicity of methanolic seed extracts of Khaya senegalensis, Hyptis suaveolens, Capsicum frutescens and Azadirachta indica and their mixtures (50:50), against the larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda. Extracts were tested at 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0% (w/v), while Emamectin benzoate (5% WDG) served as the synthetic check and distilled water + 0.1 % tween 80 as the negative control. Larval mortality was monitored for seven days, and data were corrected using Abbott’s formula. Results revealed that mixture containing of H. suaveolens and A. indica consistently produced the highest mortality in both feeding and contact assays, performing comparably to the synthetic check. The findings demonstrate that these botanicals particularly combinations involving Neem, possess potent larvicidal properties and may serve as viable components of environmentally friendly integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
Keywords: Spodoptera frugiperda, botanical extracts, feeding toxicity, contact toxicity, larval mortality, IP
Insecticidal and repellent activities of Cananga odorata leaf essential oil against Sitotroga cerealella, a post-harvest pest of rice
Full text linkRice in storage is increasingly attacked by Sitotroga cerealella, a highly destructive and economically important pest. The use of plant extracts, especially essential oils, is a natural alternative to synthetic insecticides in crop pest control. This study determined the chemical composition of the essential oil of Cananga odorata leaves and evaluated its biological properties, the insecticidal and insect repellent effect of the oil against Sitotroga cerealella. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation, and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Fumigation tests were carried out to evaluate the ovicidal, larvicidal, insecticidal and anti-oviposition properties of the oil on the insect and its insect repellent effect was determined using an olfactometer. The analysis showed that the oil contains 32 main compounds, the major ones being ?-pinene (7.0 %), lavandulyl acetate (7.2 %), caryophyllene (30.3 %), ?-humulene (13.4 %) and germacrene D (9.0 %). C. odorata essential oil showed high adulticidal toxicity with values CL50 of 0.094 ?l/mL/L air and CL90 of 0.46 ?l/mL. This oil has ovicidal and larvicidal or egg development retardant properties. It also caused strong oviposition inhibition activity with an insect repellency rate of 75.7 %. Its insecticidal effects preserved grain weight, with weight losses of no more than 0.38 % and a germination rate of paddy rice seeds of over 80 %. The essential oil from the leaves of the C. odorata can be used as an alternative to modern toxic synthetic chemicals, for protection against Sitotroga cerealella.
Keywords: C. odorata, essential oil, S. cerealella, fumigation, insecticidal, repellence, gemination, ric
Alternative control of helminthosporium leaf spot on wheat using essential oils of Origanum compactum and Thymus satureioides
Full text linkThe production of cereals in Morocco has experienced fluctuations due to various factors, including cryptogamic diseases. The control of these diseases still relies heavily on chemical products that harm the environment. The objective of this study, was to test an alternative method that improves yield and is environmentally friendly in controlling helminthosporium leaf spot disease caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, using essential oils extracted from medicinal plants. The effect of two essential oils, Origanum compactum and Thymus satureioides, was tested against helminthosporium leaf spot on four varieties of durum wheat (Triticum durum) and common wheat (Triticum aestivum). These two essential oils were applied to the aerial part at a concentration of 0.31 µl/ml for Origanum compactum essential oil and 1.25 µl/ml for Thymus satureioides essential oil. The different parameters evaluated included the types of infection, the greenness rate on the top two leaves at the flowering stage, grain weight, the number of grains per spike, and the weight of a thousand grains. The results showed that both essential oils significantly reduced disease severity by 48% and increased grain yield by an average of 25% across all varieties used. Thymus satureioides was found to be more effective than Origanum compactum, reducing the infection rate by 52% and improving productivity by 50%. These results indicate that the control of this disease can be achieved without the use of synthetic chemical products.
Keywords: Helminthosporium leaf spot, Wheat, Bipolaris sorokiniana, Alternative control, Essential oils, Origanum compactum, Thymus satureioide
Plants foraged by bees in the Luki Biosphere Reserve (DR Congo)
Full text linkMelliferous plants are plant species from which bees collect substances (nectar, pollen and resin) to feed themselves and elaborate their various productions. In order to update the knowledge of the main species of plants visited by bees in the transition zone of the Luki Biosphere Reserve in DRC, we conducted an inventory during 4 years (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021) at a rate of 4 trips per year and 2 trips per season. The inventory was carried out by eye within quadrants of 1100 m2 located in three habitats (savanna, forest and crop). The study showed the existence of a diversified flora made up of 35 foraged species, divided into 14 families. Among these, the most represented are Asteraceae (6 species), Fabaceae (5 species) and Rubiaceae (5 species). Moreover, bees were more attracted by white flowers (31.4%) followed by yellow flowers (20,0%)