In vitro efficacy of some fungicides for the management of Rice Blast Pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae

Fungicides are used in agriculture for the management of plant diseases for effective food production. In this study, we conducted an in vitro experiment using three synthetic fungicides on mycelium growth of Magnaporthe oryzae. Among the tested fungicides, percent mycelial growth inhibition was higher in Contaf 100 % concentration (86.1%) followed by Contaf 50 % concentration (85.0 %). The least inhibition was observed in Raksha 50% concentration with 43.3% inhibition. We also evaluated the effect of seed dressing chemicals on the percentage germination of rice seeds. The results showed that all seeds treated had over 80 % germination at 7 days after sowing (DAS) compared to untreated (control) seeds which had only 65 % germination. Germination was higher (85 %) at 7 days after sowing, with seeds treated with Raksha, followed by Star-dress with 84 % while the least germination was observed with the seeds treated with Apama plus 81 %. Furthermore, the impact of seed dressing chemicals on the rice seedling vigor was also evaluated. Highest seedling vigor was observed on seeds treated with Star-dress with mean seedling length of (22.5 cm) which showed the highest vigor index of 1893, followed by Apama plus with mean seedling length of (22.1 cm) and a vigor index of 1792. Least seedling length of (18.9 cm) was observed with Raksha which was even lower than the control (20.4 cm). Our results suggested that fungicides can be effectively administered for the management of plant diseases to support seed germination and seedling vigor. Keywords: seed germination, seedling vigor index, seed dressing chemicals, Magnaporthe oryza

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Effect of different plant densities on growth, yield and nutritional quality of sesame (Sesamum indicum) in Morocco

A field experiment was carried out to assess the effect of plant density on growth, yield components and nutritional quality of Sesamum indicum in Taounate, Morocco. The experiment was a randomized block design using three levels of plant density: 100 104 plants ha-1, 11 104 plants ha-1, and 4 104 plants ha-1. Results showed that plant density affected the majority of measured parameters. Low plant density (4 104 plants ha-1) increased plant length (150 cm), number of capsules per plant (94.3), number of seeds per capsule (61.2), and capsules length (29.8 mm). On the other hand, seed yield, oil yield, and protein yield increased with increasing plant density. In conclusion, it is recommended to adjust the plant density to 100 104 plants per hectare under the conditions of Taounate, Morocco to achieve maximum yield with better nutritional quality. Key words: Sesamum indicum, Plant density, Growth, Yields, Nutritional qualit

Content MJAS 6(3) September 2025

Content MJAS 6(3) September 2025 Crop Production and Environment  Sabah M. ABO EL-KOMSAN, Combining ability and heterosis for flax straw and seed yield components Nadir Ali BHANGAR, Correlation and path analysis in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genotypes under heat stress condition Abd El-Hafeez ZOHRY, Samiha OUDA, Legume crops enhance water use efficiency under intercropping system with wheat Animal Production and Health  Ibrahim ADAMOU KARIMOU, Hamsatou BOUBACAR MAITOURARE, Hamani MARICHATOU, Moumouni ISSA, Prevalence and risk factors for gastrointestinal parasitosis of small ruminants at the end of the rainy season in peri-urban livestock farms in Tahoua, Niger Rim REGRAGUI, Mohamed OUKESSOU, Nadia TOUIL, Khalid BOUZOUBAA, Siham FELLAHI, Therapeutic potential of natural plant substances for the control of avian infectious bronchitis virus Crop Protection  Yahuza LURWANU , Khadeejah Sulaiman MUHD, In vitro evaluation of some plant extracts for the management of Alternaria solani causing early blight of tomato Agricultural and Rural Economics  Sanusi Mohammed SADIQ, I.P SINGH, M.M AHMAD, B.S SANI, C.U OKOROAFOR, Agri-Fintech solutions for youth: Developing financial products tailored for young Nigerian farmers Sanusi Mohammed SADIQ, I.P SINGH, M.M. AHMAD, B.S SANI, Women and carbon farming cooperatives: A model for climate-smart agriculture Sanusi Mohammed SADIQ, I.P SINGH, M.M AHMAD, B.S SANI, Mechanization and Extension Services in the Era of Buharinomics: Myth or Momentum? Nutrition and Food Technology  Kawtar FARIH, Alexander LUNGOWE , Majid MOUNIR, Biotechnological valorization of citrus sorting rejects into bioethanol and acetic acid using indigenous microorganisms in Morocc

Essential Oils: Antifungal activity and study methods

Essential oils (EOs) are natural, volatile compounds extracted from plants, known for their diverse biological properties, including potent antifungal activity. This review explores the antifungal mechanisms of EOs, their efficacy against human and plant fungal pathogens, and their applications in medicine, agriculture and food preservation. EOs disrupt fungal cell membranes, inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis, induce oxidative stress and interfere with mitochondrial function and enzymatic pathways, leading to fungal cell death. Their broad-spectrum activity makes them promising alternatives to conventional antifungals, particularly in the face of rising antifungal resistance. Synergistic effects with conventional drugs, such as azoles and polyenes, further enhance their therapeutic potential. However, challenges such as variability in composition, stability, sensory impact and regulatory hurdles limit their widespread adoption. Advanced delivery systems, including nano-encapsulation and emulsification, are being explored to improve EO stability and efficacy. In agriculture, EOs show promise as biocontrol agents against crop pathogens, while in food preservation, they inhibit spoilage fungi and extend shelf life. Future research should focus on optimizing EO formulations, conducting in vivo and clinical studies, and developing regulatory frameworks to facilitate their integration into mainstream applications. By addressing these challenges, EOs can emerge as safe, sustainable and effective antifungal agents, offering innovative solutions across multiple industries. Keywords: Antifungal activities, essential oils, study method

Food safety and blockchain in agribusiness

Food safety is a critical concern globally, with increasing consumer demand for transparency in the supply chain. Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative solution to enhance traceability, accountability, and efficiency in agribusiness. This review explores the intersection of food safety and blockchain, examining recent advancements, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and real-world applications. It discusses challenges, policy implications, and recommendations for broader adoption in agribusiness systems. Keywords: Agribusiness, Blockchain, Food safet

Prevalence and risk factors for gastrointestinal parasitosis of small ruminants at the end of the rainy season in peri-urban livestock farms in Tahoua, Niger

In the Sahelian regions of Niger, gastrointestinal parasites are considered one of the main causes of suboptimal productivity in small ruminants. This study aims to analyze the groups of gastrointestinal parasites involved, the factors influencing variations in parasite load, and their prevalence. The methodology was based on a questionnaire survey conducted in nine (9) villages and a coprological analysis carried out using the Mac Master method on 270 faecal samples from caprine and ovine species. Logistic regression was used to highlight the risk factors associated with each type of parasitism encountered. The most widespread farming system was still traditional, with feed based mainly on natural grazing. The coprological results identified a prevalence of nematode eggs (79.3%), cestodes (7.8%), coccidian oocytes (58.9%) and co-infection of 49.3%. Average parasitic egg excretions were quantified as follows: 1,527 nematode eggs/g faeces, 928 cestode eggs/g faeces and 3,485 coccidian oocytes/g faeces. These parasite loads and their prevalences varied significantly according to species, breed, sex, age, body condition, and the nature of the water source used to water the animals. These animal-related characteristics were the main risk factors for parasitosis, and their impact was highly significant. The extent of the parasite infestation reported in this study opens up the question of how to manage gastrointestinal parasitism on our farms, which has hitherto been considered a minor disease. Keywords: Parasitosis, Co-infection, Risk factors, Breeding practices, Small ruminant

Correlation and path analysis in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genotypes under heat stress condition

This 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

In vitro evaluation of some plant extracts for the management of Alternaria solani causing early blight of tomato

Tomato 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

Biotechnological valorization of citrus sorting rejects into bioethanol and acetic acid using indigenous microorganisms in Morocco

The expanding citrus industry in Morocco generates large volumes of underutilized by-products and sorting rejects. Rich in fermentable sugars and bioactive compounds, these residues offer potential for biotechnological conversion. This study focused on valorizing citrus sorting rejects by isolating native microorganisms for bioethanol and acetic acid production. Juices from sorting rejects of four citrus varieties were used as fermentation substrates. Yeast and acetic acid bacteria were isolated from Moroccan sourdough and traditional vinegars, then screened for fermentation efficiency. Yeast strain L4 and acetic acid bacteria strain AV22 showed superior performance compared to a commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. L4 produced 4.03% (v/v) ethanol from Sanguinelli juice without sucrose, and 11.4% with added sucrose. The fermented must yielded 8.40 L of vinegar containing 5.56% (w/v) acetic acid in a 10 L bioreactor, and was successfully scaled up to 80 L of vinegar with 7.0% (w/v) acidity in a 500 L pilot-scale acetifier. Sensory evaluation by 51 untrained panelists confirmed the vinegar’s high acceptability. This work demonstrates the potential of indigenous strains in converting citrus waste into value-added products, promoting sustainable waste management and circular bioeconomy practices. Future research will focus on process optimization, scaling up, and co-product recovery to improve economic feasibility. Keywords: Yeast, acetic acid bacteria, bioethanol, acetic acid, citrus by-products, screening, fermentation, citrus vinegar, waste valorizatio