Moroccan Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Effect of supplemental irrigation on yield and water productivity of durum wheat cultivated under drip irrigation in Tadla, Morocco

Bassou BOUAZZAMA, Mohamed BOUTFIRASS, Abdeljebbar BAHRI, Hanae LEHAMAOUI — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The 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, Morocco

Impacts of sowing delay on summer corn in a Mediterranean sandy soil: Biomass production, nutrients uptake and nutritive value

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Corn 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 quality

Evaluation of intercropping sesame in different planting densities with peanut grown within orange trees under deficit irrigation

Yaser A. A. HEFNY, samiha OUDA — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

A field experiment was carried out during 2018 and 2019 summer seasons to test the interaction effect between two deficit irrigation treatments (DI1=100% ETo, DI2=80% ETo), plus control (FI= 120% ETo) and three planting densities (PD) of intercropped sesame (CS1=20% PD, CS2=40% PD, CS3= 60% PD) with peanut (100% PD) interplanted within orange trees on land and water productivities, as well as on farmer’s profit. The results showed that the highest peanut and orange yields were obtained under application of FI-CS1 and the highest yield of sesame and its components were obtained under application of FI-CS3. Irrigation with DI1 slightly reduced the yield of the three crops, whereas irrigation with DI2 highly reduced the yield of the three crops. The highest value of land equivalent ratio (LER), water equivalent ratio (WER), farmer’s total return and monetary advantage index were obtained under application of FI-CS1, with slight reduction under DI1 and high reduction under DI2. This study recommends orange farmers to interplant the sesame-peanut intercropping system (CS1) within young orange trees for additive farmer profitability and increasing LER and WER under either irrigation with FI or DI1.

Keywords: Land equivalent ratio, water equivalent ratio, farmer return, monetary advantage index

Response of some flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes to different soil application levels of humic acid

William K.L. ABDELMASIEH, Gelan S.A. EL-YAMANEE, Ibrahim H.M. TALHA — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Two 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 1^st and 2^nd 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 m²

Plants foraged by bees in the Luki Biosphere Reserve (DR Congo)

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Melliferous 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%).

The Antibacterial effects and chicks quality response of copper nanoparticles of Japanese quail in hatching

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of nano-copper at different levels (0, 14, 16 and 18 ppm named respectively as G1, G2, G3 and G4) as antibacterial against E. coli bacteria. Each group of 100 eggs was injected with E. coli bacteria (1 ml × 10-7) and was exposed to 38°C in the hatcher. Significant increase was observed in G1 for the E. coli and total count bacteria. There was significant improvement for G5 in abnormal chicks with significant improvement for G2, G3, and G4 in addled eggs, live pipped chicks and dead pipped chicks. Significant improvement was also observed for nano copper groups in activity, general situation, appearance and feather condition, case of yolk retracted inside the abdomen, navel case and residual yolk membrane. There was a significant decrease in cholesterol, glucose, and triglyceride for the G2, G3, and G4 groups and a significant increase for the G2 group in GSH. At the same time, a significant decrease in MDA in the G2 and G3 groups and a significant increase in AST enzyme for the G1 group were observed.

Keywords: Antibacterial, nanotechnology, copper, hatching, Japanese quail

Diversity, prevalence and intensity of gastro-intestinal helminths parasitizing goats in abattoir of the Central Market of Douala

Jacques NACK, Carine Christelle YONKOU, Georges FONKWA — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Gastrointestinal parasites are among the major threats to livestock health and production. The objective of this study was to determine the diversity, the prevalence and mean intensity of gastrointestinal helminths and associated risk factors in goats in abattoir of Douala-Cameroon central market. The digestive tracts of 73 randomly selected goats were examined for helminth parasites using the standard parasitological procedure. A total of 11 species belonging to the class Nematoda (7 species), Trematoda (Paramphistomum spp) and Cestoda (3 species) were identified. The overall prevalence (93.2%) and mean intensity (26.2) was high and low respectively. The overall prevalence was significantly (p = 0.047) higher (97.8%) in females compared to males (85.7%) and not affected by the goat age (p = 0.603). The goat age and sex had no significant (p > 0.05) influence on the mean intensities of parasite species. Multiple infestations (78.1%) were more frequent (p < 0.001) than single infestations (21.9%). Moreover, helminths showed organ specificity. The infested population of goats should be targeted and treated.

Keywords: Helminths, digestive tract, goats, abattoir, Cameroon

Local perceptions, uses and conservation status of Detarium senegalense in the Dahomey Gap (West Africa)

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Several 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 organs

Alternative control of helminthosporium leaf spot on wheat using essential oils of Origanum compactum and Thymus satureioides

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The 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 satureioides

Parasitic Capabilities of Trichogrammatoidea sp. and Habrobracon hebetor for biological control of Noorda blitealis, a defoliating caterpillar of Moringa oleifera

Mamane Sani HALILOU, Ali DOUMMA — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The damage caused by Noorda blitealis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Moringa, Moringa oleifera (Capparales: Moringaceae), a very important leafy vegetable in Niger, pushes producers to excessively use synthetic chemical pesticides. The present study was carried out in the laboratory for the parasitism test and at the station for the evaluation of the dynamics of predatory arthropods. The work aims on the one hand to test the parasitic capacities of two Trichogrammatoidea parasitoids sp. and Habrobracon hebetor respectively on the eggs and on the caterpillar of N. blitealis and on the other hand to evaluate the dynamics of the abundance of predator colonies in a Moringa plot, from a biological control perspective. At the end of these activities, the results obtained made it possible to determine that the average rate of emergence of individuals from a female of Trichogrammatoidea sp., on C. cephalonica eggs is 82.3% per day of infestation, or 13.6 individuals emerged per day of infestation. While the number of adults emerged from N. blitealis eggs is 4.1 individuals emerged per day of infestation (with a rate of 62.2% per day), significantly lower compared to the emergence rate obtained eggs of C. cephalonica. We observe that a total of 32.8 individuals on average emerged from a batch of ten larvae of C. cephalonica, from a female of H. bracon significantly higher than the nine individuals emerged from a batch of ten larvae of N. blitealis. In short, H. hebetor and Trichogrammatoidea sp. do not appear to be good candidates for biological control agents against N. blitealis. The study of the dynamics of insect colonies predatory on the larvae and eggs of N. blitealis, namely, ants, spiders and mantises, shows that their populations are present on the plants of two varieties of M. oleifera almost all during the year, with abundances varying greatly from one season to another.

Keywords: Noorda blitealis, Trichogrammatoidea sp, Habrobracon hebetor, Moringa oleifera, biological control, Niger