Flowering and pollination time affect fruit set of foreign almond cultivars in Morocco

The associations ‘Marcona’-‘Fournat de Brézenaud’ and ‘Ferragnès’-‘Ferraduel’ are the cultivar combinations mostly planted in commercial almond orchards in Morocco. The blooming times and effective pollination period (EPP) were determined for these associations to determine the effect of blooming and pollination times on the irregular yields observed in Morocco with these cultivars. ‘Marcona’ bloom was earlier than that of ‘Fournat de Brézenaud’, but ‘Ferragnès and ‘Ferraduel’ coincided. Fruit set and percentage of pistils with pollen grains was maximized when pollination occurred at day 2 after emasculation. Fruit set and stigmatic receptivity decreased drastically by day 4 after emasculation. Fruit set in the open pollination treatment was lower than that obtained after hand pollination at days 0 and 2 after emasculation, especially in ‘Marcona’. These results emphasize the importance of early pollination and the selection of new cultivars with the same flowering period as ‘Marcona’ to improve almond yields in Morocco.Peer ReviewedPrunus amygdalusbloomeffective pollination periodstigmatic receptivityfruit setPublishe

Study of the genetic diversity of almond seedling populations in Morocco: application of chemometric approach

Almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) in Morocco is still propagated by farmers mostly from seed, generating a large genetic diversity. Evaluation of the almond diversity in Morocco from the point of view of kernel quality, oil and protein contents, and major fatty acid composition were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to compare the kernel components among 46 genotypes selected from different production regions, as well as five introduced cultivars. Oil and protein contents were highly variable between genotypes, ranging respectively from 48.29 to 65.19% and from 14.07 to 36.48% of the total kernel dry weight. Fatty acid composition of the oil fraction ranged between 5.6-8.34% for palmitic acid, 0.37-0.87% for palmitoleic acid, 1.3-3.3% for stearic acid, 57.95-81.97% for oleic acid, and 9.69-29.98% for linoleic acid. Clustering of genotypes from similar regions suggested the existence of parental relationship among these genotypes and, as a consequence, a common ancestral origin. The Moroccan genotypes did not cluster separately from the introduced varieties. Two genotypes had very high oil contents whereas four genotypes had exceptionally high protein contents (>30%). One genotype had a very high oleic content (82%). The large variability observed for oil and fatty acid composition and the presence of genotypes with higher oil and fatty acid contents than the foreign cultivars represent a very promising base to obtain new Moroccan almond cultivars with oil of higher quality.Peer ReviewedPrunus amygdalusOil contentFatty acidsGenetic resourcesBreedingPublishe

Syringomatous carcinoma: Case report of a rare tumor entity

Syringomatous carcinoma is a rare cutaneous neoplasm, most frequently situated on the face and scalp and histologically characterised by aninfiltrative pattern of basaloid or squamous cells, a desmoplastic stromal reaction and keratin filled cysts. We report the case of a 76-year-oldwoman who presented an ulcerative interscapular lesion measuring 3x4cm. After resection, the histological examinations of the specimens haveidentified a basal cell carcinoma. However, a local recurrence was observed 18 months later; histopathological findings showed a syringomatouspattern and neoplastic epithelial cells arranged in interconnecting cords with microcystic areas. Nests, cords, and tubules of the tumour extendedinto the dermis and into the adjacent muscle. Sclerosis of stroma around the cords was present. Tumour cells were not connected to the epidermis. The immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity for anti-CK7, AE1/AE3 and negativity for anti CEA and anti CK20. These histological and immunohistochemical analyses were consistent with the diagnosis of syringomatous eccrine carcinoma. Syringomatous carcinoma is an extremely invasive tumor, locally destructive and slowly growing adnexal tumour, derived from eccrine sweat glands. It is often mistaken, both clinically and microscopically, for other benign and malignant entities. The tumour recurrence is high due to extensive perineural invasion, butregional or distant metastases are rare. The local aggressive nature of the tumour and the high recurrence rate may necessitate mutilating procedures. Optimal treatment consists of a complete microscopically controlled surgical excision with clear surgical margins. Key words: Syringomatous carcinoma, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, differential diagnosi

Période de récolte et caractéristiques de l'huile d'olive de quatre variétés en irrigué dans la région de Meknès au Maroc

The objectives of this study were to determine the optimal harvest time and characterization of olive oil of four olive varieties; Arbequina, Dahbia, Haouzia and Menara; under irrigation in the region of Meknes. A varietal effect was found regarding fruit, pulp and stone weights and the ratio pulp/stone. Haouzia showed the largest fruit weight followed by Dahbia, Menara and Arbequina. The Pulp/stone ratio (> 5) is satisfactory for the four varieties with a higher ratio for Haouzia. The relation between these parameters taken individually and maturity index showed a high positive correlation. The oil content per fresh weight reached 23.6% for Menara, 22.5% for Haouzia, 20,0% for Dahbia and 18,0% for Arbequina. The highest polyphenol contents recorded were 1 757 ppm for Arbequina, 2 021 ppm for Dahbia, and 2 120 for Haouzia and Menara. The oil and polyphenols contents were highly and positively correlated with the maturity index. The levels of oleic acid in Haouzia (76.1%), Dahbia (75.3%) and Menara (75.2%) were higher than that in Arbequina (66.2%). The integration of the oil and polyphenols contents allowed to determine an optimal harvest period located between late November and late December. Keywords : Olive oil , maturity index , oil content, polyphenol content , fatty acids, optimum harvest period, Arbequina , Dahbia , Haouzia, Menara.  Les objectifs de cette étude étaient la détermination de la période optimale de récolte et la caractérisation de l’huile de quatre variétés d’olivier; Arbéquine, Dahbia, Haouzia et Menara; en irrigué dans la région de Meknès. Un effet variété a été observé pour les poids moyens du fruit, de la pulpe et du noyau et pour le rapport pulpe/noyau. Haouzia a montré le poids moyen le plus important suivie par Dahbia, Menara et finalement Arbéquine. Le rapport Pulpe/noyau (> 5) se montre satisfaisant pour les quatre variétés avec un rapport élevé pour Haouzia. La relation de ces paramètres pris individuellement avec l’indice de maturité a montré une corrélation positive forte. Les teneurs en huile par rapport à la matière fraîche atteignirent 23,6% pour Menara, 22,5% pour Haouzia, 20,0% pour Dahbia et 18,0% pour Arbéquine. Les teneurs maximales en polyphénols enregistrées étaient de 1 757 ppm pour Arbéquine, 2 021 pour Dahbia et 2 120 pour Haouzia et Menara. Les teneurs en huile et polyphénols étaient également corrélées positivement avec l’indice de maturité. Les teneurs en acide oléique de Haouzia (76,1%), Dahbia (75,3%) et Menara (75,2%) étaient plus élevées que celle d’Arbéquine (66,2%). L’intégration de la teneur en huile et en polyphénols a permis de déterminer une période optimale de récolte qui s’est située entre fin novembre et fin décembre. Mots clés: Olives, variétés, indice de maturité, teneur en huile, teneur en polyphénols, acides gras, période optimale de récolte, Arbequine, Menara, Dahbia, Haouzia.   &nbsp

Physical Fruit Traits in Moroccan Almond Seedlings: Quality Aspects and Post-Harvest Uses

The physical traits of local almond populations from Morocco were studied to characterize their genetic resources and to evaluate the possibility of their commercial valorization. Nut weight ranged between 1.15 and 7.39 g, and kernel weight between 0.54 and 1.85 g, but most accessions were characterized by small kernels, pronounced wrinkles, and double kernels. Although the physical quality of the kernels of these populations was low, they show the possibility of some specialized uses, which could improve their marketable value. The genotypes with favorable values could be incorporated into an almond breeding program as parents to increase the kernel quality.Publishe

Diagnostic challenge for ovarian malignant melanoma in premenopausal women: Primary or metastatic?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the ovary, metastatic malignant melanoma may be confused with primary malignant melanoma and presents a diagnosis challenge. Most cases are associated with disseminated diseases and poor prognosis. We present this case report of a metastatic ovarian malignant melanoma simulating primary ovarian cancer.</p> <p>Case report</p> <p>A 45-year-old premenopausal woman was incidentally found to have an abdominal mass, 3 years after removal of a cutaneous melanoma lesion. Ultrasound and CT scan revealed left two solid masses, which were found to be an ovarian tumor at laparotomy. Left oophorectomy was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed melanoma metastasis to the ovary. Nine months later, the patient developed epilepsy and confusion. Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed unique Wright frontal lobe lesion. She underwent stereotactic radio surgery and dacarbazine monotherapy. For months later, the patient is died from disseminate disease progression.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Ovarian metastasis is an unusual presentation of cutaneous melanoma and the prognosis was dismal. As illustrated by this case report, a differential diagnosis of a metastatic malignant melanoma must be considered.</p

Anatomical and morphological study of apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.)flower buds growing under inadeguate winter chilling

Some apples cultivars produce low yields when grown in regions with inadequate winter chilling. Their unsatisfactory development is attributed to the lack of climatic adaptation which causes some abnormalities in bud differentiation. The development of reproductive spurs is erratic, leading to vegetative shoots, and the flower index is very low. The purpose of this work is to understand the flower differentiation problem. An assessment was made through morphological and histological studies, also an analysis of climatic data was performed in an attempt to identify the responsible factors. The number of chilling hours recorded was about 695. Defoliation was delayed and happened during the second week of January. Bud break was advanced by 10 d in comparison with the average period. The spurs density (12 and 23 spurs per m of twigs) was similar to the values observed in normal situation. The buds carried by these spurs evolved into vegetative shoots for all variety X rootstock combination used in this study. The average of this transformation was 47 and 50% for 'Golden Delicious' and 'Starking Delicious', respectively. A flowering index obtained was very low (1.3 kg per tree). Anatomical observations carried out on buds collected in October showed that differentiation was undertaken and the floral primordium was already formed with some abnormalities in flower development in later stage. At anthesis, internal structures of the buds showed primordia disorganized. Reproductive organs presented pistil abortion with low microsporogenesis. Xylem vessel elements were not observed at the base of the bud and vascular connection was not established. This problem in flower development occurred at this stage which was affected by external factors. The winter was characterized by periods of high temperatures which affect negatively the accumulation of chilling units. The mode of action of temperature, notably of chilling on the formation of flowering organs and vessels, remains to be determine