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The genus Pistacia, with its species having notable ecological, economic, and medicinal implications, demonstrates remarkable environmental adaptability. The central objective of the study is to analyze interspecific variations between Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica and Pistacia terebinthus across three distinct bioclimatic zones in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. The methodology includes collecting dendrometric measurements and conducting macromorphological examinations on these two taxa, with a detailed analysis of 27 qualitative and quantitative variables. A micro-morphological analysis of leaves, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), is employed to explore specific features such as size and stomatal density, as well as qualitative aspects like epidermal cell shape and trichomes. Dendrometric measurements have revealed that the canopy surface and the number of trunks per tree can serve as distinctive features between the two species. Regarding the sex ratio of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica, 59% of the examined trees are males, primarily associated with the jujube tree in arid zones and the dwarf palm in humid areas. In contrast, female Pistacia terebinthus exhibit a similar percentage, predominantly associated with oak groves and cade juniper in their distribution areas. Principal component analysis of biometric measurements emphasized a significant disparity between the two species, representing 60.25% of the total variance. The use of SEM unveiled new features facilitating the identification of the two species. By leveraging the macromorphological and micromorphological variability of pistachio trees, we can qualify those best suited to diverse bioclimates. In this regard, we suggest incorporating them into reforestation and rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring our declining ecosystems.

This study investigates the osmotic dehydration process of watermelon rind using a solution composed of honey and sucrose. The impact of the ratio of rind-to-solution and temperature on the process is illustrated. Pre-treatments such as blanching, microwaves, and ultrasonication were utilized. Ultrasonication reduces the time needed for osmosis in a sample, resulting in increased fluid loss and solute uptake; therefore, it was selected as the method to investigate the kinetics and modelling of mass transfer. The effective diffusivities for water loss (ranging from 3.02 × 10−5 to 4.21 × 10−4 m2 s−1) and solid gain (ranging from 1.94 × 10−6 to 3.21 × 10−6 m2 s−1) were shown to increase with process variables such as temperature and the rind-to-solution ratio. The activation energy decreased as the process temperature increased, ranging from 3.723 to 0.928 kJ mol−1 for water loss and from 1.733 to 0.903 kJ mol−1 for solid gain, respectively. The sample treated with microwaves exhibited the maximum dehydration coefficient, rendering it appropriate for producing dehydrated products. Five empirical models were utilized, with the power law model (R 2 = 0.983) and the Magee model (R 2 = 0.950) being the most suitable for water loss data and solid gain, respectively.

The corrosion of metals poses a threat to the economy, the environment, and human health due to undesirable reactions and contaminated products. Corrosion inhibitors, including natural products, can play a key role in protecting metallic materials, especially under challenging conditions. In this study, the roots of the Inula viscosa plant were examined for their ability to act as corrosion inhibitors in a 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. Different extracts of the plant were evaluated for their corrosion inhibition capacity in a 1 M HCl solution. The effectiveness of different plant extracts was assessed, including an aqueous extract, an ethanolic extract, and a combined water–ethanol extract. Compounds present in the roots of Inula viscosa were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The electrochemical properties of the extracts were studied using various techniques such as open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization. Additionally, surface analysis after immersion was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical data revealed that Inula viscosa root (IVR) extracts acted as mixed-type corrosion inhibitors with pronounced cathodic characteristics. The inhibitory efficiency was closely related to the concentration of Inula viscosa (I. viscosa), showing a significant increase with higher concentrations. This resulted in a decrease in corrosion current and an increase in polarization resistance. Notably, inhibitory efficiency reached high levels, up to 97.7% in mixed extract which represents a mixture between water and ethanol. In our study, it was observed that the mixed extract (water + ethanol) allowed for a greater corrosion inhibition compared to the other solvents studied, 97.7%. Surface analyses confirmed the formation of an organic film layer on the steel surface, attributed to the bonding of functional groups and heteroatoms in I. viscosa components. Therefore, this study paves the way for the potential integration of I. viscosa as a promising corrosion inhibition material, offering durable protection against steel corrosion and opening avenues for various related applications.

Salinity accumulation poses a threat to the production and productivity of economically important crops such as tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Currently, salt tolerance breeding programs have been limited by insufficient genetic and physiological knowledge of tolerance-related traits and a lack of an efficient selection domain. For that purpose, we aimed to determine the ability of tomato cultivars to tolerate salt based on seed traits by multiple biochemical pathways. First, we tested three tomato cultivars according to their response to different sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations (0, 6.3, 9.8, 13.0, and 15.8 dS m−1) and then we analysed their amino acids, organic acids, and phytohormones. Considering the results of germination traits, it is possible to conclude that cultivar H-2274 was more tolerant to salt stress than others. As a result, multivariate discriminant analysis including principal component analysis and two-way hierarchical clustering analyses were constructed and demonstrated that tomato cultivars were separated from each other by the amino acid, organic acid, and phytohormone contents. Considering germination traits of tomato seeds, cv. ‘H-2274’ was more tolerant to salinity than others depending on high proline (29 pmol µl−1) and citric acid (568 ng µl−1) assays. Biochemical variability offers a valuable tool for investigating salt tolerance mechanisms in tomatoes, and it will be appreciated to find high-tolerant tomato cultivar(s) to saline conditions. Also, the findings of this study have significant potential for practical applications in agriculture, particularly in developing salt-tolerant tomato cultivars to enhance productivity in saline environments and address socio-economic challenges.

Chenopodium ambrosioides aerial parts have been historically employed in traditional medicine for addressing various ailments such as headaches, abdominal discomfort, joint issues, and respiratory disorders, alongside treatments for lice and warts. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of C. ambrosioides and assess the acute and subacute toxicity of oral treatments using fractions in preclinical trials. Spectrophotometric analysis via LC–MS/MS was used to characterize the plant’s chemical composition. Acute toxicity evaluation followed Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development code 42 guidelines, conducted on adult male and female Wistar strain mice. Subsequently, Swiss mice were divided into six groups for the subacute toxicity study, receiving oral doses of 200 mg/kg extracts and fractions for 28 days. Daily observations and biochemical analyses were performed, with LC–MS/MS revealing a diverse array of compounds including organic acids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, rutin, hesperidin, nicotiflorine, and fumaric acid. Results indicated no lethality or alterations in body weight in treated groups, though some organ weight changes were noted. Biochemical analyses demonstrated values within the normal range for all groups, suggesting that the treatments did not induce adverse effects. Acute and subacute treatments with fractions did not result in lethality or toxic alterations at therapeutic doses, implying the safety of the product at appropriate levels. This study underscores the potential of C. ambrosioides as a safe therapeutic option warranting further exploration.

The abundance of Panonychus citri McGregor 1916 (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its associated enemies (Euseius stipulatus Athias-Henriot, 1960; Typhlodromus sp.; Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957) was studied on two 12-year-old citrus cultivars, specifically Clementine “Nules” (Citrus Clementina) and Valencia (Citrus sinensis), in the Gharb region of Morocco. Throughout the entire monitoring period in the Valencia late cultivar, the density of the spider mite P. citri on leaves was notably higher at 38.0% (n = 1,212 mobile forms). Predator P. persimilis exhibited a leaf occupancy of 25.0% (n = 812), followed by Typhlodromus sp. at 20.0% (n = 643). Conversely, the abundance of E. stipulatus was lower at 17.0% (n = 538). In the Nules variety, P. citri abundance recorded a higher percentage at 48.0% (n = 1,922). E. stipulatus emerged as the most abundant predator at 23.0% (n = 898), followed by P. persimilis with 16.0% (n = 639). Meanwhile, the population of Typlodromus sp. remained notably low at 13.0% (n = 498). Regarding the fluctuation of the different mites studied on the two cultivars across monitoring dates, the period from May 4 to June 1 was characterized by low temperatures and a diminished presence of mite populations (P. citri, E. stipulatus, Typhlodromus sp., and P. persimilis). However, from June 7 to June 19, characterized by high temperatures, a notable increase in the presence of mite populations was observed. As regards the effect of the variety on the different mites studied, the varietal impact was significant.