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Plant development is constantly affected by biotic and abiotic factors, which influence their morphology and chemical composition. In this context, the evaluation of morphological and physicochemical variation of 35 loquat genotypes during two consecutive years, 2015 and 2016, were carried out. The results revealed a significant difference of the morphological and the physicochemical traits between the two years. Indeed, 2016 showed high values for fruit and leaf traits as well as the physicochemical parmeters, while 2015 recoreded the highest values for seeds traits. In addition, the ANOVA results showed a significant effect of genotype on the physicochemical parameters and the morphological characters, excluding the geometric diameter and spherical index of seeds. Regarding the effect of year, it was also significant on physicochemical parameters and morphological traits except the size and shape of fruit and the seed shape. For the genotype x year interaction effect, it was significant on all traits studied, with the exception of the traits relating to geometric diameter of fruit and seed plus the sphericity index of the seed. Thus, size and shape of fruit remained stable over these two consecutive years. The identification of stable traits presents a result that could be beneficial for breeding programs.

The loquat fruit has a very important commercial value due to its benefits for human health. However, there is very limited scientific research on this species in Morocco. In this regard, a set of 35 genotypes was collected from the Zegzel valley (Berkane). The phenotypic variability was evaluated using nine traits related to fruit and leaf. The results revealed a coefficient of variation ranging from 13.02 to 42.21%, implying a large phenotypic variation in Moroccan loquat, especially for the characteristics associated to the fruit shape. Regarding the multiple correspondence analysis, the first two axes explained 62.57% of the total variance. The major traits that made it possible to distinguish between the genotypes were those related to fruit size. Therefore, the Mekerkba genotype in the Zegzel region is not a single variety, but rather genotypes with a round fruit shape. In addition, the 35 genotypes studied were divided into three main groups regardless of their geographical origin. The results indicate that the geographical proximity did not play an important role in the structure of genotypes, implying a weak adaptation of the genotypes to the environment. The findings of this study could be used in conventional breeding and in situ conservation programs for Moroccan loquat.

During the last decades, Morocco has recorded substantial urbanization and faced challenges related to urban sprawl and encroachment on fertile lands. This paper reviews several studies assessing urban sustainability development in 27 Moroccan urban areas using the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 11.3.1, i.e., the ratio of Land Consumption Rate (LCR) to Population Growth Rate (PGR). Among the 27 urban areas reviewed, analysis of SDG 11.3.1 data revealed that only 7 exhibited trends towards sustainable urban development, while the remaining 20 showed a divergence from the sustainability objectives. We analyze the studies, conducted between 2020 and 2023, describing in depth the relationship between LCRs and PGRs, and provide a comprehensive summary of the SDG 11.3.1 outcome, discussing along the way methodological variations, and introducing a new concept for the evaluation of urban land consumption. The review reveals disparate regional urban development trends, emphasizing the need for local land tenure rules. Additionally, the study discusses how the SDG 11.3.1 reacts under the influence of several parameters such as land characteristics, climate, and geographic location. While the study acknowledges the limitations of SDG 11.3.1, it found that the indicator provides valuable insights into trends and comparisons, and should offer assistance to stakeholders, urban planners, and decision makers in their pursuit of sustainable development. However, these identified limitations underscore the need for a more comprehensive and multidimensional urban sustainability development indicator, capable of better addressing the complexities of the urban environment.

The present study was conducted to assess the physico-biochemical variability in 35 genotypes of loquat using multivariate analyses, in order to provide efficient criteria and promising genotypes for the loquat genetic breeding program. Mature fruits were collected from 35 loquat genotypes, belonging to the Zegzel valley, were subjected to physico-biochemical analyses. The results revealed a juice yield ranging from 0.21 to 0.65 g/g FW, and a polyphenols content fluctuating from 322.8 to 366.89 μg GAE. g-1 DM. Regarding DPPH test, with a range of 3.35 and 7.6 μmol TE. g-1 DM, showed a positive correlation with total polyphenol content (r²= 0.76) and flavonoid content (r²= 0.72). Moreover, a negative correlation was recorded between the total soluble solids content and juice yield (r²=- 0.47), which was moderately correlated with vitamin C (r²= 0.59). In addition, the components analysis results revealed a significant and independent contribution of bio-physicochemical characteristics in the loquat variation. Indeed, biochemical characteristics contribute to PC1, while, physicochemical parameters contribute to PC2 and PC3. Furthermore, the hierarchical clustering analysis classified the 35 genotypes into four homogeneous groups independently of their geographic origin. According to these findings, the genotypes T9, T12, Z16, Z17 and TA9 exhibited high total sugar content, while, genotypes T9 and T11 provide high carotenoids, flavonoids, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity level. As results, these genotypes can be directly recommended for the vegetative propagation as well as applied along with the efficient characters in future loquat breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant development is constantly affected by biotic and abiotic factors, which influence their morphology and chemical composition. In this context, the evaluation of morphological and physicochemical variation of 35 loquat genotypes during two consecutive years, 2015 and 2016, were carried out. The results revealed a significant difference of the morphological and the physicochemical traits between the two years. Indeed, 2016 showed high values for fruit and leaf traits as well as the physicochemical parmeters, while 2015 recoreded the highest values for seeds traits. In addition, the ANOVA results showed a significant effect of genotype on the physicochemical parameters and the morphological characters, excluding the geometric diameter and spherical index of seeds. Regarding the effect of year, it was also significant on physicochemical parameters and morphological traits except the size and shape of fruit and the seed shape. For the genotype x year interaction effect, it was significant on all traits studied, with the exception of the traits relating to geometric diameter of fruit and seed plus the sphericity index of the seed. Thus, size and shape of fruit remained stable over these two consecutive years. The identification of stable traits presents a result that could be beneficial for breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]