Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique

In the lower layer of Moroccan oases, forage crops, predominantly alfalfa, maize, and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), are commonly cultivated. Sorghum seeds serve as a staple for human consumption, while its shoots and leaves are utilized as feed for oasis livestock. Like other crops worldwide, sorghum is susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change, notably salinity. This study evaluated the effects of argan biochar extract on germination, growth, antioxidant and chlorophyll pigment levels, and Na⁺/K⁺ accumulation in leaves under salt stress. Four treatment groups were tested: biochar extract + salt stress (E⁺S⁺), biochar extract without stress (E⁺S⁻), no extract + salt stress (E⁻S⁺), and no extract, no stress (E⁻S⁻). Germination was tracked over 10 days, and morphological/biochemical responses (chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio) were analyzed after 60 days. Our findings revealed a marked and significant enhancement in seed germination rates with the application of biochar extract (approximately 62.2% after 8 days of germination), demonstrating a more pronounced improvement in concentration when biochar extract was administered. The application of the extract resulted in a notable increase in chlorophyll pigment concentration by 54.12%, carotenoids by 86.8%, and anthocyanins by 85%. Furthermore, the use of the extract led to a pronounced decrease in the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, with a significant reduction of approximately 91%. This study highlights the potential of biochar extract as a sustainable and cost-effective solution to enhance seed germination, plant growth, and stress tolerance in crops, particularly under challenging conditions like salt stress. By significantly improving chlorophyll, carotenoid, and anthocyanin concentrations while reducing the Na + /K + ratio, it offers a practical approach for farmers to boost crop resilience and productivity in saline environments. Graphical Abstract

This research investigates the impacts of climate change on date palm cultivation in the Drâa-Tafilalet oases of southeastern Morocco, employing a mixed-methods approach that combines on-the-ground observations and semi- structured interviews with 120 date palm farmers. Field observations across three key oases document widespread hazards and effects of climate-related stress on date palms, including disrupted flowering synchronicity, increased incidence of parthenocarpy, and heightened vulnerability to pests and diseases. A survey of these 120 farmers revealed the severity and interconnected nature of these impacts. Several farmers (30% in Boudnib, 40% in Errachidia and 40% in Zagora) observed multiple asynchronous flowering cycles per year, while parthenocarpy emerged as a significant concern, with prevalence ranging from 20% in Zagora to 40% in Boudnib. While 10–15% of farmers reported inflorescence rot, a concerning knowledge gap exists regarding effective preventative treatments, with only 3– 15% of farmers employing them. Farmer surveys further revealed that wind-driven mite infestations pose a growing threat, with 50% of farmers in Zagora reporting significant issues. The research explores ways to reduce the effects of climate change through methods like creating crops resistant to climate conditions, enhancing water supply systems, combining pest and pollinator control methods, and implementing new pollination approaches. Nevertheless, it highlights the need for tailored adaptation and mitigation strategies that incorporate both scientific knowledge and local, farmer-driven insights. The study emphasises the urgency of proactive measures to address the socioeconomic consequences of climate change on these culturally and economically vital oases.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Albedinis (Foa) is the causal agent of Bayoud disease, responsible for the loss of 75% of date palm trees in Morocco and posing a threat to its cultivation across North Africa. This study examined ten Foa isolated from various Moroccan locations for the presence of the transposable element Fot1 and the distribution of “Secreted in Xylem” (SIX) genes. Pathogenicity assays on date palm seedlings revealed varying levels of aggressiveness among isolates, with a positive correlation between aggressiveness and SIX gene count. Highly aggressive isolates harbored 9–12 SIX genes, while hypo-aggressive and moderately aggressive isolates carried 0–6. SIX2, SIX6, SIX7, SIX11, SIX12, and SIX13 were differently dispersed among aggressive isolates, whereas SIX12 and SIX13 were present in all aggressive isolates, suggesting their potential role in virulence. This study is the first to highlight a correlation between Foa aggressiveness and SIX gene distribution, providing a foundation for future functional analyses to elucidate their role in pathogenicity.

Crop simulation models are essential decision support tools, particularly in regions with highly variable climates, as they help farmers optimize crop management practices. In Moroccan rainfed areas, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization strategies are critical for making informed decisions about the timing and quantity of application to maximize income. This research presents an innovative rule-based approach that integrates the APSIM crop simulation model to enhance nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization recommendations, tailored specifically for implementation at farmers’ field levels. This study compares four N- and P-fertilization strategies: two rule-based strategies derived from the APSIM model using historical climate data and current-year rainfall, and two recommendations from empirical models commonly used by Moroccan farmers and advisers (Fertimap and NPK-engine). The study tested the impact of these four fertilization schemes on wheat yield, plant nutrient content, and farmers’ gross margins in field trials at two sites, El-Jadida and Ksar-Lkbir, during the 2021/2022 growing season, which experienced contrasting rainfall patterns. A subsequent risk analysis evaluated the agronomic and economic efficiency of these strategies across ten growing seasons (2012–2021), considering variations in fertilizer and wheat market prices. The results indicate that the APSIM-based decision rules, which integrate historical climate data and current in-season rainfall, were the most effective in 2021/2022. This approach optimized farmers’ gross margins in El-Jadida and minimized economic losses in Ksar-Lkbir. The risk frequency analysis highlighted the superiority of APSIM-based decision rules, particularly those incorporating current-year rainfall, during favorable seasons. However, differences between the strategies were less pronounced in other seasons. Overall, the APSIM-based decision tools, which combine historical climate data with current in-season rainfall, and the NPK-engine tool were identified as the most effective strategies for minimizing economic risk in Morocco’s variable and often harsh climate.

This study evaluated the chemical properties of phosphocompost extracts and their effectiveness in inducing tomato seedlings resistance to Meloidogyne javanica. Phosphocomposts: Sugar beet phosphocompost (PC-SB: CP2), green waste phosphocompost (PC-GW: CP3), and olive mill waste phosphocompost (PC-OMW: CP4), were utilized to produce compost water extracts at concentrations of 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, and 1:100 g:mL and then applied as soil drenches for tomato seedlings one-week post-inoculation. The CP2 extract applied at a 1:5 dilution led to marked improvements in growth parameters, with plant height increasing by over 52.2%, shoot fresh biomass rising by approximately 52.44%, and shoot dry biomass showing a gain of 62.21%. Root biomass also rose by 33%. Chlorophyll a increased with CP4 at 1:5 and 1:100 (41.05% and 37.32%), chlorophyll b increased with CP3 at 1:5 and 1:10 (22.34% and 7.59%), while carotenes showed no variation. Polyphenols rose by 86.45–91.01% with CP2 from 1:5 to 1:20, and flavonoids increased by 64.90% with CP4 at 1:10. CP2 diminished the ultimate M. javanica population and reproduction factor by 171.43%, while CP4 at 1:20 decreased egg masses by 151.94%. The root gall index showed no variation. The chemical composition of phosphocomposts revealed that the strategic incorporation of diverse organic improvers (10%) in phosphocomposts yielded distinct nutrient signatures, with sugar beet waste enhancing PO4³⁻ (12.91 mg/L) and secondary macronutrients, green waste optimizing NO3⁻ (69.91 mg/L) and SO4²⁻ (62.70 mg/L) availability, and olive mill waste producing superior micronutrient concentrations alongside dominant Ca (24.21 mg/L), K (392.50 mg/L), and P (9.17 mg/L) levels. Overall, the results underscore the potential of phosphocompost extracts as a viable, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic nematicides, offering a sustainable and resilient approach to M. javanica control while enhancing tomato plant growth.

The productivity and resilience of durum wheat have been enhanced through the selection of accessions, optimizing agronomic and quality traits to address environmental challenges. This study evaluates the performance of 219 durum wheat accessions, including 120 elite lines from a national breeding program (G1 to G120), 63 international lines (G121 to G183), 27 Moroccan varieties (including Faraj, Karim, Tomouh, Marzak, Amria, Chaoui, IRDEN, and others), and nine landraces (G211 to G219, from Imilchil, Rich, and Taounate regions). Trials were conducted at the Jemâa Shaïm experimental station (INRA-Morocco) with an “Alpha lattice” design and two replications. Significant correlations were observed between spike length (SL) and number of spikelets per spike (SPS) (r = 0.950; p < 0.001), and between grain yield (GY) and thousand-kernel weight (TKW) (r = 0.530; p < 0.01), while no correlation was found between quality parameters and GY (r = 0.010; p > 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that agronomic traits explained 77.12% of variability, while quality traits accounted for 95.54%. Elite lines exhibited a high yellow pigment index (14.90), important for technological quality. Traditional landraces performed well in spike length (8.78 cm), thousand-kernel weight (50.23 g), protein content (17.07%), and gluten content (36.90%). Moroccan varieties such as Faraj achieved a grain yield of 6.12 t/ha, while international lines showed the highest SDS value (9.39 mL). These findings highlight the potential of diverse accessions for developing high-yielding, high-quality durum wheat.

The management of plant pathogens has become a challenge due to increasing pesticide resistance. Recent studies have focused on developing alternatives to chemical pesticides, enabling effective control of crop pathogens with reduced environmental impact and minimal effects on human health. This study examines the chemical composition and the antifungal activity of four essential oils extracted from Origanum compactum , Thymus leptobotrys , Laurus nobilis , and Rosmarinus officinalis in individual and combined forms against Alternaria alternata causal agent of olive leaf diseases. The most potent inhibitors of A. alternata were oregano and Thyme essential oils, distinguished by the predominance of carvacrol (59% and 75.05%), respectively. Furthermore, essential oil combinations such as oregano/thyme and oregano/thyme/laurel reduced the MIC values and showed synergistic effects (FICI ≤ 0.5). In silico analysis by molecular docking was performed to study the anticipated ligands of these essential oils against Ubiquitin E3 Ligase responsible for H2B monoubiquitination in Alternaria alternata . These results suggest that, as part of the search for sustainable ways to reduce fungicide use in agriculture, essential oils, combinations, and even chemical compounds may be effective against Alternaria alternata .

Organogenesis is a reliable method for the commercial micropropagation of date palm cultivars, contributing to the preservation of the date palm heritage in oasis regions. However, the persistence of endophytic bacterial contamination (EBC), often exacerbated by mechanisms such as sporulation, limits the efficiency of this promising technique. This comprehensive review examines the current state of knowledge on endophytic bacteria in in vitro date palm cultivation. It analyzes the factors promoting contamination, addresses the challenges posed by the sporulation mechanism, outlines methods for detecting and identifying bacterial contaminants, and highlights current control strategies. Furthermore, we emphasize the critical importance of adhering to good laboratory practices and the urgent need for further research to better understand the mechanisms of bacterial contamination. By exploring the complexities of date palm micropropagation, this study reveals the underlying challenges of bacterial contamination and underscores the resolution of these issues as essential for the sustainability of the date palm industry.

Citrus production plays a crucial role in the Moroccan economy. However, this vital industry faces persistent challenges from pests and diseases that threaten yield, fruit quality, and long-term orchard sustainability. Understanding and addressing these threats are critical for safeguarding the productivity and profitability of Moroccan citrus cultivation. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the most impactful pests and diseases that affect citrus orchards in Morocco which can be a model for other neighboring countries. This is based on a comprehensive survey conducted among agricultural experts and phytopathologists across the country’s primary citrus-growing regions. The findings highlight the priority pests and diseases that pose the greatest risks, offering valuable insights to support targeted management strategies and policy development. This review emphasizes the need for integrated pest and disease management strategies to safeguard the sustainability of citrus farming and to ensure the continued economic contribution of citrus to the agricultural sector and the whole Morocco’s.

The application of nitrogen fertilizers is a cornerstone of modern agriculture and is a vital for optimizing crop growth and productivity. However, the extensive use of nitrogen fertilizers has raised significant environmental concerns, including soil degradation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. This review offers a comprehensive synthesis of 30 years of isotope-based studies, focusing on nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE), a more specific measure of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), which quantifies the proportion of applied nitrogen absorbed by crops. We emphasize studies utilizing 15N-enriched fertilizers. Unlike previous studies that addressed isolated aspects of nitrogen dynamics, this review integrates findings on nitrogen transformation pathways, recovery rates, and environmental losses. We highlight key factors influencing NUE, including fertilizer formulation, soil properties, and management practices, while identifying critical knowledge gaps that limit further advancements. The analysis underscores the importance of isotopic methods in refining NUE assessments and optimizing nitrogen management strategies. By linking recent advances in isotope tracing with agronomic innovations, this review provides new insights into sustainable nitrogen use, contributing to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly fertilization practices.

The emergence of new-generation hyperspectral satellites offers more potential for mapping soil properties. This study presents the first assessment of EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program) hyperspectral imagery for soil organic matter (SOM) prediction and mapping using actual spectral data from 282 soil samples. Different spectral preprocessing techniques, including Savitzky–Golay (SG) smoothing, the second derivative of SG, and Standard Normal Variate (SNV) transformation, were evaluated in combination with embedded feature selection to identify the most relevant wavelengths for SOM prediction. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) models were developed under different pre-treatment scenarios. The best performance was obtained using SNV preprocessing with the top 30 EnMAP bands (wavelengths) selected, giving R² = 0.68, RMSE = 0.34%, and RPIQ = 1.75. The combination of SNV with feature selection successfully identified significant wavelengths for SOM prediction, particularly around 550 nm in the Vis–NIR region, 1570–1630 nm, and 1600 nm and 2200 nm in the SWIR region. The resulting SOM predictions exhibited spatially consistent patterns that corresponded with known soil–landscape relationships, highlighting the potential of EnMAP hyperspectral data for mapping soil properties despite its limited geographical availability. While these results are promising, this study identified limitations in the ability of PLSR to extrapolate predictions beyond the sampled areas, suggesting the need to explore non-linear modeling approaches. Future research should focus on evaluating EnMAP’s performance using advanced machine learning techniques and comparing it to other available hyperspectral products to establish robust protocols for satellite-based soil monitoring.

For farmers to maximize their yield in citrus orchards, phytophagous snails are a significant problem. Traditionally, chemical molluscicides (e.g., metaldehyde) and insecticidal active ingredients (e.g., indoxacarb, imidacloprid, fipronil, spiromesifen, abamectin, and chlorfluazuron) have been used as the primary means of pest control. But given environmental concerns and the problem of resistance development and non-target toxicity, eco-friendly approaches are now considered. Plant metabolites such as steroids, alkaloids, and essential oils have recently been regarded as potential agents for managing snails. Molluscicidal compounds such as those found in Quillaja saponaria and Furcraea foetida act by breaking open the snail epithelial cells leading to dehydration. Alkaloids like solanine from Solanum species or nicotine from Nicotiana tabacum have also been evaluated in laboratories with promising results, though their toxicity to non-target organisms requires careful consideration when being formulated. Natural molluscicides derived from plants almost display potent molluscicidal activity as they interfere with the respiratory system and cell membranes of snail bodies, for example, limonene from citrus oils. In addition, combining these plant-derived compounds with biological control agents has been shown to be highly effective in decreasing snail populations. Integrated Pest Management strategies, which incorporate cultural, physical, and plant-derived molluscicides, represent sustainable avenues toward controlling snails. These strategies, which include manual snail collection, orchard management, physical barriers, and baited traps, are designed to minimize environmental impact while effectively managing snail populations. Other innovative strategies, such as nanoencapsulation for improved bioactive compound effectiveness, the use of biopesticides, chitosan, expired mineral oil bait, and even contraception, further demonstrate the commitment to sustainability in pest control. This approach fundamentally addresses the ecological interaction between citrus trees and invasive snails, without compromising sensitive landscapes with the use of ecologically harmful but effective mitigation techniques.

Background Future climate models project severe impacts on flowering phenology of perennial fruit trees in the Mediterranean region under increasing global warming, including the olive tree, a key species extensively cultivated in the region. Thus, understanding the genetic factors regulating flowering is crucial for providing knowledge to select suitable cultivars and designing future olive breeding programs. Here, we aimed to investigate the genetic control of full flowering date (FFD) through Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping approach. Two high-density parental genetic maps, with more than 10k SNPs, were constructed based on an “Olivière” x “Arbequina” F1 hybrid progeny. Phenological observations of the same progeny were conducted across five environments (site × season), and data served to compute Best Linear Unbiased Predictors (BLUPs) for FFD. Both FFD-based BLUPs and single-environment data were used to detect key QTLs, which were further explored through in-silico candidate genes investigation. Results Analysis of FFD distribution highlighted a high heritability with transgressive segregation. A total of 18 significant QTLs were identified in BLUPs analysis, and six were selected as the most relevant. Two QTLs were co-detected on the same linkage groups (LGs) of both parental genetic maps in BLUPs and some environments: LG09 ( qFDO9b/ qFDA9 ) and LG07 ( qFDO7/ qFDA7 ). Additionally, four QTLs on LG3 ( qFDA3 ), LG22 ( qFDA22 ) and LG13 ( qFDA13) on “Arbequina” map, and LG13 ( qFDO13) on “Olivière” map were revealed in BLUPs as well as in some single-environment analyses. Both qFDA13 and qFDA22 were characterized both by higher explained variance (14.6% and 11.6%, respectively) and additive values (-1.09 and + 1.15, respectively). Candidate genes investigation revealed genes within key QTLs probably involved in transcription regulation, including WRKY71 , RLT3 , and ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE-5-LIKE , in addition to a transport protein: FT–INTERACTING protein1 . Genes highlighted were shown to interact with main flowering date regulators such as FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). Conclusion Our study aimed to highlight the genetic control of the flowering date in the olive tree. The genomic regions covered by the detected QTLs and the candidate genes identified represent valuable resources for further investigations through genome-wide association and functional genomics studies. These findings will provide key information for applying genomic selection to develop new varieties more adapted to future climate projections.

A rich source of natural color, beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) extracts and colorants offer deep red color to the dishes and boost their nutritional and antioxidant value. This research extracted beetroot color using Soxhlet, cold press, and ultrasonic methods. After testing the extracts for yield %, color (L*, a*, and b*), betalains, total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity, the colorant was used to make ice cream. The results of three techniques revealed that the extract obtained from Soxhlet extraction (SE) has more total phenolic content (244.11 mg GAE/100 g), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (23.41%), significantly higher yield (48.05%), and better color results, as compared to the other extraction techniques. However, the contents of betalains (399.47 mg/L) were observed more in the extract obtained from ultrasonic extraction (UE). The extract obtained after the SE technique was further utilized in the ice cream manufacturing to check its acceptability in this product, compared to the artificial color. Six samples of ice cream were developed having different ratios of beetroot‐derived color and artificial color. Control ice cream (T0) contained artificial color, whereas ice cream (T5) was developed by replacing complete artificial color with beetroot‐derived color. The other treatments (T1), (T2), (T3), and (T4) contained a combination of both natural and artificial colors with different proportions. Various quality parameters of these ice cream formulations, such as pH, acidity, brix, melting rate, overrun, and specific gravity, were studied. The result signified that the addition of beetroot color did not have a considerable effect on these attributes. The result of color analysis of ice cream suggested that the mean value of L* is higher in T5 (73.16), which only contains 0.1% beetroot color, and is lowest in T0 (65.24), which contains 0.1% artificial color. The addition of natural colorant resulted in a higher L* value. Sensory characteristics including color, mouth coating, flavor, aroma, texture, and overall acceptability of T5 showed more acceptance and significant results as compared to other treatments that contained artificial colors. Therefore, the beetroot‐derived natural colorants could be employed to develop nutritional, healthy, and acceptable ice cream.

The Argane tree ( Argania spinosa ), a Moroccan native species, has significant ecological and commercial value. To create a high-quality reference genome, we performed whole-genome sequencing with PacBio HiFi long reads and Hi-C data for chromosome scaffolding. The genome size was estimated in silico, and contamination was checked to assure data quality. The final assembly consists of 10 pseudochromosomes and 40 unplaced scaffolsd with a total length of ~ 662 Mb, a N50 of 80 Mb, and a 34.35% GC content. The BUSCO completeness test indicated 99.1% complete genes, indicating that the assembly was of excellent quality. In addition, a phylogenomic study was carried out using 750 BUSCO genes to assess A. spinosa's evolutionary position among similar species. This high-quality genome gives crucial information for conservation and genetic advancement. All sequencing data and assemblies are publicly available, ensuring reproducibility and further analyses.

Aromatic and medicinal plants have been integral to human civilization for thousands of years, serving not only as vital components in traditional and modern medicine but also as sources of captivating fragrances that enhance our sensory experiences. The main objective of this study was to explore the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and in silico molecular docking attributes of Gardenia jasminoides essential oil (GJEO). The chemical compositions were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) test. The antimicrobial activity was tested in vitro using three microbial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus), and two fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). In silico analysis by molecular docking was used to determine the interaction types of topoisomerase II receptors and the most important antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds (Eugenol, Methyleugenol, and α-Terpineol ligands). The obtained results highlight the presence of 25 volatile compounds including 5 new detected compounds: Methyleugenol (15.41%), 1-Undecyne (3.4%), 2,6,10-Dodecatrien-1-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl- (1.11%), 2,5-Cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- (0.4%), and 5,9-Tetradecadiyne (0.32%). The antioxidant capacity of GJEO is around 1.25 µg equivalent of ascorbic acid/mL for TAC assay and IC50 = 19.05 µL/mL for DPPH test. GJEO exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16.67 µL/mL. In silico molecular docking analysis revealed strong interactions between ethyleugenol characterized by multiple bonding interactions, including Pi–Alkyl and carbon–hydrogen bonds, while α-Terpineol formed hydrogen and alkyl interactions. These results underline the potential of Gardenia jasminoides essential oil as a promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, highlighting its possible applications in pharmaceuticals and natural therapies.

Mutagenesis breeding via ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) has been successfully used in faba bean to improve some economically important traits. However, there is a knowledge gap of the factors/mechanisms related to its sensitivity/tolerance to EMS treatment toxicity. It was hypothesized that the seed size could influence the response of the diverse botanical varieties of faba bean. Consequently, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the sensitivity of six faba bean varieties: three major varieties (Aguadulce superlonga, Reina mora, and Yasmine) and three minor varieties (Zina, Alfia 05, and Alfia 17), to three increasing concentrations (0.05%, 0.5%, and 1%, along with a control 0%) of EMS. Analyses included various germination parameters (germination percentage [GP], germination energy at seven and 14 days [GE7 and GE14], germination rate index [GRI], and vigor index [VI]) across different EMS concentrations. To further explore mechanisms involved in sensitivity to EMS, we measured coat thickness and assessed antioxidant activity. Our findings revealed that the seed size variation did not significantly affect EMS sensitivity. Different varieties showed significant responses to increasing EMS concentrations (p≤0.05) for most parameters, except for root length. This challenges the assumption that the seed size influences EMS sensitivity in faba bean. Coat thickness was uniform, suggesting similar EMS absorption. DPPH assay revealed significant antioxidant activity differences between nontreated and EMS-treated groups. Antioxidant activity correlated significantly with germination parameters under EMS treatment. The study indicates factors beyond seed size contribute to EMS responses. Examining antioxidant systems may explain plants’ ability to counteract EMS-induced oxidative stress.

This study highlights the regulatory potential antibacterial and antiradical of Origanum elongatum essential oil (EO), an endemic medicinal plant of Morocco used for its various properties. The chemical composition of the EO was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial activity against different agricultural phytopathogens was determined by disc diffusion and microatmosphere methods, as well as by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), while the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. To complement the experimental analyses, a molecular docking approach was used to predict and elucidate the mechanisms of action of the identified bioactive compounds, both for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The GC-MS analysis revealed a chemical composition dominated by the major compounds: p-cymene-2-ol (25.31%), thymol (23.88%), and γ-terpinene (19.26%). Furthermore, antibacterial analyses performed using different methodological approaches (disc diffusion, microatmosphere, MIC, and MBC) showed significant inhibitory activity against all phytopathogens tested. Moreover, O. elongatum EO exhibited interesting antioxidant ability with an IC50 value of 168.25 ± 1.14 µg/mL for DPPH assay and EC50 value of 164.22 ± 1.04 µg/mL for FRAP assay. Furthermore, in silico molecular docking demonstrated further insights into the interactions between the oil’s active components and bacterial targets, supporting its mode of action. This in-depth characterization highlights the potential of O. elongatum EO as a natural alternative for the biocontrol of plant pathogens. It opens new perspectives for developing natural solutions to protect crops against plant diseases.

Thymus satureioides is an endemic and medicinal plant of Morocco, widely distributed in the arid and semiarid habitats. Communally used in traditional medicine. In the current study, twelve Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) primers combined with 11 agro-morphological traits were applied to evaluate 60 accessions of T. satureioides collected from 10 spontaneous sites covering most geographical area. These accessions were cultivated in two experimental stations Khémisset and Rabat. Variation coefficient of Phenotypic studied traits (CV) varied from 2.99 (inflorescence/stems) to 47.37 % (secondary branches/stem number). ANOVA showed very highly significant differences between accessions for of of all the studied traits (p < 0.0001). The experimental station of Khémisset recorded the highest values compared to Rabat. PCA plot showed that 90.39 % were the most six variable morphological characters. At 80 %, Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into two major clusters based on their morphological resemblance. AMOVA revealed that the molecular variation within and between accessions was demonstrated to 82 % and 18 %, respectively. The number of bands is ranged from 12 for primer UBC825 to 28 for primer ISSR-4, those amplified 119 band and generating 739 amplicons. The UPGMA dendrogram, established through dissimilarity index, exhibited three groups. PCoA plot revealed three major groups of populations and consistent with genetic relationships derived from Cluster analysis. Tamssount region recorded high values of genetic diversity (He = 0.182), percentage polymorphic loci (PPL = 63.03 %) and Shannon information index (I = 0.283). These results highlighted a variability that will be useful for the breeding program aiming at improving the productivity, conservation and domestication of Thymus satureioides.

La présente étude vise à examiner la diversité génétique des palmeraies traditionnelles du Tafilalet, la principale zone de culture du palmier dattier au Maroc. L’étude vise également à déterminer l’impact de la stratégie nationale de développement de la filière palmier dattier sur la préservation et la protection de cette diversité. L’enquête a été réalisée auprès de 226 exploitations agricoles réparties dans l’ensemble des palmeraies du Tafilalet, couvrant une superficie totale de 299 hectares. Pour évaluer cette diversité, l’indice de Shannon-Weaver (H) a été utilisé. En termes de richesse variétale, l’étude a identifié un total de 46 variétés, dont 19 % représentent 73 % de la population, les variétés Boufeggous et Mejhoul étant dominantes. L’étude a révélé des différences significatives entre les valeurs moyennes de l’indice de Shannon-Weaver des palmeraies de Boudnib (2,02), d’Errissani (1,67) et de Jorf (1,65). Un test de corrélation entre l’indice de Shannon et les pratiques agricoles modernes a montré qu’il n’y avait aucune corrélation entre les niveaux de diversité génétique et les pratiques agricoles modernes. Il existe par contre une corrélation significative entre les pratiques modernes et la superficie agricole. La modernisation des pratiques agricoles dans les palmeraies traditionnelles du Tafilalet est assez fortement liée à la taille des exploitations tandis que la diversité génétique dans les palmeraies n’a pas de liens évidents avec les structures ou les pratiques agricoles.