Socio-Economic Values and Ecological Importance of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. in Sahelian Agrosystems in western Niger

Balanites aegyptiaca contributes strongly to the resilience of Sahelian populations. All the organs of B. aegyptiaca are used either for food, medicinal purposes or for other services. However, very few studies on the socioeconomic importance of B. aegyptiaca have been conducted in Niger. The main objective of this study was to valorize the knowledge of the populations on the uses of B. aegyptiaca in the Sudan-Sahelian agrosystems of Niger. The study was conducted in the Dosso region. The region was chosen based on its two main agro-climatic zones, characterized by the scarcity of the species in the south and its abundance in the north. A survey was carried out in February 2021 to assess the diversity of uses. The findings revealed that the uses of B. aegyptiaca products are very diversified and varied considerably accross agro-ecological zones. The types of use varied significantly among ethnic groups. The Hausa possessed 88.26% of the use, the Zarma 14.47%, the Peulh 2.63%, the Songhai 1.32%, and Touareg 1.32%. All parts of B. aegyptiaca are used in traditional pharmacopoeia to threat various human and animal illnesses. 68.00% of respondents reported the interaction between Balanites and crops as very beneficial. B. aegyptiaca is prone to a variety of threats. Hence, 97.30% of respondents acknowledged the existence of several diseases and/or insect pests that affect Balanites' organs. Given the importance of this species in the region, more research is required to quantify its contribution to rural household food security and resilience

Multiple Beneficial Effects of Using Biochar (as a Great Organic Material) on Tolerance and Productivity of Rice under Abiotic Stress

Rice as a sensitive crop that usually affected by many harmful environmental stresses. Numerous policies are followed to increase plant growth-tolerance under abiotic-stresses in various plant species. The attempts to improve crop tolerance against abiotic stresses via common breeding method are needed to follow a long-term, and may also be non-affordable, these are due to the existing genetic variability of the plant. Current review analysis existing knowledge gaps, challenges, and opportunities in the biochar application as a beneficial and pyrogenic-C, material. Consequently, a review of the literature with a high focusing on the multiple beneficial effects of using biochar on tolerance and productivity of rice in abiotic stresses is needed. This review provides a summary of those efforts that would be beneficial in reducing inconvenienced abiotic-stresses, and also how using biochar could increase rice tolerance and production through the supporting of plant growth regulator's roles. Accordantly, present review findings showed that biochar is a great amendment and consisting of principally organic rich-C matter, which has multiple benefits on improving soil physicochemical and biological properties as well as increasing rice tolerance and its productivity through enhancing plant hormones roles under abiotic stressed conditions (heat/cold temperature, drought, salinity, heavy metal, and climate change stresses). Nevertheless, it is anticipated that further researches on the benefits of biochar will increase the comprehension of interactions between biochar and plant growth hormones, to accelerate our attempts for improving rice tolerance and productivity, under abiotic-stress conditions