Morphological diversity among local and introduced maize (Zea mays L.) varieties in Haiti for yield improvement

Maize, the cereal with the largest production in the world, is a staple crop in many developing countries includingHaiti. Even if Haiti is the second maize consumer in the Caribbean region, its national yield is low and alleged ofaflatoxin contamination. In order to increase grain yield, three introduced and two local maize varieties (theseused as comparative control) were evaluated. Three field trials were carried out at Torbeck and Morne Briller (Port-Salut) during different growing seasons. Experiments were designed in a three-replicate randomized block. Eachexperimental plot was 3.50 m per 10.5 m with a gross area of 36.75 m2 and 40 000 plants/ha densities. The trialswere carried out according to local agricultural practices. The results revealed that the introduced varieties hada smaller yield than the local ones. Moreover, all varieties showed some aflatoxin content below the EuropeanUnion limit (5μg/Kg). Statistical analyses showed a strong and direct correlation between yield and ear weightand an inverse correlation between yield and male and female flowering day after sowing. The broad phenotypicdiversity suggested a rich reserve of alleles to exploit in a breeding program focused to improve food security inHaiti

Moringa oleifera Seeds and Oil: Characteristics and Uses for Human Health

Moringa oleifera seeds are a promising resource for food and non-food applications, due to their content of monounsaturated fatty acids with a high monounsaturated/saturated fatty acids (MUFA/SFA) ratio, sterols and tocopherols, as well as proteins rich in sulfated amino acids. The rapid growth of Moringa trees in subtropical and tropical areas, even under conditions of prolonged drought, makes this plant a reliable resource to enhance the nutritional status of local populations and, if rationalized cultivation practices are exploited, their economy, given that a biodiesel fuel could be produced from a source not in competition with human food crops. Despite the relatively diffuse use of Moringa seeds and their oil in traditional medicine, no pharmacological activity study has been conducted on humans. Some encouraging evidence, however, justifies new efforts to obtain clear and definitive information on the benefits to human health arising from seed consumption. A critical review of literature data concerning the composition of Moringa oil has set in motion a plan for future investigations. Such investigations, using the seeds and oil, will focus on cultivation conditions to improve plant production, and will study the health effects on human consumers of Moringa seeds and their oil