Moroccan Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Camel milk: Composition, properties and processing potential

2025-04-07T23:38:57+02:00

Camel milk serves a crucial role in arid regions, providing exceptional nutritional and health benefits. It is characterized by a lower cholesterol and sugar content compared to the milk of other ruminants, along with a high concentration of minerals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and manganese, and elevated levels of vitamins C and B3. Furthermore, camel milk contains higher levels of protective proteins such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme. This specific composition underpins the use of camel milk in the treatment of various diseases. Numerous studies have confirmed its diverse functional properties and health benefits, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. However, despite these significant advantages, its industrial transformation into dairy products remains a major technical challenge. This is due to its low κ-casein content, the large size of its casein micelles, and the absence of β-lactoglobulin, characteristics that complicate the production of cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy products. Finally, specialized technologies and future research are required to optimize transformation processes and fully harness the potential of this milk with exceptional properties.

Keywords : Camel milk, chemical composition, technological properties, processing potential

Productivity of Chia crop in the sandy soils of East Delta, Egypt

2025-04-08T10:46:41+02:00

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) crop is a newly introduced herbaceous plant to the Egyptian cropping system. No information is available on water requirements of chia crop under Egyptian conditions. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of irrigation treatments (I_Farmer, I_Growth-stage, I_120%ETo, I_100%ETo, I_80%ETo, and I_60%ETo) on chia seed yield, plant height, total carbohydrates, total protein, total oil content, seed's nutrients, applied irrigation water (AIW), water productivity (WP), and yield response factor (Ky). Results showed significant effect of the irrigation treatments on all tested parameters. Average AIW values for the respective treatments were 8036 m³/ha, 7492 m³/ha, 6081 m³/ha, 5228 m³/ha, 4376 m³/ha and 3523 m³/ha. The highest average seed yield of 3.15 t/ha was recorded for I_120%ETo treatment, while the lowest value of 2.00 t/ha was recorded for the I_60%ETo treatment. The highest WP of 0.598 kg/m³ was recorded for I_80%ETo. The Ky value of 0.78 was obtained. Therefore, applying appropriate agronomic management (e.g. proper amounts of irrigation water, and fertilizers through drip-fertigation technique) can achieve high chia seed yields. In case of water shortage, applying appropriate agricultural practices and I_80%ETo can save 46% (3660 m³/ha) of AIW without significant reduction in seed yield.

Keywords: Chia, Applied irrigation water, water productivity, yield response factor, carbohydrates, protein, oil content, Egypt

Impact of foliar application of moringa leaf extract on growth and yield of different cultivars of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in Nigeria

2025-04-08T12:22:29+02:00

Extreme dependency on synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural inputs like pesticides and herbicides poses risks to environmental and health hazards and has driven the quest for more justifiable and eco-friendly approaches. A field experiment was conducted during the 2024 growing season at Federal University Dutse Teaching and Research Farm, to examine the potential of Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) as a natural, plant-based biostimulant to improve cucumber (Cucumis sativus) productivity. Three cucumber varieties were used Monalisa F₁, Saira F_1, and Poinsett, and were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data on crop growth and yield components were collected and analyzed. Except for the Number of branches and Number of fruits per plant, MLE application significantly enhanced most traits of cucumber, including days to 50% flowering, number of Fruit diameter, vine length, and number of leaves, Poinsett variety had high fruit length compared to Monelisa F1 and Saira F1, while Monalisa F₁ had a high percentage of flowering compared to Poinsett and Saira F1. The application of MLE proved to be an effective biostimulant offering an alternative and environmentally friendly approach to enhance the productivity of cucumber in Sudan Savannah Zone of Nigeria.

Keyword: Bio-stimulant, Cucumber, Moringa leaf extract, Yield, Varieties

Trait correlation and heritability analysis in diverse upland rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes

2025-04-08T12:46:18+02:00

study evaluated agronomic traits' performance, correlation, and heritability in ten rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes grown at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University Dutse during the 2024 rainy season. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) among genotypes for most traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. FARO 44 exhibited the highest grain yield per hill (145.3 g), followed by FARO 16 (138.6 g) and FARO 52 (140.7 g), while FARO 47 recorded the lowest yield (103.5 g). Days to heading (DTH) and days to flowering (DTF) showed high broad-sense heritability (99.9%), along with floret per panicle (99.6%) and grain yield per hill (98.5%), suggesting strong genetic influence. However, panicle length (59.4%) and fertility percentage (55.5%) had moderate heritability, implying environmental effects. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association between DTH and DTF (r = 0.970**) and between plant height and tillers per hill (r = 0.610**). However, plant height negatively correlated with DTH (r = -0.430*) and DTF (r = -0.405*), while grain yield exhibited weak associations with most traits. These findings highlight the potential for selecting high-yielding genotypes based on traits with strong heritability, particularly floret per panicle and grain yield per hill. The results provide useful insights for breeding programs aimed at improving rice productivity under similar agroecological conditions.

Keywords: Upland rice, trait heritability, yield, days to heading, days to flowering, Nigeria

Innovations in post-harvest disease detection: From molecular diagnostics to AI-based imaging

2025-05-02T15:40:10+02:00

Post-harvest diseases are a major contributor to global food losses, accounting for 20-50% of perishable crops, thereby threatening food security and economic stability. Traditional disease detection methods, such as visual inspection and microbiological culturing, are often slow, subjective, and lack the sensitivity needed for early pathogen identification. Recent advancements in biotechnology and computational analytics have introduced transformative solutions, including molecular diagnostics, spectroscopic techniques, and artificial intelligence-powered imaging systems. Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, and CRISPR-based assays enable rapid and precise pathogen detection at the genetic level. Meanwhile, non-destructive technologies like near-infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging capture biochemical and morphological changes in produce, allowing for real-time monitoring. AI and machine learning further enhance these approaches by automating disease recognition through deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks, improving accuracy and scalability. This review comprehensively examines these innovations, discussing their principles, applications, advantages, and current limitations. Additionally, it explores future trends, including the integration of multi-modal detection systems and edge computing for on-site diagnostics. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, the agricultural sector can significantly reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food safety, and optimize supply chain efficiency.

Keywords: polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, CRISPR, hyperspectral imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, convolutional neural networks, food security, pathogen detection, non-destructive testing

Effects of seeding rate on growth parameters and yield components of soft wheat in a no-till system in the Saïs area of Morocco

2025-05-02T23:20:55+02:00

Cereals are the main basic commodity in Morocco. Yields are affected by various farming factors, among them tillage and seeding rates. Because of the changes in rainfall amounts and trends, farmers started, many farmers have switched to no-till systems as a conservation measure, many farmers are still adopting high seeding rates, often exceeding 200 kg.ha^-1, in an attempt to maximize yields. The present study aims to evaluates the effect of seeding rates on growth parameters, yield components and economic returns of soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under a no-till system in the Saïs area in Meknes (Morocco). The trial was conducted during the 2023/24 agricultural season at the Experimental Farm of the National Agriculture School of Meknes during the 2023/24 agricultural season. Four seeding rates: 80 (T1), 120 (T2), 160 (T3), and 200(T4) kg.ha^-1, were arranged in a randomized complete block experiment design with four replications. The 2023-24 season was considered a drought season with only 409 mm. After emergence, the higher seeding rates T4, achieved a density of 499 plants/m² at the one shoot stage, followed by T3 (387 plants/m²), T2 (387 plants/m²) and T1 (222 plants/m²). At tillering stage, the highest stem density (734 stems/m²) was recorded for (T4), but this density decreased to 364 stems/m² at heading, with a stem mortality rate of 27% across all the cycle. In contrast, the lowest seeding rate of (T1) maintained an average of 0.5 tillers/plant. Plant height varied significantly across growth stages, with the T1 treatment exhibiting the tallest plant height at 71.7 cm by the end of the growing season, while the T4 treatment was the shortest at 33.5 cm, highlighting the impact of competition on growth. The total dry matter per plant was highest for T1, reaching 5.0 g, compared to 2.0 g for T4. Spike density was significantly influenced by seeding rate, with T4 yielding an average of 364 spikes per square meter, whereas T1 produced 269 spikes/m². Chlorophyll content varied among treatments, with the 120 kg/ha seeding rate showing the highest value (39.1 µg/cm²), while the 200 kg/ha treatment had the lowest (33.5 µg/cm²). Grain yields were 30.5 cw/ha (quintal/ha) for T1, 31.4 cw/ha (quintal/ha) for T2, 28.4 cw/ha (quintal/ha) for T3, and 31.0 cw/ha (quintal/ha) for T4. Biological yields were 50.5 cw/ha (quintal/ha) for T1, 51.2 cw/ha (quintal/ha) for T2, 50.4 cw/ha (quintal/ha) for T3, and 54.7 cw/ha (quintal/ha) for T4. The economic analysis revealed that, despite the increased competition at higher seeding rates, the 200 kg/ha treatment offered the highest net returns, primarily due to the elevated price of straw during the drought season, which compensated for the lower grain yield per plant.

Keywords: seeding rate, no-till, soft wheat, growth parameters, grain yield, Morocco

Essential Oils: Antifungal activity and study Methods

2025-04-08T11:20:51+02:00

Essential oils (EOs) are natural, volatile compounds extracted from plants, known for their diverse biological properties, including potent antifungal activity. This review explores the antifungal mechanisms of EOs, their efficacy against human and plant fungal pathogens, and their applications in medicine, agriculture, and food preservation. EOs disrupt fungal cell membranes, inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis, induce oxidative stress, and interfere with mitochondrial function and enzymatic pathways, leading to fungal cell death. Their broad-spectrum activity makes them promising alternatives to conventional antifungals, particularly in the face of rising antifungal resistance. Synergistic effects with conventional drugs, such as azoles and polyenes, further enhance their therapeutic potential. However, challenges such as variability in composition, stability, sensory impact, and regulatory hurdles limit their widespread adoption. Advanced delivery systems, including nanoencapsulation and emulsification, are being explored to improve EO stability and efficacy. In agriculture, EOs show promise as biocontrol agents against crop pathogens, while in food preservation, they inhibit spoilage fungi and extend shelf life. Future research should focus on optimizing EO formulations, conducting in vivo and clinical studies, and developing regulatory frameworks to facilitate their integration into mainstream applications. By addressing these challenges, EOs can emerge as safe, sustainable, and effective antifungal agents, offering innovative solutions across multiple industries.

Keywords: Antifungal activities, essential oils, study methods

Artificial intelligence for enhancing supply chain management in agribusiness

2025-04-08T13:10:21+02:00

The global agribusiness industry faces increasing complexity and challenges in supply chain management (SCM). These challenges arise from volatile market demands, environmental unpredictability, and the necessity to ensure sustainability. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology to enhance SCM through advanced analytics, real-time decision-making, and optimization. This review explores recent advancements in AI applications for agribusiness SCM, highlighting their theoretical and conceptual foundations. The discussion emphasizes AI's role in demand forecasting, logistics optimization, risk mitigation, and sustainability. Policy implications and recommendations for integrating AI into agribusiness SCM conclude the paper, offering pathways for maximizing its potential.

Keywords: AI, Agribusiness, Supply chain, Management

Food safety and blockchain in agribusiness

2025-04-08T14:24:27+02:00

Food safety is a critical concern globally, with increasing consumer demand for transparency in the supply chain. Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative solution to enhance traceability, accountability, and efficiency in agribusiness. This review explores the intersection of food safety and blockchain, examining recent advancements, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and real-world applications. It discusses challenges, policy implications, and recommendations for broader adoption in agribusiness systems.

Keywords: Agribusiness, Blockchain, Food safety

Genetic diversity and production systems of horses in Tunisia

2025-05-02T17:42:26+02:00

The Arabian horse holds significant historical and cultural value in Tunisia. This study examines the technical and administrative frameworks governing horse breeding, focusing on the National Foundation for the Improvement of the Equine Breed (FNARC). It highlights FNARC’s efforts to align with the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO) standards. Through an analysis of historical records, breeding programs, and distribution data, the study explores FNARC’s structured initiatives, including the maintenance of the Tunisian Arabian Stud Book, essential for preserving lineage purity. The research also maps the distribution of Barb and Arabian horses, showing a concentration of Barb horses in western Tunisia and Arabian horses in the greater Tunis area. The findings underscore FNARC’s role in maintaining genetic integrity and enhancing Arabian horse quality, reinforcing Tunisia’s position in the global equine industry and its commitment to equine heritage.

Keywords: Genetic diversity, Horse breeds, Equine production systems, Tunisia