CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME ALGERIANS AND FOREIGN LENTIL ACCESSIONS BY QUALITATIVE TRAITS

In the present study an attempt has been made to characterize lentil accessions based on qualitative traits. There were variations among 44 lentil accessions. Erect growth habit was observed in 24 % of the accessions where 8% were from Algeria. Conversely, prostrate growth habit was observed in 34% of the accessions. The majority of the remaining accessions (41.32%) were intermediate. Stem with anthocyanin pigmentation was showed in 44% of the accessions, whereas, 56% had no pigmentation (green stem). About half of the accessions had grey green leaves (53%) and 23% of accessions were light green. Among the characters, flower color showed the highest variation. White flowers were observed in 64% accessions and violet flowers were found in 36% accessions. Flowers, with violet stripes in the standard petal (SVE) were observed in 44% accessions and the majority (56%) lacked violet stripes. Yellow cotyledons were observed in 61% accessions, while the rest (39%) had red cotyledons. The majority of accessions (81%) were observed with brown testa while 14% were green and 5% had yellow testa. Absence of seed coat pattern was observed in 69% accessions. However, 8% accessions with spots, 5% with dots, 16% were marbled and the remaining 2% were complex. Flattened seed shape was observed in 60% of accessions. Conversely, globose shape was observed in 40% of the accessions, among of them 27% were from Algeria

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

Évaluation de la résistance de dix porte-greffes d’agrumes résistants à la tristeza vis-à-vis du déficit hydrique

Introduction. In Morocco, citriculture faces up an increasing combination of biotic (Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) / Phytophthora spp.) and abiotic stresses (salinity, alkalinity and drought). Most of these constraints should be individually managed by adapted rootstock choice. However, the spread of CTV in the Mediterranean Basin will soon prohibit the use of the traditional sour orange rootstock, which currently provides sufficient tolerance to salinity and alkalinity. Therefore, the selection of new citrus rootstocks becomes urgent. Our study sought to investigate the effect of different water regimes on growth of ten citrus rootstocks: citrange Carrizo (France), citrange Carrizo (Morocco), citrange Troyer, citrange Yuma, Citrus volkameriana; two Poncirus trifoliata of different origins, citrumelo, Mand. Sunki x Poncirus trifoliata, and Poorman. Materials and methods. For each rootstock, three months old seedlings were grown in plastic pots (0.5 L) in a greenhouse at El Menzeh, INRA, Morocco; they were subjected to three water regimes [(100%, 75% and 50%) moisture field capacity (Hcc) of the substrate]. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three treatments. The morphological parameters measured were the plant height and dry and fresh matter accumulation. Physiological parameters studied were the Relative Water Content, transpiration rates and chlorophyll, soluble sugars and proline contents. Results. The morphological and physiological parameters were affected by the intensity of water stress applied. However, rootstocks behaved differently regarding to this constraint. Water stress induced an increase in the proline and soluble sugars content in the rootstock leaves. Conclusion. Water stress significantly affects the physiological and morphological characteristics of citrus rootstocks and, in conditions of extreme water deficit (50% Hcc), a differential behavior of the rootstock was found. Based on our results, the rootstocks Carrizo citrange (Morocco) and Poorman present the best overall ability to withstand water stress

Agro-morphological variability in durum wheat landraces of Morocco

Abstract The knowledge about the extent of variability, the distribution and the relationship between descriptors within local germplasm collection are a high value for the improvement and the efficient genetic diversity maintenance and utilization of plant species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agro-morphological variability in a set of Moroccan durum wheat germplasm collection maintained in the National Gene Bank of Morocco (INRA, Settat). 467 durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) accessions comprising 444 landraces and 23 improved varieties were planted under field condition and their agro-morphological characters such as days to emergence, days to tillering, days to booting, days to head emergence, days to flowering, days to physiological maturity, plant height, thousands kernel weight, spike shape, and spike density were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis of data indicated that thousands kernel weight and plant height presented the highest coefficient of variation with 15.72% and 15.15% respectively. The two-dimensional principal coordinates analysis (2D PCOA) explained 52% of the total variance in the collection and separated the accessions into three main groups, namely, the early maturing and shorter (81 accessions), the moderately late and taller (154 accessions), and the late maturing and taller (232 accessions). The frequency distribution of spike characters showed the prevalence of the pyramidal and the dense spike with 54% and 42% respectively. The results of this study will support efforts of conservation and utilization of landraces in durum wheat breeding programmes

MOROCCAN STRAWBERRY TREE (Arbutus Unedo L.) LEAVES: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION

Strawberry tree (Arbutus Unedo L.) is one of the evergreen trees that grow spontaneously in Moroccan forests. This tall shrub is traditionally used in grazing zones of some Moroccan areas, especially during the dry season, but its value in Morocco has still been underestimated. In this paper, the nutritional composition of A. unedo leaves sample collected from seven Moroccan regions has been assessed. For this, the leaves were dried, crushed, and chemically analyzed for their proximate composition, energetic value, total and reducing sugar, and mineral composition. Results of this study suggested that samples from BniAarouse (BA) region showed the highest contents of essential nutrients such as proteins, dietary fiber, ashes, and fat with average values of 7.53, 17.89, 4.14, and 8.05 g/ 100 g of dry weight, respectively, which positively influences its consumption by small ruminants. Cluster analysis based on surveyed parameters separated the strawberries individuals into four distinct groups, providing a high variability among and within studied locations. That could be related to the diversity of the edaphoclimatic conditions between regions and to the genetic effect. The results of the present study highlighted the potential use of leaves as livestock feed, with intermediate quality, and promotes their optimal cultivation and subsequent domestication in Morocco

Chromosome-scale assembly uncovers genomic compartmentation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, the causal agent of Bayoud disease in date palm

Date palm (Phoenixdactylifera) is the most significant crop across North Africa and the Middle East. However, the crop faces a severe threat from Bayoud disease caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (FOA). FOA is a soil-borne fungus that infects the roots and vascular system of date palms, leading to widespread destruction of date palm plantations in North Africa over the last century. This is considered the most devastating pathogen of oasis agriculture in North Africa and responsible for loss of 13 million trees in Algeria and Morocco alone. In this study, we present a chromosome-scale high-quality genome assembly of the virulent isolate Foa 44, which provides valuable insights into understanding the genetic basis of Bayoud disease. The genome assembly consists of 11 chromosomes and 40 unplaced contigs, totalling 65,971,825 base pairs in size. It exhibits a GC ratio of 47.77% and a TE (transposable element) content of 17.30%. Through prediction and annotation, we identified 20,416 protein-coding genes. By combining gene and repeat densities analysis with alignment to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) 4287 isolate genome sequence, we determined the core and lineage-specific compartments in Foa 44, shedding light on the genome structure of this pathogen. Furthermore, a phylogenomic analysis based on the 3,292 BUSCOs core genome revealed a distinct clade of FOA isolates within the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC). Notably, the genealogies of the five identified Secreted In Xylem (SIX) genes (1, 6, 9, 11 and 14) in FOA displayed a polyphyletic pattern, suggesting a horizontal inheritance of these effectors. These findings provide a valuable genomics toolbox for further research aimed at combatting the serious biotic constraints posed by FOA to date palm. This will pave the way for a deeper understanding of Bayoud disease and facilitate the development of effective diagnostic tools and control measures