Moroccan Journal of Agricultural Sciences
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First Assessment of Mormyridae diversity and abundance in the Niger River at Niamey, Niger
Full text linkTo analyse the assessment of Mormyridae diversity and abundance in the Niamey fisheries on the Niger River, a study was conducted from August to November 2022. Fish data were collected bimonthly from artisanal fishing landings using gillnets, sparrowhawk nets, baited traps, and baited longlines. A total of 1279 individuals from fifteen species across nine genera were inventoried. Numerically, Mormyrus rume dominated the fish assemblages, comprising 29.9% of the mormyrid sub-community, followed by Marcusenius cyprinoides (15.0%), Campylomormyrus tamandua (12.9%), Marcusenius senegalensis (0.08%), Petrocephalus bovei (0.08%), and Hippopotamyrus pictus (0.16%). The Shannon-Weaver index of species diversity was moderate, reaching H' = 2.96. Major threats to the growth and survival of Mormyrids in the Niger River included overexploitation and anthropogenic disturbances such as domestic uses (e.g., ditch cleaning, clothes washing, bathing), invasion of floating plants (Echhornia crassipes), sand dragging, human waste dumping, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in adjacent agriculture. The results of this study will contribute to the design of a holistic species management scheme that includes habitat protection, species conservation, and valorisation.
Keywords: River Niger, Diversity, Characterization, Niger, Mormyrida
Efficiency of adding potato (Solanum Tuberosum) peel powder to feed in enhancing broiler physiological characteristics and productivity
Full text linkThe purpose of this study was to determine how adding varying amounts of potato peel powder to broiler diet would affect the animals' physiological and productive performance. The study used 240 Ross-308 broiler chicks that were one day old, unsexed, and kept together for seven days. After that, the chicks were divided into four treatments at random, with three duplicates of each treatment, each containing twenty chicks. They grew up on a bed of sawdust on the floor of a confined hallway. The treatments were: T1 (control, no feed addition), potato peel powder was added at a rate of 20% (T2), 30% (T3) and 40% (T4). The average total live body weight of all birds increased significantly when potato peel powder was added to their feed. Additionally, when compared to the control treatment, the cumulative weight of all birds with potato peel powder increased, and their feed consumption rate and feed conversion ratio significantly improved. The levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) significantly decreased in all treatments involving the addition of potato peel powder, while the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), globulin, albumin, and total protein significantly increased. The amount of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin concentration and hemoglobin were all significantly higher in the blood tests of birds receiving potato peel powder. We conclude that adding potato peel powder at varying rates increased some physiological and productive parameters of broiler chickens.
Keywords: Potato peel powder, feed additives in physiological traits, broile
Analysis of genetic diversity of the critically endangered Onobrychis conferta subsp. conferta using cross-genera transferability of SSR markers developed from related legume species
Full text linkThe use of transferable cross-species/genera SSR markers is an alternative strategy to ensure availability of markers in genomic resources-limited crops, such as critically endangered species. Eighteen microsatellite markers derived from the genomes of Medicago truncatula Gaertn., Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. were tested for transferability and used to study the genetic diversity of the three remaining populations of the critically endangered species Onobrychis conferta subsp. conferta, collected from their natural habitats. All pairs of primers tested were found to be polymorphic and reproducible. A total of 257 alleles were obtained from 134 loci, resulting in an average of 1.93 alleles per locus. The average number of alleles per accession was 51.4, yielding an average of 14.27 alleles per SSR marker and accession. The lowest number of alleles was recorded in O. conferta from Aïn Dyssa, with 37 alleles, while the highest was observed in O. viciifolia, with 63 alleles. Each SSR amplified 3-16 alleles. The MTIC343 primer yielded the highest number of loci (16 loci). The mean Polymorphism Information Content (PIC), Marker Index (MI), and Resolving Power (Rp) were 0.36, 2.22, and 4.58, respectively, indicating a high level of polymorphism in the studied SSR markers. UPGMA cluster analysis grouped genotypes into two main clusters in corroboration with the morphological distinction of sections. Our study demonstrated that O. conferta subsp. conferta genomes could be successfully examined using other legume SSR markers, providing a valuable tool to detect polymorphism for future genetic studies, breeding programs, and conservation strategies, addressing the lack of available SSR markers in this genus. These microsatellite loci may help to further survey the adaptive evolution and genetic variation of Onobrychis conferta conservation
In vitro and in vivo biological control of Alternaria alternata fungus by Bacillus spp. in Citrus fruit
Full text linkAlternaria diseases pose a significant threat to the citrus industry worldwide. They are caused mainly by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl, and considered to be one of the prevalent diseases in Morocco, affecting both the quantity and quality of citrus fruit. The use of fungicides to manage this disease poses adverse effects on human health and the environment, as well as the potential development of new resistant strains. In response, biological control methods have gained attention as an alternative to chemical treatments. In this context, this study aims to investigate the antagonistic potential of three strains of Bacillus spp. (O1, O2, O3) against two strains of Alternaria alternata (Alt1 and Alt2), and compare their efficacy with two chemical fungicides: Imazalil (IMZ) and Azoxystrobin (AZT). In vitro experiments demonstrated significant inhibition of radial growth by all three bacterial strains against both A. alternata strains. The in vitro mycelial growth inhibition was particularly notable against the first strain, reaching approximately 60%, compared to 25% for the second. In vivo trials involving artificial inoculation of 'Valencia late' orange fruits with both Alternaria strains showed that Bacillus spp. effectively reduced disease development. Bacillus sp. O3 exhibited the highest inhibition percentage at 43%, with a highly significant difference observed compared to the control. As for the fungicides, Imazalil exhibited complete in vitro inhibition of A. alternata (100%) at 0.01 ppm, whereas the applied concentrations of azoxystrobin (250 ppm, 450 ppm, and 1000 ppm) notably reduced disease severity in inoculated citrus fruits by up to 55%. The assayed strains of Bacillus spp. displayed commendable efficacy in controlling the pathogen, yielding competitive outcomes similar to the effectiveness of the two approved fungicides.
Keywords: Alternaria alternata, citrus fruit, Bacillus spp. fungicide
Response of some flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes to different soil application levels of humic acid
Full text linkTwo field trials were established during 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons at the Experimental Farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Egypt, to evaluate the response of some flax genotypes (Strain 651, Sakha 3, Sakha 5 and Giza 12) to different fertilization levels of humic acid (HA) (0, 1000, 1500 and 2000 g/fed[1]) as a soil application. Split-plot design was used for the experiment with four replicates. The main-plots were assigned to the four fertilization levels of HA and the sub-plots were allocated to the four flax genotypes. The results pointed out that using 2000 g/fed of HA treatment significantly attained the highest values of all studied characters followed by 1500, 1000 and 0 g/fed during both seasons. The results also, referred that S.651 was significantly superior to the rest of the other genotypes in technical length, fiber length, fiber percentage and fiber yield/fed within both seasons. Giza 12 recorded significantly the most beneficial results for stem diameter, straw yield/plant, straw yield/fed, fruiting zone length, seed index and seed yield/plant in both seasons. Also, Sakha 5 significantly surpassed the other genotypes in number of capsules /plant, seed yield/fed, oil percentage and oil yield/fed in the 1st and 2nd seasons. Thus, this research recommended the use of 2000 g/fed of HA with the promising strain (S.651) to obtain the highest fiber yield/fed, or with Sakha 5 to gain the highest seed and oil yield/fed in Northern Delta region of Egypt.
Keywords: Flax genotypes, humic acid, straw yield, seed yield, oil yield, fiber yield
[1] fed = feddan = 4200 m
Local perceptions, uses and conservation status of Detarium senegalense in the Dahomey Gap (West Africa)
Full text linkSeveral species, including Detarium senegalense, face exploitation without regard for conservation or regeneration status, posing a severe threat and contributing to their decline. Few studies addressed conservation strategies of Detarium senegalense. This paper aimed to document the indigenous knowledge of local communities regarding D. senegalense and its conservation status in the Dahomey Gap region. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups involving 404 participants from thirty-eight villages, representing four phytogeographic zones in the Dahomey Gap. Collected data included local names, recognition criteria, abundance measures, and uses of D. senegalense. This data supported calculations of knowledge diversity, evenness index, organ usage frequency, and vulnerability indices. The Student Newman and Keuls test were used for multiple comparisons and Correspondence Analysis examined the relationships between variables. Analysis revealed that most respondents were familiar with the species (75.0%), but only half possessed knowledge of its uses. The diversity of knowledge was unevenly distributed among the respondents (IE <0.5). Significant variations in knowledge were observed among phytogeographic zones and ethnic groups, while no substantial differences were found based on gender or age. The study identified the almond as the primary organ of interest for local populations due to its involvement in international trade. The timber obtained from the tree was also used. Natural habitats of D. senegalense were found to be in decline, with logging being identified as the main cause of habitat destruction according to 58.5% of respondents. Consequently, the vulnerability index indicated that D. senegalense is highly vulnerable in its natural environment with vulnerability indices higher than 2.5 in all phytodistricts. Considering the nutritional and medicinal value of D. senegalense, we emphasize the need to investigate structural, morphological, and molecular aspects for conservation and sustainable use.
Keywords: Detarium senegalense, endogenous knowledge, Vulnerability indices, Natural habitat, Plant organ
Impacts of sowing delay on summer corn in a Mediterranean sandy soil: Biomass production, nutrients uptake and nutritive value
Full text linkCorn is a major forage in intensive dairy systems. In northern Morocco, the production of summer corn after spring corn became a common practice. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sowing delay on the productivity, nutrient uptake, and forage quality of summer corn. An experiment was conducted during the summer of 2019. Four sowing dates (July 14, July 24, August 3, and August 13) were tested in a randomized complete block design with five replications. All the sowing dates were supplied with the same amount of nutrients. At harvest, the sowing delay induced a significant decline in biomass production for August 13 (-46%) compared to July 24. In addition, the highest stem height and stem diameter were recorded for the July 14 and July 24 sowing dates. The plant nutrients contents were similar for all the sowing dates. However, the N, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn uptake were significantly affected by the sowing dates. The lowest amount of N, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn uptake were recorded for the August 13 sowing date. Late summer sown corn appeared to use N and K less efficiently than earlier summer corn. This study can help producers to determine the appropriate sowing window for summer silage corn in the southern Mediterranean region especially in Loukkos region of Morocco.
Keywords: N, P, K, nutrient use efficiency, biomass yield, sowing date, forage qualit
Effect of supplemental irrigation on yield and water productivity of durum wheat cultivated under drip irrigation in Tadla, Morocco
Full text linkThe study of crop response to water deficit is important in areas where water resources are limited such as in Morocco. For this purpose, this study aims to assess yield and water productivity of winter wheat in response to water stress under drip irrigation systems. A field experiment was carried out at INRA Tadla experimental station during two seasons, 2014-15 and 2015-16. In addition to a rainfed regime, three water regimes represented by 100; 67 and 33 % ETc were applied each 7 days interval if rain is missing. The Karim variety used in this study is the most cultivated durum wheat variety in the region. Results showed that average grain yields varied from 3.12 T/ha under rainfed conditions to 8.90 T/ha under 100% ETc. Water use efficiency varied between 16.2 kg/mm/ha under 67% ETc to 13.4 kg/mm/ha under 33% ETc. The 67% ETc treatment was the most efficient for both growing seasons. The actual evapotranspiration (ETa) was 490 mm under 100% ETc water regime. A significant linear relationship was established between ETa and grain yield. Based on these results, it can be conclude that supplemental irrigation of durum wheat using drip irrigation is feasible and more efficient.Keywords: Durum wheat, drip irrigation, supplemental irrigation, water use efficiency, Tadla, Morocc
The Effect of in-ovo injection of anthocyanin on post-hatching traits of Ross 308 broiler chicks
Full text linkThis study investigated the effect of injecting hatching eggs with different anthocyanin concentrations on the morphological and physiological characteristics of one-day hatching chicks at two different times (days 12 and 18) of the incubation period. This study was conducted at Al-Anwar hatchery facility from 11-11-2023 to 2-12-2023. A total of 900 fertilized eggs were used for this study, divided into two groups (450 eggs each), and each group had six treatments with three replicates and 25 eggs for each replicate. The treatments were (NC) negative control, (PC) positive control (NaCl solution), and 50, 60, 70, and 80 ppm of Anthocyanin for T3, T4, T5, and T6, respectively. Results showed that hatching and embryonic mortality percentages were significantly affected in both injected dates in addition to the hatched chick weight in the second period. The percentage of dead piped chicks was significantly low on the 50-ppm anthocyanin level compared to other treatments on day 18 while no significant effect was found on day 12 of the incubation period. The highest recorded chick length was at the level of 50 ppm anthocyanin compared to the control on day 18, while on day 12, the 60 ppm anthocyanin level significantly showed the highest wing length value compared to the control. Both leg length and tonic immobility were significantly affected in both periods, especially when the anthocyanin treatments significantly increased leg length and decreased tonic immobility compared to the control treatments of the second incubation period. Significant differences were obtained between treatments on the appearance and feather condition, leg, and navel status at day 12, while at day 18, only chick activity and appearance and feather condition significantly appeared different effects between treatments.
Keywords: Anthocyanin, hatching chicks, morphological traits, in-ovo feedin
Carbon footprint of agro-industrial chains: A meta-analysis
Full text linkThe carbon footprint is one of the most important tools for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and guiding decarbonization strategies and actions at any scale. This work consists of a literature synthesis based on meta-analysis to understand the logic of the carbon footprint of agri-food products. The literature search was carried out from 2009 to 2023 and after an initial search and review, a total of 154 articles were found. Most of this work was carried out in Europe, accounting for 42%. In terms of agricultural products, milk was the most studied animal product. For crop-based products, vegetable oils and vegetable crops were the main crops subject to carbon footprint calculations. From a methodological point of view, the life cycle assessment is the most widely used approach, especially for products of animal origin. For these products, it was found that the off-farm average (0.69 ± 0.79 Kg CO2 eq/FU) is significantly lower than the on-farm average (3.02 ± 3.18 Kg CO2 eq/FU). On the other hand, correlation analysis could not establish a relationship between production factors and carbon footprint. For plant products, the industrial part generates a more important footprint (65.2 Kg CO2eq/FU ± 70.9) than the agricultural part (20.0 Kg CO2eq/FU ± 18.8). In the agricultural part, nitrogen and phosphate fertilization contribute significantly to the carbon footprint (r=0.36 and 0.55 respectively). For the industrial part, electricity contributes to the carbon footprint with a significant correlation of 0.52.
Keywords: Carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization strategies, agri-food products, meta-analysi