Search

Red raspberries are among the most significant wild edible fruits (WEFs) in Türkiye, thriving in cold to warm temperate regions across the country. This study focuses on 11 wild red raspberry ecotypes sampled from the Northern Anatolia region, examining their sensory, biochemical and antioxidant properties. Sensory analysis was used to compare ecotypes based on aroma, taste and juiciness. Biochemical assessments included soluble solid content (SSC), vitamin C amount, organic acids, total anthocyanins (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content and total antioxidant capacity. The Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay measured antioxidant capacity. Despite similar growing conditions, significant variations were observed among ecotypes and across years. In the first year, fruit weights ranged from 1.04 g to 1.33 g, and in the second year, they ranged from 0.97 g to 1.27 g. Fruit chroma values ranged between 26.11 and 33.70 in 2021, and 23.17 and 30.19 in 2022. Vitamin C exhibited considerable variability, ranging from 29.3 mg · 100 g−1 to 44.4 mg · 100 g−1 across ecotypes and years. TPC, total anthocyanin content (TAC) and total flavonoid content ranged from 164 mg to 390 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) · 100 g−1, 17.3 mg to 33.2 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent · 100 g−1 and 10.3 mg to 17.6 mg quercetin equivalent (QE) · 100 g−1, respectively, in both years. Citric acid emerged as the dominant organic acid across all ecotypes. Notably, the ecotypes V-4, V-8, V-3 and V-10 showcased larger, more appealing fruits suitable for fresh consumption, whereas V-3 and V-5 presented sweeter fruits ideal for processing. Additionally, the ecotypes V-6, V-7 and V-11 displayed higher levels of health-promoting compounds, such as TPC and antioxidant capacity, suggesting their potential as functional foods and valuable sources of natural antioxidants in the future.

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 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.

Microbial diseases remain a leading cause of death worldwide, and the emergence of new infections underscores the need for innovative treatments. Plant-based sources for antimicrobial drugs are gaining popularity due to their fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Corn silk (CS), an ancient medicinal plant, has been used for thousands of years to treat ailments such as edema and cystitis. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and acts as an anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-cancerous, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agent. Its bioactive components, which include phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, and saponins, are responsible for these therapeutic benefits. Numerous studies have examined the antibacterial effectiveness of diverse CS extracts, unveiling several methods by which CS demonstrates its antimicrobial properties. These mechanisms include the inhibition of energy production within microbial cells, interference with DNA and protein synthesis, prevention of biofilm formation, disruption of cell wall synthesis, and direct disruption of the cell wall structure. CS effectively blocks microbial growth and multiplication by focusing on these vital processes. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the different bioactive compounds found in CS, as well as their mechanisms of action against microbes. Understanding these mechanisms highlights CS’s potential as a potent source for developing new antimicrobial medications and supplements, offering a natural and effective alternative in the fight against infectious diseases.

The application of microsatellite simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers has proven to be highly effective in genetically characterising the origins of various fruit species. Bosnia and Herzegovina boast abundant cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) germplasm within its natural habitats. This study focuses on three geographically distant regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina–Drvar, Mostar and Zenica–comprising a sample of 60 cornelian cherry genotypes. The genetic analysis of cornelian cherry utilised eight microsatellite primers to characterise the genetic makeup of the 60 genotypes. Notably, all observed loci in the three populations demonstrated 100% polymorphism. The total genetic differentiation is 0.042, which is also confirmed by the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), which indicates that 3% of the total genetic variation is between groups, 8% between individuals and 89% within individuals. The results of pairwise Fst analysis (pFst) indicate that the greatest differentiation is between the populations of Mostar and Zenica (0.037), between Drvar and Zenica (0.026) and between Drvar and Mostar (0.025). The results of the genetic distance according to Nei confirm these results. Also, the largest difference was observed between the populations of Mostar and Zenica (0.316), then between Drvar and Zenica (0.285), and the smallest between Drvar and Mostar (0.251). This research contributes valuable insights into the genetic diversity and characterisation of cornelian cherry populations in different regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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.

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.

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.

The almond tree, following the olive tree, holds the distinction of being the fruit species occupying the largest area in Morocco, spanning 128,000 ha and hosting 16 million trees. This sector holds immense socio-economic significance both nationally and globally. Despite its prominence, the almond tree faces severe phytosanitary challenges, prominently among them, the False tiger bug of the almond tree, Monosteira unicostata (Mulsant & Rey [Hemiptera: Tingidae]). This polyphagous, sedentary, and gregarious hemipteran, boasting five larval instars and typically generating four generations annually, exhibits a life cycle duration ranging from 2 to 3 months contingent on the season. This pest inflicts notable harm on almond tree leaves by extracting their chlorophyll content through its piercing mouthparts and depositing excrement, impeding respiratory function and adversely impacting fruit development, maturation, and overall production. Diverse control strategies have been implemented to tackle this issue, commencing with prophylaxis involving resistant varieties and sound agricultural practices. Subsequently, biological control methods leveraging natural enemies such as Piocoris luridus and species from families including Coccinellidae, Anthocoridae, Lygaeidae, Miridae, and Nabidae have been employed. Plant-based biopesticides such as azadirachtin (Azadirachta indica), thyme oil (Thymus zygis), Jatropha oil (Jatropha curcas), and concentrated extracts of Artemisia absinthium, as well as mineral-based approaches involving treated kaolin sprays through particle film technology, contribute to the arsenal of control measures. In cases of severe infestations, synthetic active ingredients such as organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, abamectin, and deltamethrin, among others, have proven efficacy in managing this pest.

Our study focuses on plant diversity in the Allal El Fassi dam, a semi-arid continental bioclimate, to understand human-impacted aquatic ecosystems. We analyzed plant, soil, and water samples from 40 stations using various indices. We identified 55 plant species across 35 families, with Poaceae, Asteraceae, Asparagaceae, and Rosaceae being dominant. The transition zone (formerly Zone 2) is characterized by dense vegetation of hydrophytes, hemicryptophytes, and therophytes. The transformed (formerly Zone 1) and terrestrial zones (formerly Zone 3) have less diverse vegetation, dominated by phanerophytes, geophytes, and chamerophites. Phanerophytes, due to their developed root systems, are suited to dam soil types. Predominant species like Tamarix gallica L., Nerium oleander L., Juncus acutus L., and Arundo donax L. indicate the dam’s ecological transformation into a terrestrial ecosystem isolated from the river by sedimentary deposits following floods. These species are opportunistic, and adapted to water level variations.

In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of minor millets, also called ancient grains. As a result, there has been a growing interest in the potential health benefits and unique dietary properties that these foods offer. Once considered a forgotten crop, millet has gained popularity as part of efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. With a growing population, there is a need to explore sustainable methods to provide food and nutritional security to people, and millets offer a promising solution to this objective. This literature review aims to provide a thorough and all-encompassing overview of the geographical distribution of minor millets, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with their production. Additionally, this review will investigate the nutritional benefits of minor millets and their potential for use in the development of value-added products.

The olive trituration activity is one of the most important industrial activities in Fez, Morocco. These effluents are highly loaded with organic, inorganic, and phenolic compounds without any preliminary treatment that affects water quality. In this sense, the waters of Oued Fez are deteriorating due to the discharge of wastewater from oil mills and the excessive proliferation of Pistia stratiotes L., an invasive macrophyte that represents a significant stress to the aquatic ecosystem, eutrophication, and a reduction in biodiversity. This ecological situation has prompted us to carry out phytotoxicity bioassays based on the detection of the lethal concentration of P. stratiotes in the wastewater from the olive oil mill to evaluate the sensitivity and tolerance of macrophytes to the different concentrations of total polyphenols (TPP) present in the olive mill wastewater. To estimate their impact on the environment. Fresh whole plants of P. stratiotes were exposed to varying concentrations of olive oil mill wastewater with a series of TPP concentrations (0–30 mg/l) for 1 week in the natural environment. The results also show that P. stratiotes is able to grow rapidly in culture with 20 mg/l of TPP; the highest growth of wet weight of P. stratiotes occurred at 20 mg/l treatment with an average of 13 g wet weight increase. At 0 mg/l, treatment is known to cause very slow growth with an average of 2 g. Olive oil mill wastewater was toxic to the plant at concentrations higher than 30 mg/l, and the phytotoxic effect was manifested by retardation of growth, detachment of roots, wilting, and chlorosis of leaves. This indicates that polyphenols have great potential to inhibit the proliferation of P. stratiotes in aquatic environments.

Considering it contains a variety of physiologically active compounds, including flavonoids, common phenols, and essential oils (EOs), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is a common plant in Bulgaria that is predominantly used in folk medicine to cure various disorders. Determining the chemical makeup of St. John’s wort inflorescences that were gathered from northern Bulgaria was the purpose of this investigation. The antioxidant activity of H. perforatum L. extracts was assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) tests on methanol extract. The amount of EO obtained by water distillation was 0.08%, with its main components (over 3%) being n-nonane (27.46%), β-sesquiphellandrene (11.17%), heptanal dimethyl acetal (5.94%), ethyl hexyl ketone (5.93%), undecane (3.75%), sabinene (3.3%), and tridecyl alcohol (3.1%). Methanol extracts were obtained from the inflorescences, with the total flavonoid content determined as 8.66 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/mg and total phenolic content as 271.33 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g. The FRAP assay yielded 493.07 µmol/L of antioxidant activity, while the TEAC assay yielded 106.39 µmol/L, respectively. Our findings enable a comprehensive characterization of H. perforatum from Bulgaria and an assessment of its oil suitability for potential industrial applications. Additionally, the results could guide the selection of specimens for future targeted breeding efforts.

Natural substances extracted from plants have been increasingly studied and recognized, recently. Essential oils (EOs), for example, possess antioxidant and antibacterial properties, enabling their application across different sectors like agro-food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In Morocco, exceptional plant diversity, mirroring the diversity of ecosystems, has not yet revealed all its secrets. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of EOs from Thymus zygis L. ssp. gracilis and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. collected in the El Hoceima and Mamora regions, respectively. The EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation employing a Clevenger-type apparatus. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses identified 54 constituents representing 92.65% of the total for T. zygis and 55 components representing 99.60% for E. camaldulensis. The primary components found in the EO of T. zygis are δ-terpineol (27.64%), followed by δ-3-carene (15.7%), thymol (14.17%), and dehydrolinalool (4.99%). The main compounds in E. camaldulensis EO are 1,8-cineole (43.61%), γ-terpinene (11.71%), α-terpineol (10.58%), and p-cymene (4.93%). The antioxidant properties of these oils were investigated by utilization of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test. The antibacterial activity was assessed against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli). Both EOs showed significant antioxidant activity but were less effective than reference antioxidants quercetin and catechin. Antibacterial studies demonstrated strong activity of T. zygis and E. camaldulensis EOs against the studied bacteria, as well as good inhibitory properties (minimum inhibitory concentration).

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.

Artemisia herba-alba Asso is an endemic plant from North-East Morocco offering a diverse range of pharmacological, cosmetic, and agro-ecological uses. However, Artemisia herba-alba has not been well exploited in the field of plant protection (post-harvest diseases). This is why the main objective of the present study is to evaluate the antifungal and antioxidant activities of extracts or the essential oil of this plant. Antifungal activity was assessed against Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Penicillium digitatum using the agar dilution method for the aqueous extracts and fumigation for the essential oil. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH scavenging test and the FRAP ferric ion reduction capacity. The chemical composition of the extracts was determined by HPLC and that of the essential oil by GC-MS/MS. In addition, the polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin content was determined using colorimetric methods. The results of this study showed that the total content of polyphenols (217.60 mg GAE/g E), flavonoids (43.59 mg QE/g E), and tannins (32.58 mg GAE/g E) was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the ethanolic extract than in the aqueous and hexanoic extracts. Moreover, the HPLC analysis of the aqueous extract revealed the presence of six compounds, namely, catechin, gallic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin. In addition, the ethanolic extract was found to contain seven phenolic compounds. On the one hand, 35 compounds were identified in the essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba, representing 99.7% of the total. According to this study, the dominant compounds in the essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba Asso are camphor (46.57%), endo-borneol (5.65%), eucalyptol (5.64%), and thymol (3.85%). Furthermore, the biological evaluation showed that the extracts and essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba have significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The findings show that Artemisia herba-alba is a plant that can be used as a source of antifungal chemicals to prevent putrefaction of foodstuffs and, more specifically, postharvest diseases.

Chenopodium ambrosioides, a member of the Chenopodiaceae family, is renowned for its toxic properties. Despite its toxicity, it has been traditionally utilized in various communities, particularly in pediatric contexts, for its vermifuge, antispasmodic, and antipyretic attributes. This study aims to unravel the phytochemical composition present in organic fractions and aqueous extracts obtained from the aerial components of C. ambrosioides. Furthermore, our objective is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of these extracts and fractions, coupled with a comprehensive examination of their toxicological effects. Polyphenols were quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, flavonoids via the aluminum trichloride reagent AlCl3, and tannins using the vanillin method. Identification of bioactive compounds within the plant specimen was accomplished through GC-MS spectrophotometric analysis. The assessment of antioxidant activity employed DPPH, ferric (Fe3+) ion antioxidant reducing power (FRAP), ABTS, and TAC methods, with quercetin, catechin, and ascorbic acid serving as standards. Dermoprotective activity was studied using the ultraviolet absorption test. The GC-MS analysis conducted on the aqueous extracts (EAI and EAM) and assorted fractions (FCH, FE, FB, and FA) revealed the presence of diverse chemical families encompassing alcohols, acids, terpenes, steroids, and phenolic compounds. The components identified in the investigated samples, including trans-ascaridol glycol, palmitic acid, phenol, octadecadienoic acid, isoascaridol, eicosanoic acid, 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol, mexiletine, and thymol, are postulated as potential contributors to the observed antioxidant activity inherent in the plant extracts and fractions. Our findings highlight the remarkable antioxidant potential of Chenopodium ambrosioides, with the ethyl acetate fraction exhibiting the highest activity (IC50 = 0.54 mg/ml) in the DPPH test. In the FRAP and ABTS tests, the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions demonstrated superior activity (IC50 = 4.43 mg/ml, 12.9 mg/ml and IC50 = 1.6 mg/ml, 4.54 mg/ml, respectively). Conversely, the TAC test revealed that the macerated aqueous extract displayed the highest activity (316.33 mg Eq AG/g), followed closely by the n-butanolic fraction (250.67 mg Eq AG/g). These outcomes can be attributed to the abundant presence of phenolic compounds in the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions, as well as the macerated aqueous extract, playing a pivotal role in the observed antioxidant activity. Additionally, our investigation of the dermoprotective activity demonstrated robust efficacy in the ethyl acetate fraction (FE) and the n-butanolic fraction (FB) compared to the standard agents employed (ZnO and methyl salicylate). Overall, our comprehensive studies affirm that the extracts and fractions derived from C. ambrosioides manifest moderate antioxidant activities alongside significant dermoprotective potential, elucidated by the presence of phenolic compounds in moderate quantities within the plant.

This research is dedicated to investigating the antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition of three distinct extracts derived from Vitex agnus-castus L. These extracts, prepared through aqueous (EXA), ethanolic (EXE), and methanolic (EXM) maceration, were chosen based on prior assessments of total polyphenol content in extracts obtained from five solvents with differing polarities: water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, and butanol. The study initiated with a comprehensive phytochemical analysis focusing on the determination of total polyphenols and flavonoids. The quantification of total polyphenols was carried out using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while the AlCl3 method was employed to assess flavonoids. In evaluating the in vitro antioxidant activity, we employed two well-established methods, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The preliminary tests, gauging the efficacy of solvents, demonstrated that the order of optimal solvent selection was as follows: aqueous, methanolic, ethanolic, butanolic, and acetone. Consequently, the first three solvents were chosen for the preparation of the extracts. The phytochemical analysis unveiled that EXA exhibited the highest total polyphenol content, with an impressive value of 126.84 ± 1.24 mg EAG/g extract, whereas EXE exhibited the lowest concentration of total polyphenols, measuring at 117.26 ± 0.18 mg EAG/g extract. In contrast, EXM showcased a notably high flavonoid content, registering at 33.65 ± 1.04 mg EQ/g extract, while EXA displayed a comparatively lower flavonoid content at 14.93 ± 0.14 mg EQ/g extract. When assessing antioxidant properties, EXA emerged as the most potent against both DPPH and FRAP, recording values of 78.94 ± 1.84 and 203.27 ± 0.17 μg/ml, respectively. In contrast, the ethanolic extract exhibited relatively lower antioxidant activity, with values of 204.16 ± 1.87 μg/ml for DPPH and 307.10 ± 1.15 μg/ml for FRAP.

Melanin is an almost ubiquitous pigment of brown to dark black color synthesized by living organisms. It has excellent potential for application in several fields, especially in pharmaceuticals. Yeasts are known for their ability to synthesize pigments, including melanin. These yeasts are considered black yeasts. However, there is little information on the synthesis of melanin by these yeasts. This work was designed to study the ability of black yeast to produce a diffusible dark pigment on agar. Two strains of black yeast, SN1 and SN2, were isolated from hydrocarbon-polluted soils. Based on morphological, physiological, and molecular analyses, the two strains SN1 and SN2 were identified as new species of the Exophiala phaeomuriformis strain. After pigment extraction, melanin was characterized using UV and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We found that melanin synthesis is strongly affected by light and optimal parameters such as temperature 30°C, salinity between 10 and 30 ppt, and basic pH. Both melanin extracts also showed inhibitory activity against pathogenic germs, and activities were observed on E. coli (33.33 ± 2.88 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29.33 ± 4.61 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus (24.3 ± 7.65 mm). It was concluded that the melanin of the E. phaeomuriformis strain isolated from oil-polluted soils had high antibacterial activity. This high antibacterial activity could be a suitable source of new antibacterial natural products.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is known to be one of the current crops with wide adaptability and the potential to grow in various agroecological zones. It has been titled as “queen of cereals” group owing to its high genetic yield capability and abundance among the cereal crop. This study highlights the nutritive composition, phytochemical composition, pharmaceutical properties, and the unconventional use (like ethanol production) of maize plant parts such as the husk, silk, and cob, along with their utilisation in the food sector and pharmaceutical industries. Apart from the kernels, bulk of the harvest, if not used as manure, is majorly treated as waste and is usually discarded. Maize can be incorporated and utilised in the waste management of crop residues. The industrial significance of the maize crop is unmatched when compared to other cereal crops and it is used as a raw material for over 3,000 products in various sectors namely, sweeteners, cosmetics, textiles, gum, alcoholic beverages, films, package, and paper industries. Each part of the maize plant is rich in macronutrients (carbohydrates and proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) along with other phytochemical constituents due to which it has an immense scope to be used in value-added products providing various pharmacological properties.

Orevactaene yellow pigment was produced by solid-state fermentation of broken rice using Epicoccum nigrum. The pigment was extracted using water as a solvent and subjected to stability studies at different temperatures (30, 40, 60, and 80°C), pH (4, 6, and 8), sterilization, and sunlight exposure treatment. The observed data were fitted in the first-order kinetic model. Yellow pigment stability was found to vary at different temperatures studied. At 30°C, only a 4% decrease in color intensity was observed after 2 h; at 40°C, an 8% decrease was observed, and at 80°C and pH 6.0, 17% of color intensity was lost. These results showed that the orevactaene pigment produced by E. nigrum is heat-sensitive and changes in color intensity should be expected in heat-processed products. After 180 min at 80°C, yellow pigments maintained 82 and 76% of the initial color at pH 6 and 8, while a 65% decrease in color intensity was observed at 80°C, pH 4. Autoclaving resulted in 69% decay and exposure of pigment to sunlight for 2 h showed 1% decay. The half-life period of the pigment at different temperatures varied from 82.5 to 5.25 h. The decimal reduction time decreased from 275 to 17.5 h with an increase in the temperature. Thermodynamic parameters for pigment decay at pH 6.0 were represented in terms of enthalpy ∆H, activation energy E a, free energy ∆G, and entropy ∆S. The values observed were 44.52–44.93, 48.48, 96.60–105.18 kJ/mol, and −170.50 to −171.85 J/mol/K, respectively. All these parameters help in predicting the quality changes in terms of appearance during thermal processing and optimizing the process.

Biotic stress caused by pests on citrus trees has become a major problem for ecologists around the world, hence the need to develop ecological approaches to surmount this stress. To evaluate the effectiveness of diverse control methods on the pest Panonychus citri and its predators, Euseius stipulatus, Phytoseiulus persimilis, and Typhlodromus sp. Different treatments were applied in orchards planted by Citrus clementina in the Gharb area of Morocco (T0 = treated by water only, T1 = spirodiclofen (the molecular formula is C21H24Cl2O4). 0.5 L/ha, T2 = 5% black soap 125 L/ha, Its ingredients are: argan oil, olive oil, black olive, salt, water, vegetable potash, without chemicals. T3 = mixture of two detergents; Oni product is composed of the following ingredients (sodium C12-13 parenth sulfate, and sodium C14-17 alkyl sec sulfonate) and Tide product with the following ingredients (sodium C10-16 alkylbenzene sulfonate, propylene glycol and sodium borate). Results obtained during the follow-up period showed that the black soap, spirodiclofen, and two detergent treatments provided a decrease in the P. citri population in comparison with plot treated by water during the whole monitoring period. We found 5,044 mobile forms of P. citri in the plot treated by water only, 1,544 forms in the plot treated with spirodiclofen, 3,002 forms in the plot treated with black soap, and 1,567 mobile forms in the plot treated with two detergents. This study demonstrated that all three treatments had a negative effect on the predators that survived in comparison to the control (T0), while the negative impact of spirodiclofen on beneficial phytoseiid mites was greater than that of black soap and detergents. However, the increase in temperature according to the follow-up weeks showed a significant effect on the evolution of the density of the studied mites. Unfortunately, the chemical products like spirodiclofen used against various citrus pests are considered toxic to phytoseiids and to the agro-ecosystem in general. This comparison aims to detect the effectiveness of black soap and mixtures of two detergents on P. citri and their impacts on its predators: E. stipulatus, P. persimilis, and Typhlodromus sp. to replace the use of pesticides by these alternative methods, which remain effective and environmentally friendly.

Carvacrol is a major component of many essential oils of the genus Thymus, Satureja, and Origanum, determining their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate some physicochemical and biological properties of pure carvacrol. The surface tension and density were measured at six different temperatures (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80°C). The surface tension values were between 53.11 and 60.38 mN/m, while density varied from 0.978 to 0.99 kg/m3. The antibacterial activity against seven pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic bacteria was investigated. The diameter of the inhibition zones was determined in the range of 3.9–4.9 mm. The antioxidant activity was determined by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (1687.0 µmol TE/mL) method.

Aromatic and medicinal plants in ecosystems are subject to various climatic disturbances that impact their morphological and physiological processes. Although plants have mechanisms to adapt to their climatic conditions, such as periods of drought and lack of precipitation, their metabolism is still affected. This study aimed to predict and evaluate the behavior of Salvia officinalis under climatic disturbances. Over a period of 4 years in a controlled environment, three treatments were applied to the plant: Treatment 1 with normal monthly average temperature and precipitation in the first year; Treatment 2 with a temperature increase of 5°C and a 50% reduction in water supply in the second year; and Treatment 3 with a temperature increase of 10°C and a 75% reduction in water supply in the fourth year. The results show that the percentage of primary metabolites, including nutritional values, changed with increasing temperature and decreasing precipitation. Treatment 1 had 7.13% protein, 6.21% carbohydrate, 1.35% lipid, and 4% dietary fiber, while Treatment 2 had 7.05% protein, 5.12% carbohydrate, 1.01% lipid, and 3.01% dietary fiber, and Treatment 3 had 6.86% protein, 3.02% carbohydrate, 0.52% lipid, and 2.34% dietary fiber. The mineral composition of the plant also changed with each treatment, with Mg decreasing from 10.02 to 8.55 to 0.05%, Fe decreasing from 8.18 to 8 to 7.62%, K decreasing from 5.55 to 5.05 to 4.02%, Mn decreasing from 5.54 to 5.11 to 3.48%, Ca decreasing from 4.65 to 2.75 to 1.23%, and P decreasing from 3.37 to 3.05 to 2.25%. Regarding secondary metabolites, the percentage of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, tannins, and essential oil yield changed as well. Treatment 2 showed an increase in secondary metabolites, while Treatment 3 showed a decrease. Alkaloids increased from 9.56 to 13.68 to 11.3%, flavonoids increased from 7.53 to 13.48 to 10.49%, saponins increased from 5.23 to 7.44 to 6%, coumarins increased from 3.35 to 4.85 to 3.99%, tannins increased from 2.26 to 3.22 to 2.62%, and essential oil yield increased from 0.53 to 0.80 to 0.62%. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that the major compounds of the essential oils of Salvia officinalis, such as α-thujone, manool, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, viridiflorol, 1,8-cineol, and camphor, were also modified by temperature and water stress.

Physalis alkekengi L. (Solanaceae) is encountered in different regions of Bulgaria as a wild growing or ornamental plant. The objective of this work was to characterize the phytochemical composition (macro and micro components) of the leaves and stems of two local phenotypes (PA-SB and PA-NB), with the view of revealing their use potential. The dry leaves contained (DW) protein (16.25 and 19.27%), cellulose (25.16 and 25.31%), and ash (18.28 and 16.16%) and the stems contained protein (6.83 and 7.35%), cellulose (39.34 and 38.25%), and ash (15.01 and 7.48%) for PA-SB and PA-NB, respectively. The dominant amino acids (by HPLC) in the leaves of both phenotypes were arginine (21.3–22.3 mg/g) and aspartic acid (8.8–18.4 mg/g), and those in the stems were proline and aspartic acid for PA-SB (8.8, 7.7 mg/g); isoleucine and tyrosine for PA-NB (12.8, 6.6 mg/g). Mineral elements, determined by AAS (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cr), also varied between phenotypes and plant parts. The leaves alone were further processed by extraction with n-hexane, for the identification of leaf volatiles (by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). The analysis identified 28 components (97.99%) in the leaf extract of PA-SB and 32 components (97.50%) in that of PA-NB. The volatile profile of PA-SB leaves was dominated by diterpenes (49.96%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (35.61%), while that of PA-NB was dominated by oxygenated aliphatics (40.01%) and diterpenes (35.19%). To the best of our knowledge, the study provides the first data about the phytochemical composition of the leaves and stems of P. alkekengi from Bulgaria, in a direct comparison of phenotypes from two distinct wild populations, which could be of further scientific interest.

Morus nigra, black mulberry, is the most attractive among mulberry species. The study aimed to determine human health-promoting content and antifungal activity in fruits of seven black mulberry genotypes grown in the Tortum district of Turkey. The genotypes exhibited significant differences in most of the human health-promoting content. Among individual sugars and organic acids, glucose (6.98–8.03 g/100 g fresh weight base) and malic acid (6.33–10.45 g/100 g fresh weight base) were predominant. The ascorbic acid content of genotypes was found between 18.13 and 26.77 mg/100 g fresh weight base, indicating that black mulberry fruits had moderate ascorbic acid content. Total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, and total anthocyanin contents in fruit extracts of seven black mulberry genotypes were also investigated. The results showed that the levels of the aforementioned parameters changed depending on genotypes. The total phenolic and total anthocyanin contents were in the range of 1,656–2,348 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 623–804 μg C3GE (cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent)/g, respectively. The genotypes had antioxidant capacity between 17.41 and 3.86 μg/mL and between 10.08 and 14.11 μmol TE/g measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, respectively. Some of the genotypes (TOR-1 and TOR-2) had high antifungal activity particularly against C. albicans. It was determined that the people living in the region traditionally use mulberries as blood enhancer, immune system booster, and mouth lesion treatments to protect themselves against different types of cancers and against inflammation. The present results confirm that attractive fruits of black mulberry are a rich natural source of phenolic antioxidants and can contribute to the dietary intake of antioxidants, depending on genotypes.

Drought had affected the crops production in Morocco, during the last decade. Plants breeding is still a solution to increase crops tolerance for water scarcity. Using natural biofertilizer based on microorganisms still a good practice to enhance the resilience of agriculture to drought. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of water shortage and use of a biofertilizer based on the strain of Pseudomonas putida on five genotypes of eggplants selected for drought tolerance under the semi-arid of the northeast of Morocco. Two irrigations regimes: 100% (amount of water irrigation made by growers) and 50% of this amount with and without the biofertilizer (1 × 108 UFC/g). The biofertilizer was applied three times during the plant growth stages. The experiment was conducted at commercial farm production and using a randomized complete block design. Plants were organized in blocks containing 3 plants for each genotype and repeated in 5 repetitions. Crops were planted on August 3rd, 2022, and experiments ended on January 2nd, 2023. The results showed different responses among the genotypes in terms of growth. The effect of Pseudomonas on plant height showed that there was a significant increase, at 100% irrigation for C14, B3, C8, B5 and C11 with 20%, 19%, 17%, 14.29% and 12,5%, respectively compared with the control. For C8 and B3, when subjected to 100% water with biofertilizer, there was an increase in the average number of fruits compared to 100% water without the biofertilizer. The highest yield was recorded with B5 under 100% irrigation + fertilizer (1.35 kg/plant). Water shortage impacted the productivity of all genotypes and the fruit number and yield increased with the use of the biofertilizer. Our study is still valuable under the conditions of this trial and more experiments will be needed at several seasons and at different growing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation scheduling, coupled with the use of biofertilizers, constitutes an effective management strategy to overcome soil drought. This study aimed to assess the individual and combined effects of three selected biofertilizers—(R) Bacillus sp. and Bacillus subtilis, (M) native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and (C) compost—on Triticum durum L. The agro-physiological and biochemical traits, along with the soil properties, were evaluated under two different water regimes, 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for the well-watered regime and 30% ETc for the drought-stressed regime under field conditions, using a drip irrigation system. Drought stress (DS) led to significant reductions in the biomass, physiological parameters, and biochemical markers. Furthermore, the application of CM and MR significantly boosted the shoot and root dry weight by 137% and 72%, respectively, under DS compared to the control. Moreover, CM and R resulted in a notable increase of 167% and 130% in the grain and straw yield, respectively, under the same conditions. The normalized difference vegetation index showed improved values in the plants inoculated with MR and CMR, respectively, under DS conditions. Additionally, the soil quality was positively influenced by the application of M and/or R and/or C biofertilizers. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate soil–plant interactions and the beneficial effects of combined biofertilizers in enhancing wheat's resilience to drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the infestation dynamics of Panonychus ulmi McGregor 1916 and its associated predators in Malus domestica borkh orchards across three towns in Morocco: Midelt, Ait Sebaa, and Imouzzer-Kender, situated in the Fez-Meknes and Draa-Tafilalt regions. Ait Sebaa (Fez-Meknes region), characterized by high temperatures and a lower altitude, exhibited a substantial increase in P. ulmi and its predators. In contrast, Midelt (Draa-Tafilalt region), with the highest altitude, demonstrated lower mite counts. Imouzzer-Kender (Fez-Meknes region), at an intermediate altitude, showed moderate mite levels. Detailed findings reveal a positive correlation between P. ulmi and temperature, as well as with phytoseiid mites. Conversely, a negative correlation exists between P. ulmi and altitude. Additionally, a positive correlation between phytoseiid mites and temperature is identified. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the ecological interactions between mites, temperature, altitude and humidity in distinct Moroccan regions, highlighting the need to take regional specificities into account in pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable methods for enhancing the quality of medicinal herbs are required to provide high amounts of antioxidants widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industry. In this study, the impact of olive pomace (OMP) addition on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity of two selected Rosmarinus officinalis at different proportions 0 and 25% of OMP was examined. The experiments were done in a shade house at the National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Taounate, Morocco. The various parameters TPC, TFC, antioxidant activity (DPPH), pH, CEC (meq.100g-1), EC (μS.cm-1), macroand micronutrient content (mg.kg-1), and nutrient uptake (g. plant-1) were measured after the samples were extracted by sonication. The results indicated that rosemary leaves treated with 25% OMP amendment exhibited the highest TPC (68.48 mg GAE g-1 DW), TFC (6.13 ± 6.103 mg GAE g-1 DW), and antioxidant activity (1.279± 0.26 mg/mL DW). Additionally, the addition of OMP to the soil increased the level of macro- and micronutrients, mainly P, K, and Ca, as well as nutrient absorption factors including P, K, Ca, Cu, and Zn in the rosemary leaves, all of which were increased slightly but significantly. Notably, there was a positive association between DPPH, TPC, TFC, and soil organic matter. These results show that OMP addition has a great impact on the nutritional quality of rosemary leaves and directly increases TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. This study emphasizes the positive impacts of OMP on the bioactive qualities and overall nutrient profile of rosemary plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]