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The aim of this study was to investigate qualitative and quantitative chemical compounds of plant water extract (PWE), and the reduction potential of Corum herbicide (bentazone and imazamox) doses using PWE for weed control in faba bean fields. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse allelochemicals including polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids. The field experiment results showed clear differences between the measured traits in response to the applied treatments. The application of Corum at 1.5 l · ha –1, at 0.75 l · ha –1, and at 0.75 l · ha –1 + PWE significantly reduced weed density and biomass, with a weed control efficiency of 75.5–78.4, 57.4–53.3 and 68.2–56.9 % during the first-second cropping seasons, respectively. Meanwhile, Corum at 1.5 l · ha –1 and at 0.75 l · ha –1 + PWE treatments guaranteed approximately the same yield components and improved the faba bean yield (Q · ha –1) by 65 and 40% in 2018–2019 and by 91 and 85% in 2019–2020, respectively. Therefore, the results suggest that PWE in combination with a lower herbicide dose (up to 50%) could be used as a potential weed management strategy in faba bean. Further research is required to understand the phytotoxic mechanisms of the studied extract-herbicide mixtures and their modes of action.

This study aimed to provide new data on the chemical composition and biological properties of Corrigiola. telephiifolia Pourr., demonstrating the influence of different extraction solvents and geographic locations on these properties. It presents novel findings on the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial effects of various fractions of Corrigiola telephiifolia Pourr. roots collected from three distinct regions in Morocco. The obtained results reveal significant variations in TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity depending on the extraction fraction and geographic origin. Notably, the fraction of raw extract exhibited the highest TPC values in all sampled sites (44.76 ± 0.05 in Agouray, 35.89±0.02 in Sefrou, and 14.99 ± 0.03 mg·GAE/g·dw in Azrou). The peak values of TFC were recorded in the fraction of raw extracts for all sampling sites (20.80 ± 0.01 in Agouray, 18.62 ± 0.01 in Sefrou, and 11.54 ± 0.01 mg QAE/g dw in Azrou). The highest values of FRAP were recorded in the fraction of raw extract of Agouray (2.00±0.00). Furthermore, the hexane fraction showed the highest DPPH and Chelating power with IC50 equal to 0.46 ± 0.02 mg·mL-1 and 0.10 ± 0.00 mg·mL-1, respectively. All fractions showed significant and variable antibacterial activities. The highest antimicrobial activity was recorded in in ethyl acetate fraction of the sample from Agouray against E. coli (MIC = 0.039). The highest anti-microbial effect was recorded also in ethyl acetate fraction against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and raw fraction against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa (MBC = 0.313 against both microorganisms). Agouray consistently demonstrated superior results across multiple parameters, indicating it as the best region for the highest phytochemical and bioactive properties. This study evaluated the chemical compounds and biological properties of Corrigiola. telephiifolia Pourr. and demonstrated the effect of the sampled area and solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil is characterized by low weed competitiveness due to its small size and slow development, resulting in the reduction of quality and quantity of production. Controlling these weeds with biological alternatives is necessary because lentils are phytotoxic to most herbicides. To address this gap, a field experiment was carried out at the pedagogical research farm of the National School of Agriculture in Meknes, Morocco, for two years, to evaluate the effectiveness of two weeds control strategies; chemical and agroecological. Three treatments, including a Nettle aqueous extract (T3) and two herbicides (Bentazone (T2) and Pyridate (T1)), were compared to the control (T0) in a complete randomized block design with four replications. All treatments resulted in effective weed management in terms of density and biomass, and significant improvement in agronomic parameters compared to the control. However, both herbicides used had a phytotoxic effect on the lentil plants, and the minimum yield was achieved in plots untreated (6.61Qx/ha) followed by plots treated with Pyridate. In contrast, Nettle aqueous extract had no phytotoxic effect, with the highest protein content in the lentil’s seeds, the highest economic grain, and a yield almost similar to that of Bentazone. Our study highlights the advantages of using organic Nettle treatment over herbicides for weed control, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. However, further research is needed to explore additional weed control strategies in lentil crops comprehensively.

See the retraction notice E3S Web of Conferences 420, 00001 (2023), https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202342000001

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected various sectors, including agriculture. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of smallholder farmers in Morocco's Fez-Meknes and Marrakesh-Safi regions regarding the potential effects of the pandemic on agricultural systems and the adoption of agroecological practices during the lockdown. The findings showed that farmers implemented diverse agroecological practices such as intercropping, organic fertilization, and local seed usage. However, the pandemic negatively affected the regular course of ag-ricultural practices of 51.6% of the participants. The majority expressed concerns about market closures, labor availability, access to agricultural materials, and fertilizers. Farmers with more than two hectares of land were the most affected and less likely to embrace agroecological practices, whereas those with less than two hectares continuously adopted these practices and were less affected by COVID-19. Although 54.7% of the respondents reported no changes in their dependence on agroecological practices, 41.1% indicated that this dependency increased after the COVID-19 crisis. Understanding farmers' behavior during the pandemic can inform future agricultural policies that prioritize healthy and sustainable food production. This study underscores the importance of investing in agriculture and building resilience to ensure sustainable food systems in the face of future crises.

Morocco is a significant botanical reservoir that boasts a wealth of raw materials with promising applications across various industrial sectors, notably in pharmaceuticals and food. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of essential oils (EOs) derived from Laurus nobilis L. leaves originating from the Tanger (EOT) and Meknes (EOM) regions in combating Callosobruchus maculatus infection. The chemical compositions of these oils were examined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The biological activity of the EOs was evaluated via repulsion and fumigation tests against C. maculatus at varying concentrations. FTIR analysis revealed distinct vibrational bands indicative of various chemical compounds. GC-MS analysis was used to delineate the major chemical constituents of the EOs. The three predominant compounds in the EOT were 1,8-cineole (37.64%), linalool (16.40%), and adamantane (12.00%), whereas 1,8-cineole (47.84%), toluene (17.60%), and α-phellandrene (8.44%) were the most abundant in the EOM. Notably, the EOs exhibited significant repellent activity against C. maculatus, with repulsion percentages ranging from 51.11 to 90.00% in Tanger and 67.78 to 93.33% in Meknes. Mortality rates varied from 0 to 100% depending on the treatment. However, the mean concentrations showed mortality rates ranging from 29.44 to 65.56% for the EOT and from 21.11 to 67.78% for the EOM, with LD50 values of 11.96 μL/L and 5.22 μL/L. Docking studies revealed that 1,8-cineole had the highest binding affinity for the active site of acetylcholinesterase, thus confirming its toxic activity against C. maculatus. The findings of this study highlight the ability of EOs extracted from L. nobilis in the Moroccan regions of Tanger and Meknes to act as effective insecticides and repellents against C. maculatus, thereby highlighting avenues for further exploration of pest management and agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrigiola telephiifolia is an aromatic and medicinal herb whose constituents hold worldwide interest for its various ethnopharmacological properties in the pharmaceutical field. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the geographical distribution, phytochemical contents, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties of Corrigiola telephiifolia Pourr. Through an exhaustive search of primary databases, literature from 1950 to 2022 was examined, focusing on keywords to ensure inclusivity. The plant exhibits diverse physiological functions, potentially aiding in the prevention of diabetes, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and microbial infections while enhancing immunity. Similarly, we outlined recommendations for future research aimed at addressing existing gaps, and additional comprehensive studies are necessary to investigate the influence of climate change and other factors on the variability of chemical constituents. These endeavors would provide fresh perspectives on the biological characteristics of this species and offer guidance for future research initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black bean aphids are considered a serious pest that can reduce faba bean yield by more than 50%, especially in organic farms. In response to the huge losses caused by aphids, this study aimed to investigate the effect of faba bean-oat and/or wheat intercropping modalities on the incidences and severity of black bean aphids (Aphis fabae Scop.). The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the number of aphids per plant among the sole faba bean crop and the faba bean cereal intercropping systems. The faba beanoat intercropping at (1:4) ratio significantly reduced the number of aphids per plant, as well as the number of infested plants, with a reduction percentage of 84.44% and 42.42% respectively. However, intercropping faba bean with the two species of cereals at (1:1) ratio did not improve aphid control. Regarding faba bean yield, the intercropping with oat at (1:2) ratio provided the best results and improved the yield crop from 3.76 Q/ha (in sole faba bean) to 8.12 Q/ha (in intercropping system). It was concluded that black bean aphid infestation could be minimized by intercropping practices such as faba bean cereal intercropping. However, the choice of crop species and intercropping modalities is highly important, not only to ensure suitable faba bean productivity but also for sustainable pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the authors aimed to compare the phytochemical compounds (polyphenols and flavonoids), antioxidant activity, functional groups present in the compounds (FTIR), and anti-microbial effects, in the aqueous and methanol extracts obtained from flowers of commercial Hypericum perforatum and native Papaver Rhoeas from Morocco. P. Rhoeas L was collected from El Lhaj Kaddour near Meknes, while H. perforatum L was bought in a dried state from a Moroccan herbalist in the same city. Total polyphenols were evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, respectively. The antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH and antimicrobial effects were tested against six bacteria (Gram- and Gram+). The aqueous and methanol extracts of P. Rhoeas had the highest TPC value (23.67 ± 0.94 mg GAE/g; 15.86 ± 0.65 mg GAE/g) compared to H. perforatum (15.26 ± 1.30 mg GAE/g; 5.50 ± 1.13 GAE/g). The aqueous extract of Papaver Rhoeas exhibited the highest TFC at 14.36 ± 0.49 mg QE/g, while the methanol extract of Hypericum perforatum had the highest 10.65 ± 0.49 mg QE/g in TFC. In contrast, the methanol and aqueous extracts of H. perforatum showed significant zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (9.5 ± 0.5 mm and 10.17 ± 0.29 mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (8.33 ± 0.58 mm and 9.33 ± 0.58 mm) respectively, with a minimum inhibitory concentration was estimated at 10 µL/ml. The FTIR analysis demonstrated that the extracts of both plants are rich in bioactive molecules with potential biological activities and a pharmaceutical industry perspective. Consequently, these Papaver Rhoeas and Hypericum perforatum extracts exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to protect human health and the environment and to prevent the occurrence of weed ecotypes, global efforts are being made to reduce the world’s high dependency on synthetic herbicides for weed control. In this perspective, a field experiment was conducted during 2018/2019 season at the educational farm of the National School of Agriculture of Meknes (Morocco) to evaluate mulch effect of black plastic, oat straw and sycamore leaves on both faba bean and weed growth at flowering and harvest stage. The experiment was performed according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) repeated four times. The results showed that the highest weeds infestation was recorded in weedy check (Control). Sycamore leaves, oat straw and black plastic mulches have significantly reduced weeds density and biomass, thus provided efficiency by 84.8, 80.6 and 86.8% respectively. In addition, the oat straw, black plastic, and sycamore leaves have improved faba bean yield by 42, 52.9, and 43% respectively. In conclusion, mulching practice can be a promising alternative of weed management for faba bean crop in Meknes region.

AbstractThis study examines weed management in legume crops in Morocco. Faced with the challenges of climate change, financial profitability, and herbicide resistance, farmers are adopting a range of strategies, from plowing to herbicide use to agroecological practices. A survey of 244 farmers was conducted in different regions of Morocco. The results show that crop rotation is the most common weed management practice (81.15%), followed by herbicide use (59.43%) and manual weeding (35.25%). Major challenges include weed diversity (81.16%) and weed control budget constraints (84.84%). Farmers’ observations suggest that larger plots are associated with higher weed frequency, underlining the importance of adjusting herbicide application according to field size. In summary, Moroccan farmers are adopting an integrated approach, combining plowing, crop rotations, and herbicides for effective weed management, while facing complex challenges. It is essential to promote innovative and sustainable farming practices, guided by the results of this study, with an emphasis on developing weed-resistant legume varieties. In addition, raising farmers’ awareness of best practices, including the judicious use of herbicides, is crucial for sustainable agriculture in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the efficacy of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and thyme (Thymbra capitata L. Cav) essential oils (EOs) in Botrytis fabae management. The key compounds identified in thyme EO were carvacrol (48.13%), 4-Methoxystyrene (17.32%), and cyclohexene (12.37%), whereas the rosemary EO contained α-pinene (55.08%), camphene (10.52%), and d-limonene (7.86%). In vitro tests showed that thyme EO was more effective than rosemary, achieving total inhibition of B. fabae at a concentration of 50 µL compared to 250 µL for rosemary EO. Molecular docking indicated that the primary compounds in each EO interacted with 14 alpha-sterol demethylase. Greenhouse tests confirmed that both EOs significantly reduced disease severity without phytotoxicity. These findings suggest that thyme and rosemary EOs could be effective in B. fabae management, thereby promoting eco-friendly agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]