Identification of stable lentil genotypes through genotype by environment interactions on yield potential in Morocco

Genotype by environment (G×E) interaction study becomes essential for selecting high and stable yielding genotypes. Altogether 64 lentil genotypes representing improved varieties, landraces and advanced lines were evaluated under 6 environments for green cover, phenological characters, grain yield and 1000 seed weight. Variance analysis revealed highly significant effects of genotype, environment and genotype by environment interaction for all studied traits. The environment had the greatest effect with 75.7% of the total sum of squares. AMMI-GGE biplot identified 3 mega-environments where Z32 advanced lines were performed in the first one (E1, E4 and E5); Z33 was the best in the second mega-environment (E2 and E3), of which E2 (SAD18) was characterized as discriminating and representative environment for selecting adaptable genotypes. While VR4 and LR4 were the winning genotypes in the third mega-environment represented by E6. According to 7 stability methods, Z33, Z32, Z31, Z13 and G03 lines were the most stable and resilient in all environments. In addition, five landraces (PA6, LR4, LR10, LR6 and PA1) showed a high yielding potential that could be used as a source of genotype candidates to develop novel resilient varieties of lentils. Varieties VR9 was recommended for both favorable and unfavorable environments, VR6 for unfavorable and VR3 for favorable environment. Otherwise, genotypes were grouped into 3 clusters with 90% of similarity. The third one gathered the highest yielding genotypes (Z33 and Z32), which were the most stable that could be promoted for developing resilient varieties for climatic changing environments

On-farm conservation of Zaer lentil genetic resources

La lentille de Zaer est maintenue dans un agrosystème traditionnel qui associe le savoir local et la diversité génétique. Elle est caractérisée par une adaptation spécifique aux contraintes environnementales locales et par une notoriété en rapport avec ses qualités technologiques et organoleptiques. Cette étude vise l’identification des pratiques agricoles à l’origine du maintien de son potentiel d’adaptation et de sa typicité. Elle s’est basée sur (1) une enquête menée auprès des producteurs sur le système de production et de gestion de semences, (2) une analyse de la diversité génétique de la lentille de Zaer, et (3) la détermination de sa valeur technologique et nutritionnelle. Les résultats montrent que sa conservation in situ est liée au système de production et d’échange de semences, sa diversité génétique est structurée par typologie d’agriculteurs et par année climatique avec un polymorphisme variant de 21,7 % à 91,8 % et à ses caractéristiques organoleptiques typiques. Sa préservation in situ est renforcée par sa qualification sous un label de qualité lié à son origine géographique (IG). Mots-clés: Lentille de Zaer, savoir-faire local, diversité génétique, conservation in situ, typicité, Maroc.Zaer lentil has been on-farm conserved thanks to farmers’ knowledges and practices add to its genetic diversity. Its notoriety is related to its specific adaptation and organoleptic traits. The main objective of this study is to identify farmers’ practices that have allowed a dynamic adaptation potential and an add value on quality product. It was based on (1) farmers’ survey on seed management system, (2) Zaer lentil genetic diversity analysis using agro-morphological traits and (3) technological and nutritional analysis. The results show that the on-farm conservation of Zaer lentil is linked to its specific adaptation related to seed production and seed exchange system, to its genetic diversity (21.7 % <P<91.8 %) which depend on farmers’ category and growing season climate, and to its typical organoleptic characteristics. The adding-value of Zaer lentil under a distinctive sign of origin and quality (IG) since 2015 might strengthen its on-farm conservation. Keywords: Zaer lentil, On-farm conservation, genetic diversity, specific adaptation, typicality, Morocco &nbsp

On-farm conservation of Zaer lentil genetic resources

La lentille de Zaer est maintenue dans un agrosystème traditionnel qui associe le savoir local et la diversité génétique. Elle est caractérisée par une adaptation spécifique aux contraintes environnementales locales et par une notoriété en rapport avec ses qualités technologiques et organoleptiques. Cette étude vise l’identification des pratiques agricoles à l’origine du maintien de son potentiel d’adaptation et de sa typicité. Elle s’est basée sur (1) une enquête menée auprès des producteurs sur le système de production et de gestion de semences, (2) une analyse de la diversité génétique de la lentille de Zaer, et (3) la détermination de sa valeur technologique et nutritionnelle. Les résultats montrent que sa conservation in situ est liée au système de production et d’échange de semences, sa diversité génétique est structurée par typologie d’agriculteurs et par année climatique avec un polymorphisme variant de 21,7 % à 91,8 % et à ses caractéristiques organoleptiques typiques. Sa préservation in situ est renforcée par sa qualification sous un label de qualité lié à son origine géographique (IG). Mots-clés: Lentille de Zaer, savoir-faire local, diversité génétique, conservation in situ, typicité, Maroc.Zaer lentil has been on-farm conserved thanks to farmers’ knowledges and practices add to its genetic diversity. Its notoriety is related to its specific adaptation and organoleptic traits. The main objective of this study is to identify farmers’ practices that have allowed a dynamic adaptation potential and an add value on quality product. It was based on (1) farmers’ survey on seed management system, (2) Zaer lentil genetic diversity analysis using agro-morphological traits and (3) technological and nutritional analysis. The results show that the on-farm conservation of Zaer lentil is linked to its specific adaptation related to seed production and seed exchange system, to its genetic diversity (21.7 % <P<91.8 %) which depend on farmers’ category and growing season climate, and to its typical organoleptic characteristics. The adding-value of Zaer lentil under a distinctive sign of origin and quality (IG) since 2015 might strengthen its on-farm conservation. Keywords: Zaer lentil, On-farm conservation, genetic diversity, specific adaptation, typicality, Morocco &nbsp

Targeting resilient lentil genotypes with an adding value of nutritional quality by using AMMI and GGE biplots analysis

The current study aims to assess the impact of different genotypes, environmental conditions, and their interactions (G×E) on lentil yield and nutritive traits in various agro-ecological locations across Morocco. To achieve this, two analysis methods, Analysis of Main Additive Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI), and Genotype and Genotype by Environment (GGE) were used. The study involved evaluating sixty-four lentil genotypes in six diverse environments during the 2017–2018 and 2019–2020 seasons. Results from the analysis of variance revealed that environmental variation significantly influenced grain yield (75.7%), zinc (48.4%), and magnesium (73.3%). In contrast, genotype by environment interaction (G×E) played a more substantial role in determining protein (45.7%), iron (53.2%), and manganese (49.6%) content. The first two components explained 69.2%, 78.3%, 90.5%, 79.3%, 71.4%, and 74.3% of the variation in grain yield, protein content, iron, zinc, manganese, and magnesium, respectively. The GGE biplot analysis identified specific environments (E3 and E5) as representative and discriminative for yield, zinc, and manganese. Similarly, E3 and E4 were discriminative for iron and protein and magnesium, respectively. Seventeen lentil genotypes exhibited high performance, combining yield and nutritional quality. Notably, genotypes LN34 and VR28 performed well in the Marchouch 2019-2020 environment, while genotype LN54 excelled in the Douyet and Sidi el Aydi environments during 2019-2020. Furthermore, three advanced lines (LN34, LN58 and LN64) expressed stability in yield and most nutrient traits, outperforming released lentil varieties. These promising lines hold potential for developing novel, resilient lentil varieties with both high yield and nutritive quality

On-farm Conservation of Zaer Lentil Landrace in Context of Climate Change and Improved Varieties Competition

Abstract Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) landrace of Zaer had been on-farm conserved thanks to ingenious farmers' practices. Farmers had selected, produced and maintained their landrace to satisfy their food security, ecological and economical needs. However, the increase of drought incidence had encouraged farmers to gradual abandonment of their landrace for L 56 improved variety to increase productivity and incomes. The landrace is therefore threatened for genetic drift by climatic change, varieties innovation and economic development. The main objective of this study is to strengthen the on farm conservation of lentil landrace of Zaer through its promotion under a distinctive sign of origin and quality in accordance with national agricultural policy. Thus, the investigation is focused on analyzing (i) farmers' knowledge through field survey of 41 farmers randomly chosen across Zaer region, (ii) genetic structure of landrace as meta-population and by four geographical locations using biochemical markers (SDS-PAGE), and (iii) genetic relationship between the landrace and L 56 improved variety cultivated in Zaer. Data analysis had provide us with valuable information's on seed management according to climate and farmers' category, genetic structure of landrace as meta-population which was shaped by both natural pressures and human practices, and on seeds flow between landrace and L 56 variety that might be linked to seed acquisition, spatial organization of production field or to post-harvest seed management

Evolution from durum wheat landraces to recent improved varieties in Morocco in terms of productivity increase on detriment of grain quality

Les variétés de blé dur ont constitué jusqu’à la première moitié du siècle dernier, la principale source de production de blé marocain. Ce germoplasme local est encore cultivé dans les zones marginales, en particulier dans les montagnes et les régions sub-sahariennes. Au cours des dernières décennies du 20ème et du début du 21ème siècle, l’amélioration génétique a conduit à la création de nouveaux cultivars de blé dur hautement homogènes et plus productifs. Le présent article étudie l’évolution de la variabilité génétique des populations locales de blé dur aux variétés améliorées en termes de productivité et de qualité, en utilisant une série historique de génotypes marocains de blé dur groupés selon leur période d’inscription au catalogue officiel; “Populations locales/Anciens cultivars”, “Cultivars intermédiaires” et “Variétés améliorées”. Une amélioration significative a été réalisée dans la productivité du blé dur. Les cultivars modernes dépassent leurs prédécesseurs en termes de caractéristiques liées à la productivité. Le gain génétique a été clairement associé à une réduction du cycle végétatif et de la hauteur de la plante, permettant une réduction du rendement en paille et par conséquent, une augmentation du rendement en grains estimé à 15,4 Kg/ha/an. Cependant, les résultats ont révélé une réduction des valeurs de presque tous les caractères de qualité; -0,12 % par an pour la teneur en protéines, -0,30 % par an pour la teneur en gluten, -0,31 % par an pour la teneur en pigments jaunes et -0,19 % par an pour le taux de vitrosité. Par ailleurs, les résultats, soulignent la variabilité importante des attributs de qualité des grains chez les génotypes de populations locales. Ce germoplasme local peut être utilisé comme source de gènes de qualité dans le programme de sélection de blé dur pour développer de nouvelles variétés combinant à la fois une productivité élevée et une meilleure qualité du grain. Mots-clés: Blé dur, Populations locales, Variétés améliorées, Productivité, Qualité.Durum wheat landraces have constituted until the first half of the last century, the main source of Moroccan wheat production. This local germplasm is still cultivated in less favorable environments, particularly in mountains and sub-Saharan regions. In recent decades of the 20th and early 21st centuries, the genetic improvement had led to the release of new durum wheat cultivars highly uniform and more productive. The present paper investigates the evolution of genetic variability in terms of productivity and quality related traits using an historical series of Moroccan durum wheat genotypes grouped according to their period of release into “Landraces/ Old cultivars”, “Intermediate cultivars” and “Modern cultivars”. A significant improvement was achieved in Moroccan durum wheat productivity. Modern cultivars exceeded their predecessors in terms of productivity related traits. The genetic gain was clearly associated with a reduction in plant growth cycle and plant height lowering the straw yield which resulted in an increase of grain yield estimated to 15.4 Kg/ha/year. However, results revealed a reduction in terms of almost all quality related traits; -0.12 % per year for protein content, -0.30 % per year for gluten strength, -0.31 % per year for yellow pigment content, and -0.19 % per year for vitreousness. The results underline the important variability in grain quality attributes among landraces genotypes. This local germplasm may be used as sources of quality–improving attributes in durum wheat breeding program to develop new varieties combining both high productivity and grain quality. Keywords: Durum Wheat, Landraces, Modern Cultivars, Productivity, Quality

Assessment of contamination by organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl’s from Oualidia lagoon water (Morocco)

International audienc

Addition of Chickpea Flour in Durum Wheat Flour Makes Tortilla More Nutritious and Palatable, and Technologically Acceptable

In order to contribute to the reduction of nutritional deficiencies in Morocco, this study was undertaken to develop a healthier tortilla with higher iron and protein, while maintaining adequate technological and sensory qualities. Composite durum wheat flour enriched with 20, 25, 30, and 35% chickpea flour was assessed for nutritional, functional, and technological properties. Then, we selected two composite blends of 75:25 and 70:30 of durum wheat and chickpea flours for making tortillas to study nutritional, technological, and sensorial qualities. In addition, we studied the effects of making and cooking process and storage time. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann—Whitney tests were used for data analysis, and GraphPad Prism was used to create graphs. The results showed that composite tortilla had significantly higher nutritional value than durum wheat tortilla, and the best ratio was 30% chickpea flour. At this ratio, the results showed the best cooking time and the best yellowness, but tortilla fluffiness and puffiness decreased. Tortilla processing significantly increased protein at 30% chickpea flour, while minerals except sodium, weight, and diameter decreased. Adding 30% chickpea flour to durum wheat tortilla improved flavor. Then, storage decreased the weight resulting in decreased flexibility, and sanitary quality was lost early for 30% chickpea flour. In conclusion, adding 30% chickpea flour to durum wheat flour results in a healthier and tastier tortilla, which should be consumed fresh

Effet du système de travail du sol sur les propriétés chimiques du sol sous différents génotypes de lentille et de pois chiche

No-tillage (NT) practice as a principal component of conservation agriculture (CA) aims to improve soil quality and crop productivity. The potential advantages of crop legumes under NT system could be enhanced even further by using performant genotypes that act positively on soil nutrient availability. According to that, the current study aims to assess the postharvest soil chemical properties after harvesting some lentil and chickpea genotypes, in conventional (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems. The assessed properties include soil pH, available phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium (K), nitrate content (NO3), total nitrogen (TotN), and soil organic matter (SOM) in approximately 30 cm of depth. Sowing chickpea under NT system had significantly increased soil P, K, NO3 and TotN by 8 %, 17 %, 54 % and 13 %, respectively, while soil pH has decreased slightly by 3 %, with non-relevant effect on SOM. All soil chemical properties recorded negative correlation with soil pH. Accordingly, the best responder genotypes to NT system for chickpea crop were 71771 genotype that enhanced P and K levels by 40% and 30%, respectively, and PI269882 genotype that enhanced NO3 and TotN by 55% and 27%, respectively, likewise, PI564775 genotype enhanced K and NO3 by 17% and 80%, respectively. On the other side, the best responder genotypes to NT for lentil crop were ZR-7 genotype that enhanced P and K levels by 25% and 10%, respectively, and LR8 genotype that enhanced NO3 by 41%. In conclusion, the use of best-suited legume genotypes to no-tillage system could be a promising alternative to improve soil fertility and crop yield productivity even further.La pratique du semis direct (SD), en tant que composante principale de l’agriculture de conservation (AC), vise à améliorer la qualité des sols et la productivité des cultures. Les avantages des légumineuses cultivées sous le système SD pourraient être encore améliorés en utilisant des génotypes performants qui agissent positivement sur la disponibilité des éléments nutritifs dans le sol. Dans ce sens, la présente étude vise à évaluer les propriétés chimiques du sol après la récolte de certains génotypes de lentille et de pois chiche, dans des systèmes semis conventionnel (SC) et semis direct (SD). Les propriétés évaluées comprennent le pH du sol, le phosphore disponible (P), le potassium échangeable (K), la teneur en nitrates (NO3), l’azote total (TotN) et la matière organique du sol (MOS) à environ 30 cm de profondeur. Le semis de pois chiche sous le système SD a augmenté de manière significative le P, le K, le NO3 et le TotN du sol de 8 %, 17 %, 54 % et 13 % respectivement, tandis que le pH du sol a légèrement diminué de 3 %, avec un effet non pertinent sur la MOS. Toutes les propriétés chimiques du sol ont enregistré une corrélation négative avec le pH du sol. En conséquence, les génotypes les plus répondeurs au système SD pour la culture de pois chiche étaient le génotype 71771 qui a amélioré les niveaux de P et de K de 40 % et 30 %, respectivement, et le génotype PI269882 qui a amélioré le NO3 et le TotN de 55 % et 27 %, respectivement, de même le génotype PI564775 a amélioré le K et le NO3 de 17 % et 80 %, respectivement. De l’autre côté, les génotypes les plus répondeurs au SD pour la culture de lentille étaient le génotype ZR-7 qui a amélioré les niveaux de P et de K de 25 % et 10 %, respectivement, et le génotype LR8 qui a amélioré le NO3 de 41 %. En conclusion, l’utilisation des génotypes de légumineuses les plus adaptés au système semis direct pourrait être une alternative prometteuse pour améliorer encore davantage la fertilité des sols et la productivité des cultures