ESTIMATION OF SHEA TREES (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. GAERTN.) FRUIT PRODUCTION BY ASSESSING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN YIELD PARAMETERS AND DENDROMETRIC FEATURES IN NORTHERN OF CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Vitellaria paradoxa, commonly known as the shea tree, is a tree of the family Sapotaceae and represents a traditional African food plant. It has been claimed to have the potential to improve nutrition, boost food supply, foster rural development, and support sustainable land care. Despite its multiple potentials, statistical data relating to its production are non-existent and/or unexploited in several African communities. To contrast this tendency, the present study aims to assess the intra-seasonal variation in fruit production of a sample of 115 shea trees and then to establish a correlation between yield parameters and several dendrometric features. Dendrometric (i.e. tree height, trunk girth, and crown basal area) and pomological (i.e. fruit and nut length and width) parameters, as well as yield parameters by monitoring daily fallen fruit from each sampled shea tree, carried out for five years consecutively, were considered for this study. The results showed inter-year fluctuation of shea fruit/nut number and shea fruit/nut weight. In addition, the results showed a significant increase in the annual average of shea fruit/nut yield per tree and as well per girth and/or crown basal area interval class, randomly generated by Sturge and Yule's formula. Interestingly, potentially high producing trees emerged within each considered interval class. Then, observed intraclass variation between trees determining shea yield can be exploited in selecting elite shea trees

Évaluation de la qualité des noix de cajou (Anacardium occidentale L.) produites dans le département de Korhogo en Côte d’Ivoire

La qualité des noix brutes de cajou est un facteur déterminant dans la fixation de leurs prix d’achat et de vente. L’objectif de cette étude est d’évaluer la qualité des noix de cajou afin de contribuer à l’amélioration des traitements post-récoltes desdites noix et la revalorisation des revenus des planteurs. Sur 208 échantillons du département de Korhogo, les paramètres de qualité ont été déterminés selon la norme ivoirienne PNI 4595. La valeur minimale des taux d’humidité moyens est 5,6±1,4% tandis que la valeur maximale est 5,8±1,8% avec une moyenne globale de 5,7±1,8%. Les grainages moyens sont 182±13 noix/kg, 179±13 noix/kg, 180±15 noix/kg, 179±12 noix/kg et 181±12 noix/kg respectivement pour les zones 1 ; 2 ; 3 ; 4 et 5 avec une valeur moyenne de 180±13 noix/kg. Concernant les taux de défauts moyens, ils varient entre 11,96±4,59% et 13,90±5,65% avec pour moyenne générale 13,10±5,08%. Les valeurs de l’out-turn oscillent entre un minimum de 44,87±3,65 lbs et un maximum de 45,90±2,62 lbs avec une moyenne globale de 45,42±2,78 lbs. Les proportions de noix de bonne qualité sont 54%, 66%, 64%, 64% et 69% respectivement pour les zones 1 ; 2 ; 3 ; 4 et 5 avec une proportion globale de 64%. La qualité des noix de cajou produites dans le département de Korhogo, est moyennement bonne. English title: Assessment of the quality of cashew nuts (Anacardium occidental L.) produced in the division of korhogo in Côte d’Ivoire The quality of raw cashews is a determining factor in setting their buying and selling prices. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of cashew nuts in order to contribute to the improvement of post-harvest treatments of said nuts and the revaluation of the income of the growers. On 208 samples, from the division of Korhogo, the quality parameters were determined according to the Ivorian standard PNI 4595. The minimum value of the average moisture contents is 5.6±1.4% while the maximum value is 5.8±1.8% with 5.7±1.8% as the overall average of the division of Korhogo. The average grainings are 182±13 nuts/kg, 179±13 nuts/kg, 180±15 nuts/kg, 179±12 nuts/kg and 181±12 nuts/kg respectively for zones 1; 2; 3; 4 and 5 with an average value of 180±13 nuts/kg. Concerning the average defect rates, they vary between 11.96±4.59% and 13.90±5.65% with the general average being 13.10±5.08%. The out-turn values fluctuate between a minimum (44.87±3.65 lbs) and a maximum (45.90±2.62 lbs). The average of this parameter in the division of Korhogo is 45.42±2.78 lbs. The proportions of good quality nuts are 54%, 66%, 64%, 64% and 69% respectively for areas 1; 2; 3; 4 and 5 with an overall proportion of 64%. The quality of the cashew nuts produced in the Korhogo division is moderately good

IMPACT OF SOME CLIMATIC AND PHENOLOGICAL PARAMETERS ON THE CALLOGENESIS AND SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS VARIATIONS IN COCOA

Callogenesis and somatic embryogenesis (SE) are influenced by several factors including climate and phenology. To assess such an influence, the percentage of callogenesis and SE variations depending on five climatic and two phenological parameters was measured for 2 years. Staminodes and petals from six hybrids and two clones as controls were cultured in bulk, onto three distinct calli induction media only differing in hormonal concentrations. From the results, it emerged that sole leaves flush does not vary from year to year. Maximal temperature and flowering level are the most stably linked. Non-linear regression provides the best R2-values of fitted curves. This shows that the link among climate, phenology, callogenesis and SE is not linear. In the first year, in control clones, climatic and phenological parameters explain 52.80% callogenesis variations, against 31.50% for SE. Therefore, climate and phenology significantly influence callogenesis, but not SE. For further industrial production of secondary metabolites such as butter, theobromin and chocolate aroma from calli, it would be desirable also to identify the favourable periods for calli production. Nevertheless, somatic embryos will continue to be produced all the year irrespective of period.La callogen\ue8se et l\u2019embryogen\ue8se somatique (ES) sont influenc\ue9s par plusieurs facteurs dont le climat et la ph\ue9nologie. Pour \ue9valuer une telle influence, le pourcentage de callogen\ue8se et d\u2019ES expliqu\ue9 par 5 param\ue8tres climatiques et 2 param\ue8tres ph\ue9nologiques a \ue9t\ue9 mesur\ue9 durant 2 ann\ue9es. Les staminodes et les p\ue9tales pr\ue9lev\ue9s sur 6 hybrides et 2 clones t\ue9moins ont \ue9t\ue9 cultiv\ue9s en vrac, sur 3 milieux distincts d\u2019induction de la callogen\ue8se se diff\ue9renciant par leurs concentrations hormonales. Il est ressorti des r\ue9sultats que seul le rythme des pouss\ue9es foliaires ne varie pas significativement d\u2019une ann\ue9e \ue0 l\u2019autre. La temp\ue9rature maximale et le niveau de floraison sont les plus stablement corr\ue9l\ue9s. Le mod\ue8le non lin\ue9aire fournit les meilleurs coefficients de d\ue9termination R2. Ceci montre que le lien entre le climat, la ph\ue9nologie, la callogen\ue8se et l\u2019ES n\u2019est pas lin\ue9aire. La premi\ue8re ann\ue9e chez les 2 clones t\ue9moins, les param\ue8tres climatiques et ph\ue9nologiques expliquent 52,80 % des variations de la callogen\ue8se, contre 31,50 % pour celles d\u2019ES. En cons\ue9quence, le climat et la ph\ue9nologie influencent significativement la callogen\ue8se, mais non l\u2019ES. Pour la production industrielle ult\ue9rieure de m\ue9tabolites secondaires tels que le beurre, la th\ue9obromine et l\u2019arome de chocolat \ue0 partir des cals, il serait souhaitable d\u2019identifier \ue9galement des p\ue9riodes favorables \ue0 la production des cals. N\ue9anmoins, les embryons somatiques continueront d\u2019\ueatre produits toute l\u2019ann\ue9e sans tenir compte de la p\ue9riode

Etat Des Lieux Et Gestion Des Semences Des Principales Céréales Cultivées Au Nord De La Côte d’Ivoire

The survey aims at assessing current managing status of organizations involves in the conservation of local genetic diversity of rice, maize, sorghum and pearl millet in seedbanks located in northern Côte d’Ivoire. An investigation was conducted with 100 respondents in charge of cereal seedbanks managing from Ferkessedougou and Ouangolodougou areas. The results at regional scale revealed two co-existing informal and formal systems for seedbanks management in these areas. The farmers’ seedbanks system or informal system was the main source of cereal seed supply for farmers and more important than the national or formal seedbank system. Only, farmers’ seedbanks of two crops, rice and maize were found in visited localities. The management of these farmers’ seedbanks was enabled by associations or cooperatives gathering more men (78.27%) than women (21.73%). Ninety percent (90%) of respondents were identified as saving 1 to 3 traditional varieties of cereal in these seedbanks managed by farmers in the studied region. The reveled difficulties in the farmers’ seedbanks management appeared mainly as informally organized seed system that must be a complementary approach to formal system or national seed system for genetic diversity preservation of local cereal varieties and also as a distribution channel of improved cereal varieties

Réussir le « greffage en fente simple » et le « greffage de côté dans l’aubier » du karité

Objectif: Dans le cadre de la gestion et de l’exploitation durable des ressources génétiques de karité le programme d’amélioration du karité de l’Université Peleforo Gon Coulibaly (UPGC) de Korhogo en Côte d’Ivoire développe des technologies agroforestières prometteuses.Méthodologie et résultats: Ainsi, la technique de greffage du karité est diffusée pour améliorer la productivité des peuplements existants et fournir du matériel végétal haut producteur pour l’installation de véritables plantations de karité. Pour réaliser le greffage, les greffons sont prélevés sur des arbres élites de karité préalablement identifiés afin de les multiplier par greffage sur des porte-greffes en pépinière ou en milieu naturel. Sur l’ensemble des techniques de greffage disponibles dans le règne végétal, les techniques de « greffage en fente simple » et « greffage de côté dans l’aubier », plus accessibles au monde rural, sont décrites.Conclusion: En Côte d’Ivoire, lorsque ces deux techniques de greffes sont appliquées aux jeunes plants de karité en pépinière et au champ des taux de réussite élevés (jusqu'à 85%) sont enregistrés.Mots clés: Karité, greffage en fente simple, greffage de côté dans l’aubier, Côte d’IvoireEnglish AbstractObjective: For sustainable management and exploitation of Shea tree genetic resources, the Shea research program of Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University (UPGC) of Korhogo in Côte d’Ivoire develops an innovate agroforestry technology through grafting methods.Methodology and results: This Shea grafting technique aimed to improve the productivity of existing agroforestry parks and to provide improved plant material for Shea tree plantations. To achieve the grafting, the grafts are collected on elite Shea trees previously identified and then multiplied them by grafting on rootstock in nursery or natural habitat. From plant grafting methods "simple slot grafting" and "lateral in sapwood grafting" techniques, more accessible to the farmers, are described.Conclusion and application of results: In Côte d’Ivoire, highest rates (until 85%) are reached when these both grafting techniques are applied to the young Shea plants in nursery and field:Keywords: Shea tree, simple crack grafting, lateral in sap-wood grafting, Côte d’Ivoir

ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIOXIDANT, CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF COLA ACUMINATA USED IN BENIN

Objective: The aim of this study was to make a phytochemical screening and measure some biological activities of Cola acuminata's seeds and leaves extracts.Methods: The secondary metabolite was detected by the method based on coloring and precipitation differential reactions. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed in vitro by the macrodillution and solid medium agar diffusion method. 2,2-diphényl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the tested extracts of which larval cytotoxicity was studied.Results: Our data revealed that the seeds contain more polyphenols than the leaves. The seeds extracts displayed a good antibacterial activity against both reference strains and food Staphylococcus strains. The inhibition diameters varied from 7±2.82 to 21.5±4.94 mm. The smallest Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) on the food strains (0.08 mg/ml) is twice less than the reference strains one (0.15 mg/ml), this observation is contrary to the Minimum Bactericidal concentrations (MBC). Susceptibility of fungal strains varies according to the extracts (p = 0.0016). The seeds ethyl acetate extracts had the best antioxidant activity with DPPH and ABTS methods. The Lethal Doses (LD50) showed that no extract was toxic.Conclusion: Cola acuminata seeds are richer than the leaves in compounds with biological activities. These two organs have interesting antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant activity variables depending to the extracts. The seeds have better biological activity than the leaves.Â

Morphological traits and sustainability of plus shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn.) in Côte d'Ivoire

peer reviewedDescription of the subject. Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn.) is an essential component of natural/semi-natural savannas and agroforestry systems of Africa. It contributes to local household incomes and represents an important cash crop for export. It is important to improve our knowledge about the viability and genetic diversity of “plus shea tree” (PST: shea trees whose genetic superiority has not yet been proven by an appropriate progeny test) genotypes to conserve the genetic diversity of the species and the potential for producing improved species. Objectives. We characterized the diversity of an in situ PST collection in Côte d’Ivoire and evaluated its long-term sustainability. Method. Twelve qualitative morphological traits were studied on 220 PSTs randomly sampled among 405 PSTs also randomly selected from in situ collections in the Bagoué and Tchologo districts of northern Côte d’Ivoire to assess in situ conservation sustainability. Results. Most qualitative morphological traits were highly diverse based on the Shannon diversity index (0.55-0.98 range) with significant differences between districts. Hierarchical ascending classification gathered the PSTs into three groups. The lack of sustainability of the in situ collection for long-term conservation of the species was confirmed because it is endangered by a high mortality rate (8.15% after three years) and high levels of infestation by Loranthaceae (83.68%). Conclusions. We recommend the establishment of an ex situ collection of shea trees managed by a research organization to preserve this important genetic heritage. To maximize the genetic diversity of the future ex situ collection, we suggest establishing a core collection based on molecular diversity characterized from molecular markers, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)

Activités analgésique, antiinflammatoire et antipyrétique d’un extrait aqueux des tourteaux de la pomme de cajou (Anacardium occidentale L.): Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of an aqueous extract of cashew apple cake (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Les anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens (AINS), bien qu’efficients, provoquent des ulcères, des insuffisances rénales, des bronchospasmes et des hépato-toxicités chez certains patients. Dans le cadre de la recherche d’une alternative à l’utilisation de ces molécules de synthèses, les agro-ressources notamment la pomme de cajou, contenant des molécules bioactives d’intérêts pharmacologiques, pourrait être d’une utilité réelle. Ainsi, il s’est agi au cours de ce travail, d’évaluer les effets de l’extrait aqueux des tourteaux de la pomme de cajou (CAJ) sur la douleur, l’inflammation et la fièvre. L’activité analgésique a été évaluée sur la douleur induite par injection de l’acide acétique chez la souris. L’activité anti-inflammatoire a été quant à elle, évaluée sur un modèle d’oedème induit par injection de la carragénine sous l’aponévrose plantaire de la patte postérieure droite du rat. S’agissant de l’activité antipyrétique, elle a été évaluée chez la souris rendue hyperthermique par la levure de bière injectée dans la zone dorsolatérale. CAJ pour des concentrations comprises entre 75 mg/Kg PC et 150 mg/Kg PC, diminue significativement les contorsions induites par l’acide acétique, chez la souris. En présence de la naloxone, cet effet protecteur de CAJ, diminue de 6,9% à 7,07%, valeurs non significatives. Au bout de quatre heures, CAJ, réduit l’hyperthermie provoquée par la levure de bière chez la souris. CAJ pour des concentrations allant de 100 mg/Kg PC à 300 mg/Kg PC, diminue l’augmentation de l’oedème de la patte du rat. Ces résultats montrent que CAJ possède des activités analgésiques périphériques, antipyrétiques et anti-inflammatoires. Il pourrait être, de ce fait un atout en médecine traditionnelle. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), although effective, cause ulcers, renal failure, bronchospasm and hepatotoxicity in some patients. In the context of the search for an alternative to the use of these synthetic molecules, agro-resources, in particular cashew apples, containing bioactive molecules of pharmacological interest, could be of real use. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of this apple cake (CAJ) on pain, inflammation and fever. The analgesic activity was evaluated on pain induced by acetic acid injection in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on a model of edema induced by injection of carrageenan under the plantar fascia of the right hind leg of rats. The antipyretic activity was evaluated in mice made hyperthermic by brewer's yeast injected in the dorsolateral zone. CAJ for concentrations between 75 mg/Kg BW and 150 mg/Kg BW, significantly reduces acetic acid-induced contortions in mice. In the presence of naloxone, this protective effect of CAJ, decreases from 6.9% to 7.07%, non-significant values. After four hours, CAJ, reduces brewer's yeast-induced hyperthermia in mice. CAJ for concentrations ranging from 100 mg/Kg BW to 300 mg/Kg BW, decreases the increase in edema of the rat paw. These results show that CAJ has peripheral analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it could be an asset in traditional medicine

IMPACT OF SOME CLIMATIC AND PHENOLOGICAL PARAMETERS ON THE CALLOGENESIS AND SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS VARIATIONS IN COCOA

Callogenesis and somatic embryogenesis (SE) are influenced by several factors including climate and phenology. To assess such an influence, the percentage of callogenesis and SE variations depending on five climatic and two phenological parameters was measured for 2 years. Staminodes and petals from six hybrids and two clones as controls were cultured in bulk, onto three distinct calli induction media only differing in hormonal concentrations. From the results, it emerged that sole leaves flush does not vary from year to year. Maximal temperature and flowering level are the most stably linked. Non-linear regression provides the best R2-values of fitted curves. This shows that the link among climate, phenology, callogenesis and SE is not linear. In the first year, in control clones, climatic and phenological parameters explain 52.80% callogenesis variations, against 31.50% for SE. Therefore, climate and phenology significantly influence callogenesis, but not SE. For further industrial production of secondary metabolites such as butter, theobromin and chocolate aroma from calli, it would be desirable also to identify the favourable periods for calli production. Nevertheless, somatic embryos will continue to be produced all the year irrespective of period.La callogenèse et l’embryogenèse somatique (ES) sont influencés par plusieurs facteurs dont le climat et la phénologie. Pour évaluer une telle influence, le pourcentage de callogenèse et d’ES expliqué par 5 paramètres climatiques et 2 paramètres phénologiques a été mesuré durant 2 années. Les staminodes et les pétales prélevés sur 6 hybrides et 2 clones témoins ont été cultivés en vrac, sur 3 milieux distincts d’induction de la callogenèse se différenciant par leurs concentrations hormonales. Il est ressorti des résultats que seul le rythme des poussées foliaires ne varie pas significativement d’une année à l’autre. La température maximale et le niveau de floraison sont les plus stablement corrélés. Le modèle non linéaire fournit les meilleurs coefficients de détermination R2. Ceci montre que le lien entre le climat, la phénologie, la callogenèse et l’ES n’est pas linéaire. La première année chez les 2 clones témoins, les paramètres climatiques et phénologiques expliquent 52,80 % des variations de la callogenèse, contre 31,50 % pour celles d’ES. En conséquence, le climat et la phénologie influencent significativement la callogenèse, mais non l’ES. Pour la production industrielle ultérieure de métabolites secondaires tels que le beurre, la théobromine et l’arome de chocolat à partir des cals, il serait souhaitable d’identifier également des périodes favorables à la production des cals. Néanmoins, les embryons somatiques continueront d’être produits toute l’année sans tenir compte de la période