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In Côte d’Ivoire, the use of renewable energy is becoming a major challenge in the context of climate change and global warming. Therefore, the aim of this study is to characterize the wind profile for potential energy in Abidjan, Man, Bouaké and Korhogo of Côte d’Ivoire using satellite data. Wind speed and direction data from Copernicus Centre from 2015 to 2022 are used for these major cities. The frequency method is used to build wind rose and power density formula to estimate the potential energy for each city, at ground level (10 m) and in particular level at 100 m and 500 m. The results showed a slightly wind speed and direction variation from 2015 to 2022. This suggests that wind has a seasonal (wet and dry) evolution over the year. However, wind speeds increase for each city with the altitude. The higher average wind speed is observed in Abidjan with a power density of 58 W/m2. The lower wind speed and power density are observed in Man, Bouaké and Korhogo. So, the coastline of Côte d’Ivoire has the higher wind energy resource than the inland regions of the country.

Lasiodiplodia species causing mango Stem-end rot disease (SER) are mainly controlled using synthetic products, which can harm humans and environmental health. Therefore, developing an eco-friendly control method, such as using plant extract products, is imperative. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of 3 biopesticides based on essential oils (ASTOUN 50 EC, FERCA 50 EC, and NECO 50 EC) at 300, 500, 700, 1000 ppm and Moringa oleifera leaves extracts (Methanolic and aqueous) at 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/250 ml on mycelial growth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae in vitro. Subsequently, 135 fruits (cv. Kent) per treatment were inoculated (1 × 105 spores/ml) and treated with each biopesticide (700, 1000 and 2000 ppm) and M. oleifera leaves extracts (15 and 20 g/250 ml) in vivo to evaluate their efficacy on mango SER development. The results showed that the biopesticides ASTOUN (Cymbopogon citratus) and NECO (Occimmun gratissimun) completely inhibited the mycelial growth of L. theobromae at 700 and 1000 ppm. Similarly, M. oleifera methanolic extract has the highest inhibitory rate (65.45 %) compared to aqueous extract (42.44%). Moreover, 1000 and 2000 ppm of biofungicides and 15 and 20 g/250 ml of M. oleifera methanolic extract significantly reduced mango SER development compared to the control. This study provides evidence that these plant extracts are effective alternatives to mango SER management that are consistent with sustainable agriculture principles, promote ecological balance, and reduce the environmental impact of conventional agriculture.

Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. the causative agent of white rot is one of the destructive pathogens of nightshade crops. In Côte d'Ivoire, this fungal pathogen constitutes a major constraint for the cultivation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) with 41.01% crop losses in humid forest areas. Controlling this fungus with synthetic chemicals can be effective, but harmful to human health and the environment. The use of biological control agents could be an alternative approach to control S. rolfsii. In this perspective, the objective of this work was to select fungi from the rhizosphere of tomato crops capable of inhibiting the growth of S. rolfsii. To do this, 153 fungi were isolated from the rhizosphere and from direct confrontation tests 10 fungi whose antagonistic power of S. rolfsii varied between 27 and 60% were selected. Molecular identification (ITS) of these antagonist fungi revealed that the isolates belonged to the genera Talaromyces sp. (n = 4), Trichoderma sp. (n = 3), Penicillium sp. (n = 2) and Clonostachys sp. (n = 1). Among these fungi, Talaromyces purpureogenus and Talaromyces assiutensis were able to diffuse compounds in agar capable of inhibiting the growth of S. rolfsii. The chemical study of these 2 fungi made it possible to identify mitorubrin and mitorubrinol produced by T. purpureogenus and spiculisporic acid produced by T. assiutensis. Mitorubrin and mitorubrinol had inhibitory activities of 100 and 70% at 10 mg/mL, respectively, whereas spiculisporic acid showed moderate inhibition of 38 at 20 mg/mL of the growth of S. rolfsii; however, its abundant production by the fungus could be an advantage in the control of this phytopathogen. Isolated from the same biotope as S. rolfsii, T. purpureogenus and T. assiutensis represent favorable candidates for the biological control against S. rolfsii.

This paper aims to review existing energy-sector and hydrogen-energy-related legal, policy, and strategy documents in the ECOWAS region. To achieve this aim, current renewable-energy-related laws, acts of parliament, executive orders, presidential decrees, administrative orders, and memoranda were analyzed. The study shows that ECOWAS countries have strived to design consistent legal instruments regarding renewable energy in developing comprehensive legislation and bylaws to consolidate it and to encourage investments in renewable energy. Despite all these countries having a legislative basis for regulating renewable energy, there are still weaknesses that revolve around the law and policy regarding its possible application in green hydrogen production and use. The central conclusion of this review paper is that ECOWAS member states presently have no official hydrogen policies nor bylaws in place. The hydrogen rise presents a challenge and opportunity for members to play an important role in the fast-growing global hydrogen market. Therefore, these countries need to reform their regulatory frameworks and align their policies by introducing green hydrogen production in order to accomplish their green economy transition for the future and to boost the continent’s sustainable development.

Viral diseases are a major constraint to cucurbit production worldwide. In 2014 rainy and dry cropping seasons, cross-sectional surveys were conducted in farmers’ cucurbits fields in six agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Côte d’Ivoire to assess prevalence and distribution of viral diseases. A total of 757 leaf samples were collected from melon, squash, cucumber, watermelon, gourd calabash, and pumpkin plants showing various virus-like symptoms. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antisera against cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus (MWMV) were performed to detect viruses in the samples collected. Results revealed that viral diseases were prevalent in all the agro-ecological zones, with significantly higher mean prevalence in the dry season (53.6%) than in the rainy season (29.35%). The overall mean disease severity index was also significantly higher in the dry season (47.58%) than in the rainy season (28.17%). CMV, ZYMV and PRSV were found in all AEZs at varying rates between the rainy and dry seasons, whereas WMV and MWMV were not detected. CMV was more prevalent in the dry season (32%) whereas ZYMV was more prevalent in the rainy season (34%). This study has revealed that viruses infecting cucurbits are widespread and occurred in mixed infection which poses a potential threat to cucurbit crops production in Cote d’Ivoire.

Three field experiments were conducted to assess the effect of planting date on the incidence of viral diseases and the severity and the susceptibility of the cultivars. Two cultivars of cucumber (Hybrid Tokyo F1 and Poinsett) and one local variety of zucchini (Bolle) were used for the evaluation in May-July 2014, September-November 2014, and February-April 2015. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the experiments. Data were collected on disease incidence, severity, and time until first symptoms occurred. Area under severity index progress curve (AUSIPC) and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) were calculated respectively for disease severity as well as the incidence on each cultivar. The results demonstrate the susceptibility of all cultivars to the tested viral diseases. The effect of planting dates on cultivars was significantly different (P 0.05) in planting date-variety interaction.

To address the growing electricity demand driven by population growth and economic development while mitigating climate change, West and Central African countries are increasingly prioritizing renewable energy as part of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This study evaluates the implications of climate change on renewable energy potential using ten downscaled and bias-adjusted CMIP6 models (CDFt method). Key climate variables—temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed—were analyzed and integrated into the Teal-WCA platform to aid in energy resource planning. Projected temperature increases of 0.5–2.7 °C (2040–2069) and 0.7–5.2 °C (2070–2099) relative to 1985–2014 underscore the need for strategies to manage the rising demand for cooling. Solar radiation reductions (~15 W/m2) may lower photovoltaic (PV) efficiency by 1–8.75%, particularly in high-emission scenarios, requiring a focus on system optimization and diversification. Conversely, wind speeds are expected to increase, especially in coastal regions, enhancing wind power potential by 12–50% across most countries and by 25–100% in coastal nations. These findings highlight the necessity of integrating climate-resilient energy policies that leverage wind energy growth while mitigating challenges posed by reduced solar radiation. By providing a nuanced understanding of the renewable energy potential under changing climatic conditions, this study offers actionable insights for sustainable energy planning in West and Central Africa.

Background and aim: Citrus production represents an important activity for the national economy and a source of income for farmers in Benin. However, fungal diseases are a major constraint to production intensification. The aim of this study is to assess farmers’ perceptions on citrus fungal diseases in production areas in Benin. Methods: A survey was conducted among 417 farmers between July and December 2021 in four major citrus-producing agro-ecological zones (zones V, VI, VII and VIII) to collect their perceptions, knowledge and management practices of citrus fungal diseases. Results: Farmers reported that fungal diseases are one of the main constraints to citrus production, including black spot, anthracnose, brown rot, sooty mold and fruit rot. Among them, black spot disease is the most severe, causing damage to production. According to farmers, symptoms appear on fruit after fruit set, with a very remarkable presence and high incidence at maturity. Although farmers are most of times aware of the damage caused by fungal diseases with adverse consequences on their income, they have a poor knowledge of appropriate phytosanitary products to manage these diseases. Indeed, the majority of farmers (>60 %) use chemical insecticides, which they reported to be ineffective against citrus fungal diseases. Although chemical insecticides are their only recourse, almost 40 % use nothing to control these diseases. Farmers stated that climatic variability is a factor favoring the development of diseases, leading to reduced production. Conclusions: Among the several citrus fungal diseases, black spot is perceived as the most damaging, causing greater yield losses under favorable conditions, coupled with an almost total absence of appropriate control methods. This study contributes to the reorganization of the citrus industry and to decision-making on capacity building for farmers in terms of orchard pest protection, in order to guarantee better production of marketable and exportable fruit.

Le but de cette étude est d'évaluer l'efficacité des huiles essentielles de Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ocimum basilicum et Lippia multiflora contre trois pathogènes fongiques isolés des tubercules de patate douce. Ces huiles essentielles ont totalement inhibé la croissance de Ceratocystis fimbriata à 2000 ppm. Sur Macrophomina phaseolina le Banko plus à 250 ppm et Cymbopogon citratus à 4000 ppm ont totalement inhibé la croissance du champignon. L'inhibition de Pythium ultimum a été induite par Ocimum basilicum à 2000 ppm. Le test de pathogénicité révèle que la période d'incubation est de 19 jours pour Ceratocystis fimbriata, 13 jours pour Macrophomina phaseolina et 12 jours pour Pythium ultimum. Des plants de patate douce traités avec l'huile essentielle de Cymbopogon citratus, à 4000 ppm, les souches fongiques Ceratocystis fimbriata et Macrophomina phaseolina, réisolées aux taux respectifs de 68,89 % et 91,11 % des plants inoculés et non traités n'ont pas été réisolées. Le taux de réisolement de Pythium ultimum est passé de 75,55 % à 11,11 % au niveau des racines des plants inoculés et traités. L'huile essentielle de Cymbopogon citratus pourraient ainsi constituer une solution alternative contre des agents en cause dans les pourritures racinaires et de tubercules de patate douce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava adaptation to climate change and its resistance to diseases are essential prerequisites for achieving food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The accessions collected from farmers’ fields are very important because they can provide new sources of genetic variability that are essential to achieve this goal. In this study, a panel of 184 accessions collected in Burkina Faso was genotyped using 36 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The accessions and markers that presented with more than 6% missing data were removed from the dataset and the remaining 34 markers and 166 accessions were retained for genetic diversity and population structure assessment. The average values of expected heterozygosity (0.46), observed heterozygosity (0.58), and polymorphic information content (0.36) indicated high genetic diversity within accessions. A complex genetic structure of 166 accessions was observed through the formation of 17 clusters using discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and two clusters using Bayesian analysis. Out of the 166 accessions, 79 were unique multilocus genotypes (MLGs) and 87 were potentially duplicates. From the 79 MLGs, DAPC suggested eight clusters while the Bayesian analysis suggested seven clusters. Clusters shaped by DAPC appeared to be more consistent with a higher probability of assignment of the accessions within the clusters. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) showed a lack of clustering according to geographical origin. Information related to breeding patterns and geographic origin did not allow for a clear differentiation between the clusters according to the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). The results of this study will be useful for cassava germplasm conservation and breeding programs.

Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) is a major biotic constraint to rice cultivation in Africa. RYMV shows a high genetic diversity. Viral lineages were defined according to the coat protein (CP) phylogeny. Varietal selection is considered as the most efficient way to manage RYMV. Sources of high resistance were identified mostly in accessions of the African rice species, Oryza glaberrima. Emergence of resistance-breaking (RB) genotypes was observed in controlled conditions. The RB ability was highly contrasted, depending on the resistance sources and on the RYMV lineages. A molecular marker linked to the adaptation to susceptible and resistant O. glaberrima was identified in the viral protein genome-linked (VPg). By contrast, as no molecular method was available to identify the hypervirulent lineage able to overcome all known resistance sources, plant inoculation assays were still required. Here, we designed specific RT-PCR primers to infer the RB abilities of RYMV isolates without greenhouse experiments or sequencing steps. These primers were tested and validated on 52 isolates, representative of RYMV genetic diversity. The molecular tools described in this study will contribute to optimizing the deployment strategy of resistant lines, considering the RYMV lineages identified in fields and their potential adaptability.

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disease that predominantly affects black people. It is very widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly at the Lehmann “sickle belt” level, where the prevalence of the hemoglobin S involves at least 10% of the population in West Africa and can reach 40% in Central Africa. In Côte d’Ivoire, the prevalence of the hemoglobin S is about 12–14% in the general population and about 11.71% in the child population in Abidjan. On the other hand, its coexistence with other hemoglobin phenotypes such as AC (6.2%) and β-thalassemia (2.7%) traits may also cause composite heterogeneous sickle cell disease, e.g., SC or S/β-thalassemia in this study. Since 2009, sickle cell disease has been recognized as a public health problem; however, much still remains to be performed despite the progress achieved. The objective of this study is thus to promote a rapid screening for the struggling against sickle cell disease in Côte d’Ivoire. This study was carried out over 6 months (April–September 2019) and has included 336 children, of which 236 all-comers, recruited in the municipality of Treichville in Abidjan and 100 other children with already known hemoglobin phenotype followed up in the Hematology Department of the University Hospital of Treichville. Two tests were used: the HemoTypeSC™ for rapid screening and the hemoglobin electrophoresis which is the reference method used for confirming the diagnosis in the laboratory. The findings confirmed the reliability of the HemoTypeSC™ with a sensitivity and specificity at 100% for the detection of hemoglobin A, S, and C. On the other hand, this sensitivity and specificity drop to 98.2% and 99.7%, respectively, when we analyze all the 336 children together, including the cases with HbF detected by hemoglobin electrophoresis. Hence, the importance of performing certainty tests following the HemoTypeSC™ screening test in order to determine the accurate phenotypes and proportions of the types of hemoglobin. The prevalence of hemoglobin S in subgroup 1 of 236 children of all-comers was 15%. The HemoTypeSC™ is therefore reliable, inexpensive, and disposable for rapid screening and early detection of sickle cell disease in Côte d’Ivoire. The HemoTypeSC™ provides rapid detection of hemoglobin phenotypes HbAA, HbSS, HbSC, HbCC, HbAS, and HbAC.

Abstract Background Many fungal species in tropical Africa are useful, with high added value, and play essential roles in the structure and dynamic of ecosystems. However, the diversity, distribution, and uses by local populations of these non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and their respective habitats are still very poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa in general and more specifically in Côte d’Ivoire. This study aims at (i) inventorying the wild useful mushrooms of Côte d’Ivoire within its major protected areas and their respective surrounding sociolinguistical groups, according to climatic and phytogeographical gradients, and (ii) recording ethnomycological knowledge and considerations of these local people. Methods Field and ethnomycological surveys were conducted in the main and highest protected areas of Côte d’Ivoire (Comoé, Marahoué, and Taï national parks) and a set of their respective surrounding villages, along climatic and phytogeographical gradients. Standardized methods (permanent plots and opportunistic searches) were used for field surveys. In addition, a total 748 respondents belonging to 13 ethnic groups were interviewed at a rate of 300 interviewees during the preliminary investigations and 448 persons during the proper ethnomycological surveys. Results Sixty-eight useful wild fungal species, belonging to 17 families and 23 genera, were listed and collected. Four categories of usage were reported by the rural people (food, medicinal, belief and recreational), with a dominance of food and medicinal uses. Fifty-six species were reported to be used as food and 16 species as medicinal fungi. These uses varied not only from one sociolinguistical group to another but also from a visited village to another. The high number (41) of the reported useful species was found in the Sudano-Guinean savanna zone while 28 species were collected in the forest zone and 22 species in the forest-savanna mosaic zone. These mushrooms were either saprotrophic or symbiotic (ectomycorrhizal or termitophilic). Auricularia sp3, Psathyrella tuberculata, and Termitomyces spp. were found as the most commonly used mushrooms. Conclusions These national scale field and ethnomycological surveys give one of the more complete but non-exhaustive list of useful mushrooms of Côte d’Ivoire. Mushrooms are relatively well known and used by the Ivorian people within the main phytogeographical zone of the country. These people also have an interest in all the functional groups with an important phytogeographical zone-fungal-specific used species. However, protected areas of the visited zones seem to represent the last sanctuaries of these organisms due to high rate of loss of natural habitats.

The mutualistic symbiosis between termites of the Macrotermitinae subfamily (Isoptera: Termitidae) and fungi of the genus Termitomyces (Basidiomycota: Lyophyllaceae) is of great ecological and socio-economic importance. Seasonal fruit bodies of the symbiotic fungi are regularly collected and sold in Côte d’Ivoire. However, there are very few studies on their diversity, phenology, distribution and especially the socio-economic scope of the fruit bodies of these fungi at a national scale. This study aims at (i) assessing the diversity of Termitomyces fruit bodies in Côte d’Ivoire and (ii) mapping their fructification areas through a determination of their spatiotemporal distribution according to a climatic and phytogeographic gradients. Using ethnomycological surveys all over the Ivorian territory, information was collected from rural populations on the fructification of Termitomyces and their socio-economic importance. Based on these surveys, sampling efforts of these fungi were properly structured and oriented. The results revealed a diversity of 16 species of Termitomyces, including 9 species new to Côte d’Ivoire and 2 probably new to science. Five species were found in the forest zone, nine in theGuinean savannah zone and four in the Sudano-Guinean zone. Termitomyces’s fructifications were observed throughout the year, with specific period for each species. All listed species are regularly consumed by populations. However, only Termitomyces letestui (Pat.) R. Heim and Termitomyces schimperi (Pat.) R. Heim are marketed on a relatively large scale.

Cerambycidae Diastocera trifasciata attacks were studied from October 2015 to September 2017 in three cashew tree orchards in the locality of Brobo in central Côte d’Ivoire. One hundred fifty-three (153) cashew trees, arranged on a diagonal from each orchard, were selected for sampling. The attacked plants and the branches cut per tree were counted every 15 days. Biotic parameters, namely phenological stages of trees, and abiotic factors, which are rainfall, relative humidity and average temperature, were recorded throughout the study. Attacks were observed from mid-September to January from the pre-flowering vegetative stage to the flowering stage. Attack period duration was therefore four and a half months per year. The peak of attacks was recorded in November with an attack rate of 88.02% in 2015 and 75.49% in 2016. No attack was recorded from February to mid-September, corresponding to the flowering, fruiting and post-harvest vegetative growth stages. This description of the attack process and the determination of D. trifasciata attack periods provides essential data for the implementation of an effective and sustainable control method of this species.