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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.

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.

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

The 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.

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 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.

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.

To develop eco-friendly alternative control strategies for medfly, mass trapping trials were conducted in the central Morocco during the crop season 2016. Two control methods, mass trapping and the attract-and-kill technique were compared for the control of medfly on two peach varieties ('Rome Star' and 'Ryan Sun') in Sefou district. For mass trapping, 62 traps/1.23 ha of MagnetTM Med type baited with ammonium acetate, trimethylamine, putrescine and 0.01 g of deltamethrin were installed on both varieties. In plots testing the attract-and-kill technique, treatments with malathion in mixture with protein hydrolyzate were applied to straw tuMs attached to branches of the same varieties whenever 1 fly was caught on a Trimedlure trap installed at the center of each plot. The results showed that the number of flies captured by mass trapping reached 508 and 489 adults on 'Rome Star' and 'Ryan Sun', respectively. The average number varied from 1 to 3 adults/trap/day, depending on the date of capture and the variety, and females accounted for 62-100% of total caught flies. In plots protected by the attract-and-kill technique, and taking into account the threshold adopted by the farm, 11 and 15 treatments were carried out respectively on the 'Ryan Sun' and 'Rome Star' varieties. Overall, infestation rates in plots did not exceed 0.3% before or at harvest with mass trapping versus 0.9% with the attract-and-kill technique. On fruit dropped on the ground, the infestation rate did not exceed 4% in mass trapping, compared to 11.5% in the chemically treated plots. Mass trapping was therefore proved to be an effective and eco-friendly tool for managing medfly on peach fruit.