Traditional agroecosystems as conservatories and incubators of cultivated plant varietal diversity: the case of fig (Ficus carica L.) in Morocco

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Traditional agroecosystems are known to host both large crop species diversity and high within crop genetic diversity. In a context of global change, this diversity may be needed to feed the world. Are these agroecosystems museums (i.e. large core collections) or cradles of diversity? We investigated this question for a clonally propagated plant, fig (<it>Ficus carica</it>), within its native range, in Morocco, but as far away as possible from supposed centers of domestication.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Fig varieties were locally numerous. They were found to be mainly highly local and corresponded to clones propagated vegetatively. Nevertheless these clones were often sufficiently old to have accumulated somatic mutations for selected traits (fig skin color) and at neutral loci (microsatellite markers). Further the pattern of spatial genetic structure was similar to the pattern expected in natural population for a mutation/drift/migration model at equilibrium, with homogeneous levels of local genetic diversity throughout Moroccan traditional agroecosystems.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We conclude that traditional agroecosystems constitue active incubators of varietal diversity even for clonally propagated crop species, and even when varieties correspond to clones that are often old. As only female fig is cultivated, wild fig and cultivated fig probably constitute a single evolutionary unit within these traditional agroecosystems. Core collections, however useful, are museums and hence cannot serve the same functions as traditional agroecosystems.</p

Age, Growth and Mortality of Atlantic chub mackerel, Scomber colias Gmelin, 1789 in the Mediterranean Waters of Morocco

This work is a study of growth aspects and mortality of the Atlantic chub mackerel, Scomber colia, from the Mediterranean Moroccan coast. A total of 845 specimens were collected from commercial catches in M'diq Bay, whose total length ranged between 16.4 and 35.9 cm. The length-weight relationship was W = 0.0019 TL3.4527 (r = 0.97) for the whole population. The Atlantic chub mackerel displays positive allometric growth. Otolith edge analysis indicated that opaque zones were formed between April and September and translucent ones during the remaining months of the year. The oldest individuals in the sample were 5 years old for both sexes. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated for this species were: L∞ = 37.30 cm, k = 0.26 year-1 and t0 = - 2.19 year. The difference in growth between sexes is not significant. The estimated natural mortality was 0.59 per year

FIRST VERTICAL EXPLORATION OF ORGANOMETALLIC CONTAMINATION OF SEDIMENT AT THE FISHING PORT OF SAFI (WEST OF MOROCCO)

This work investigates the level of metallic trace elements (MTEs) and organic matter (OM) vertical contamination in the sediments of the Safi fishing port (Atlantic coast of Morocco). The choice of the site, never dredged since its construction and operation, constitutes a first scientific study on a national scale. Two sampling campaigns were carried out on 40 cm deep columns of sediment. The particle size profile of the sediment was studied and the organic matter and MTEs (Cd, Cu and Zn) contents were quantified. The results showed a homogeneous sediment profile over the entire depth with a dominance of medium and fine fractions. The average contents of MTEs revealed a significant state of contamination as well as a non-uniform distribution along the column. The recorded values are several times higher than the standards established by the legislation in force for the dredging operation. In addition, the eco-toxicological risk at the port, estimated through the calculation of various pollution and ecological risk indices, seems obvious. The correlations between MTEs and OM pointed out to probably similar origin for Cd and Zn, which is different from that of Cu. On the other hand, these analyses conclude that these metals are likely to bind to ligands other than OM. In addition, and according to the HCA analysis, the high organometallic concentrations recorded the sediment column could possibly be the result of four episodes of contamination emanating from human activities inherent in the activity of the entire port since its creation. The sediments of the fishing port therefore constitute a real threat to the marine environment, as various pollutants are likely to be released during a potentially future dredging operation

Patterns of Genetic Diversity and Structure at Fine Scale of an Endangered Moroccan Endemic Tree (Argania spinosa L. Skeels) Based on ISSR Polymorphism

The preservation of the diversity of endangered populations of argan trees, in their natural habitat, is a crucial step toward their conservation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the argan trees in the wild, and to establish a phylogenetic map using DNA fingerprints. The ultimate goal was to develop a core set that would represent the existing diversity in the whole germplasm. In regard to this, 200 samples of Argania spinosa individual trees were collected from 10 different provenances in the region of Essaouira (Morocco). The genetic variation between and within these argan trees was investigated using previously described Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat markers. These markers generated a total of 149 fragments, in which 148 (99.33%) were polymorphic. The samples collected in the 'Ouled Lhaj' provenance showed the lowest diversity (% of polymorphic locus P=48.32%; genetic diversity Nei h=0.153; allelic richness A=1.483), compared to those collected in the 'Mramer' provenance (%P=68.46%; h=0.233; A=1.685). Also, the results showed a high level of genetic differentiation among provenances (AMOVA=44%, Gst=0.40), and a limited gene flow (Nm=0.73) between the provenances. In addition, these data suggested a low correlation between the genetic diversity of the tree and their respective geographical location in relation to the proximity to the littoral. Finally, a core collection of 13 genotypes that represent the essential of the detected diversity was established. The distribution pattern of this genetic diversity provides an important baseline data for the conservation strategies of argan tree species in the wild

Microsatellite markers as reliable tools for fig cultivar identification

UMR DAP, équipe AFEF; UMR DIAPC Publication Inra prise en compte dans l'analyse bibliométrique des publications scientifiques mondiales sur les Fruits, les Légumes et la Pomme de terre. Période 2000-2012. http://prodinra.inra.fr/record/256699International audienceAccurate and reliable cultivar identification of crop species is essential to ensure plant material identity for registration and for cultivar protection. In this article, we proposed six simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci as a sufficient tool to characterize fig (Ficus carica L.) germplasm in Morocco maintained in an ex situ collection. A set of 17 microsatellite loci was used to characterize 75 accessions representing eight caprifigs, 51 local accessions, 11 foreign accessions, and five accessions of unknown origin. Eighty-five alleles with a mean number of six alleles per locus were observed in 62 distinct genotypes. Suspected synonyms and homonyms were confirmed, some of which maybe resulted from somatic mutation. Based on genetic criteria, including linkage disequilibrium, discrimination power, and molecular criteria as polymerase chain reaction conditions of loci multiplexing, we proposed a key identification set using six microsatellite markers to discriminate all genotypes present in the ex situ collection. Our selected SSR loci set can be used for larger genetic studies of fig germplasm, and a similar approach can be adopted for other fruit specie

Maturity and spawning of Atlantic chub mackerel

Knowledge of reproductive parameters is necessary to understand the ecology, the population dynamics and to enable rational management of fish of economic interest. This work is a contribution to the study of some aspects of the reproductive biology of the Atlantic mackerel Scomber colias (Gmelin, 1789) in the Mediterranean Moroccan coast. The study is based on samples taken from commercial catches in M’diq Bay. The spawning period was determined following both the monthly changes of the gonadosomatic index and the histological maturity stages. The Atlantic chub mackerel spawn between November and March, with maximum activity in December

Use of morphological traits and microsatellite markers to characterize the Tunisian cultivated and wild figs ([i]Ficus carica L.)[/i]

We used 8 morphological traits and 17 simple sequence repeats loci to characterize 71 cultivated and wild Tunisian fig trees (Ficus carica L.). Significant morphological differences were inferred from leaf traits. The statistical analysis showed two major fig groups that indicated a common morphological basis. A total of 74 SSR alleles was revealed, defining 63 unique multilocus genotypes indicating a substantial genetic diversity. Based on multilocus SSR genotypes an identification key was established using MFC30, MFC3, MFC11 and MFC19 loci to identify figs. Analysis of variance components of linkage disequilibrium shown that among 136 pairs of loci, 32 present a significant gametic disequilibrium. The parameter D'(2)(IS) (0.1284) was greater than D'(2)(ST) (0.0079), a pointer of close to zero variance in total simple, and consequently the more pronounced independence of the 17 SSR loci. The majority of Ohta's variance components of linkage disequilibrium followed a pattern caused by genetic drift or a non-systematic disequilibrium profiles and natural selection occurs only for LMFC24-MFC8 pair loci in cultivated figs. Our results suggest that the morphological and SSR markers are suitable to characterize figs and should be recommended in conservation management strategy

Anti-inflammatory potential of Capparis spinosa L. in vivo in mice through inhibition of cell infiltration and cytokine gene expression

Abstract Background Several chronic inflammatory diseases are characterized by inappropriate CD4+ T cell response. In the present study, we assessed the ability of Capparis spinosa L. (CS) preparation to orientate, in vivo, the immune response mediated by CD4+ T cells towards an anti-inflammatory response. Methods The in vivo study was carried out by using the contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model in Swiss mice. Then we performed a histological analysis followed by molecular study by using real time RT-PCR. We also realized a phytochemical screening and a liquid-liquid separation of CS preparation. Results Our study allowed us to detect a significantly reduced edema in mice treated with CS preparations relative to control. CS effect was dose dependent, statistically similar to that observed with indomethacin, independent of the plant genotype and of the period of treatment. Furthermore, our histology studies revealed that CS induced a significant decrease in immune cell infiltration, in vasodilatation and in dermis thickness in the inflammatory site. Interestingly, we showed that CS operated by inhibiting cytokine gene expression including IFN\u3b3, IL-17 and IL-4. Besides, phytochemical screening of CS extract showed the presence of several chemical families such as saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids. One (hexane fraction) out of the three distinct prepared fractions, exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect similar to that of the raw preparation, and would likely contain the bioactive(s) molecule(s). Conclusions Altogether, our data indicate that CS regulates inflammation induced in vivo in mice and thus could be a source of anti-inflammatory molecules, which could be used in some T lymphocyte-dependent inflammatory diseases

Additional file 3: of Anti-inflammatory potential of Capparis spinosa L. in vivo in mice through inhibition of cell infiltration and cytokine gene expression

Raw data relative to Fig. 3. (XLSX 11 kb