Mohamed Mars

• The Faculty of Science of Gabes

In this study, we investigated various chromosomal and symbiotic markers in 40 bacterial strains that nodulate an invasive alien plant, Acacia salicina Lindl. in Tunisia. Our findings showed that the native rhizobia associated to A. salicina are grouped into eight distinct RAPD electrophoretic types (RETs) (genotypes). Sequence analyses of rrs gene...

Genetic variability in bacterial populations that nodulate Lupinus cosentinii in Tunisia was investigated. Phylogenetic studies of 40 isolates using recA partial sequences categorized them into three clusters within the Bradyrhizobium genus. Twenty-three strains selected from the three clusters were thoroughly examined through housekeeping genes (r...

Prunus armeniaca, widely known as apricot, has been recognized as a valuable source of bioactive compounds, particularly in its by-products. The fruit is rich in nutritious and bioactive substances, offering a range of health benefits. This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to investigate the chemical composition and evaluate the in...

Quinoa, scientifically known as Chenopodium quinoa Willd., is well recognized for its exceptional nutritional composition and potential benefits for human health. This research aims to conduct a phytochemical analysis of nutraceutical properties and biologcal activities of seven different quinoa cultivars, namely, red, white, Amarilla marangani, ka...

Quinoa, scientifically known as Chenopodium quinoa Willd., is well recognized for its exceptional nutritional composition and potential benefits for human health. This research aims to conduct a phytochemical analysis of nutraceutical properties and biologcal activities of seven different quinoa cultivars, namely, red, white, Amarilla marangani, ka...

Quinoa, scientifically known as Chenopodium quinoa Willd., is well recognized for its exceptional nutritional composition and potential benefits for human health. This research aims to conduct a phytochemical analysis of nutraceutical properties and biologcal activities of seven different quinoa cultivars, namely, red, white, Amarilla marangani, ka...

In this study, we investigated various chromosomal and symbiotic markers in 40 bacterial strains that nodulating an invasive alien Acacia salicina Lindl. In Tunisia never described worldwide. Our findings showed that the native rhizobia in Tunisia associated to A. salicina are grouped into eight distinct RAPD electrophoretic types (RETs) (genotypes...

This manuscript reports the complete and circularized Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long read-based genome sequences of five nitrogen-fixing symbionts belonging to the genus Bradyrhizobium, isolated from root nodules of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) grown on soil samples collected from Tunisia.

Nodule endophytes and associated bacteria are non-symbiotic bacteria that colonize legume nodules. They accompany nodulating rhizobia and can form beneficial associations, as some of them are plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that are able to promote germination and plant growth and increase tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. White l...

Prunus dulcis is one of the most widely cultivated species in the world. Its fruit (almond) is rich in various nutritious and bioactive compounds that exert several beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical profile and evaluate the biological potential in vitro of almond shell extracts. The chemical analysis of shell e...

Prunus dulcis is one of the most widely cultivated species in the world. Its fruit (almond) is rich in various nutritious and bioactive compounds that exert several beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical profile and evaluate the biological potential in vitro of almond shell extracts. The chemical analysis of shell e...

Lupin is a high-protein legume crop that grows in a wide range of edaphoclimatic conditions where other crops are not viable. Its unique seed nutrient profile can promote health benefits, and it has been proposed as a phytoremediation plant. Most rhizobia nodulating Lupinus species belong to the genus Bradyrhizobium, comprising strains that are phy...

Eighty-four Pisum sativum legume nodulating bacteria (LNB) were isolated from seven geographical sites from southern Tunisia. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of 16S rRNA gene and the housekeeping genes glnII, and recA grouped strains into six clusters, four of which belonged to the genus Rhizobium and two to the Ensifer genus. Amon...

Vitis vinifera (V. vinifera) is a herbaceous plant, cultivated worldwide and known for its biological benefits. The aim of this study is the investigation of the chemical composition as well as the determination of the biological potential of different grape stem extracts obtained by maceration and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). The HPLC ana...

Drylands are highly susceptible to degradation and climate change, which has important ecological and socio-economic consequences worldwide. To halt drylands degradation, plant species selection for restoration is starting to include also a functional approach, but does not integrate belowground functional traits yet. Therefore we tested the use of...

Thirty-two bacterial isolates were obtained from root nodules of Lupinus angustifolius growing in Northern Tunisia. Phylogenetic analyses based on recA and gyrB partial gene sequences grouped the strains into six clusters: four clusters belonged to the genus Bradyrhizobium (22 isolates), one to Microvirga (8 isolates) and one to Devosia (2 isolates...

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two nitrogen-fixing symbionts, Bradyrhizobium sp. strain sGM-13 and Bradyrhizobium sp. strain sBnM-33, isolated from root nodules of peanut grown on soil samples collected from two regions in South Tunisia. The draft genome sizes of these two strains are 8.31 × 106 bp and 8.97 × 106 bp, respectively.

Soils in arid and infra-arid regions of Tunisia (where rainfall does not exceed 180 mm) suffer from rapid degradation of vegetation cover and loss of biodiversity. To limit the progress of desertification, it is necessary to promote the cultivation of autochthonous plants and particularly legumes, pioneer plants used for the restoration of poor soi...

Plants interact with beneficial microbes living in their rhizosphere, promoting their growth and development. In arid ecosystems, specific plant-associated microbes grant plants access to nutrients that would otherwise be inaccessible. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are probably one of the better known belowground functional networks with plant...

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are determinant for the performance of plant communities and for the functionality of terrestrial ecosystems. In natural ecosystems, grazing can have a major impact on mycorrhizal fungi and consequently on plant growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the statements referred above in Mediterranean arid...

Phylogenetically diverse rhizobial strains endemic to Tunisia were isolated from symbiotic nodules of Lotus creticus, growing on different arid extremophile geographical regions of Tunisia, and speciated using multiloci-phylogenetic analysis as Neorhizobium huautlense (LCK33, LCK35, LCO42 and LCO49), Ensifer numidicus (LCD22, LCD25, LCK22 and LCK25...

It is of interest to investigate the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with Vachellia tortillis ssp. raddiana to provide insights into the contribution of soil properties in shaping the AMF community composition and to define new strains for the production of inoculants under arid climate. A total of 230 symbiotic AMF clone...

Calicotome villosa is a spontaneous Mediterranean legume that can be a good candidate as pioneer plants to limit regression of vegetation cover and loss of biodiversity in Tunisian arid soils. In order to grow legumes in such soils, pairing rhizobia and nodule associated bacteria (NAB) might provide numerous advantages. In this work, cultivable bio...

The aim of this study was to identify the major environmental factors affecting the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) diversity and community composition in the roots of Retama raetam growing on arid ecosystems of Tunisia. AM Fungi were assessed by cloning and sequencing of the AMF SSU rRNA gene and therefore checked against NCBI GenBank and Maarj...

Forty rhizobial strains were isolated from Lotus creticus, L. pusillus and Bituminaria bituminosa endemic to Tunisia, and they belonged to the Mesorhizobium and Ensifer genera based on 16S rDNA sequence phylogeny. According to the concatenated recA and glnII sequence-based phylogeny, four Bituminaria isolates Pb5, Pb12, Pb8 and Pb17 formed a monoph...

Water shortage throughout the world, especially in arid regions in the later decades has led to search for alternatives to save potable fresh water. Treated wastewater (TWW) appears to be an opportunity for irrigation. However, it could represent a stress factor for plants, and influence their metabolism, changing their secondary metabolites and, c...

We report here the draft genome sequence of Phyllobacterium endophyticum mTS5, isolated from a Lupinus micranthus root nodule. The genome consists of 5,454,168 bp, with a GC content of 57%, and contains 5,676 protein-coding sequences.

Legume plants have colonized almost all terrestrial biotopes. Their ecological success is partly due to the selective advantage provided by their symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria called rhizobia, which allow legumes to thrive on marginal lands and nitrogen depleted soils where non-symbiotic plants cannot grow. Additionally, their...

Three bacterial strains, LmiM8T, LmiE10 and LluTb3, isolated from nitrogen-fixing nodules of Lupinus micranthus (Lmi strains) and L. luteus (Llu strain) growing in Northern Tunisia were analysed using genetic, phenotypic and symbiotic approaches. Phylogenetic analyses based on rrs and concatenated gyrB and dnaK genes suggested that these Lupinus st...

Thirty-one rhizobial isolates nodulating native Lupinus angustifolius (blue lupine) plants growing in northern Tunisian soils were isolated and analysed using different chromosomal and symbiotic gene markers. Phylogenetic analyses based on recA partial sequences grouped them into at least five groups: four of them within the genus Bradyrhizobium (2...

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in plants growth and soils dynamic in all most ecosystems. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the plant-AMF interactions on soil functions under arid protected area ‘Zarat-Gabès’ in Tunisia. AMF colonization was evaluated by visual observation of AMF in fine roots of eig...

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in plants growth and soils dynamic in all most ecosystems. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the plant-AMF interactions on soil functions under arid protected area ‘Zarat-Gabès’ in Tunisia. AMF colonization was evaluated by visual observation of AMF in fine roots of eig...

Mycorrhizal symbioses are considered indicators of ecosystem biodiversity. However, their diversity and relevance in arid and semi-arid ecosystems are poorly understood. This study addressed this subject, the main objective being to evaluate arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) diversity and heterogeneity in a semi-arid region. Samples of bulk and rh...

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are found in the soil of most ecosystems where they form mutualistic associations that affect plants growth. We have investigated the community structure of AMF associated to Retama raetam growing in five regions of Tunisia. The total number of spores was significantly different across sites, ranging from 633 to 1...

The use of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) as bio-fertilization technology in the agriculture, which would contribute effectively to improving plant productivity is being discovered in the recent research. The influence of inoculation with AMF on growth processes is difficult to evaluate, in part because it varies with the inoculated plant and u...

Climate change, in particular drought and desertification were contributed to soil degradation. These phenomena constitute a limiting factor in crop yields of several plants characteristic arid ecosystem of Tunisia. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi can be contributed to solving this problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of M...

This book summarizes the main outcomes and results of the project implementation in one of the regions with higher expected development worldwide. The first part is focused on comparative overviews and technical reports, including the analysis of national LLL legislation in the Mediterranean region, existing LLL practices on the participating count...

This book summarizes the main outcomes and results of the project implementation in one of the regions with higher expected development worldwide. The first part is focused on comparative overviews and technical reports, including the analysis of national LLL legislation in the Mediterranean region, existing LLL practices on the participating count...

Phosphogypsum (PG) was used as substrate for the multiplication of eight ornamental species; six by cuttings and two by sowing. The results obtained showed a high rooting or percent germination for the six plants: Ficus benjamina, Pelargonium × Hortorum, Washingtonia filifera, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Acalypha wilkesiana...

The genetic diversity of bacterial populations nodulating Lupinus luteus (yellow lupine) in Northern Tunisia was examined. Phylogenetic analyses of forty three isolates based on recA and gyrB partial sequences grouped them in three clusters, two of which belong to genus Bradyrhizobium (41 isolates) and one, remarkably, to Microvirga (2 isolates), a...

Importance: Lupinus micranthus is a legume broadly distributed in the Mediterranean region and plays an important role in soil fertility and vegetal coverage by its ability to fix nitrogen and solubilize phosphate in semi-arid areas. Extension of this indigenous legume by direct sowing can contribute to prevent soil erosion in Presaharian lands of...

Heavy metals incidence in the aquatic environment and its accumulation in fish are under constant review. Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) specimens were exposed for two weeks to sediments highly concentrated in metals, collected at the Portman Bay (Murcia, Spain). The metals bioaccumulation was tested in liver, muscle and skin. The potential of t...

Background and Objective: Retama raetam is a wild shrub that plays an important role in the restoration and the maintenance of soil fertility. To our knowledge, this legume has not been examined for its root Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) colonization. The aims of this study were to evaluate the natural nodulation and AMF colonization of Retama...

Fifty seven bacterial isolates from root nodules of two spontaneous legumes (Astragalus corrugatus and Hippocrepis areolata) growing in the arid areas of Tunisia were characterized by phenotypic features, 16S rDNA PCR-RFLP and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Phenotypically, our results indicate that A. corrugatus and H. areolata isolates showed heterogen...

142 rhizobial bacteria were isolated from root nodules of Lens culinaris Medik endemic to Tunisia and they belonged to the species Rhizobium leguminosarum and for the first time to Ensifer and Mesorhizobium, genera never previously described as microsymbionts of lentil. Phenotypically, our results indicate that Lens culinaris Medik strains showed h...

In this study, attempts were made to evaluate and to compare antioxidative defense system of three pomegranate cultivars (Punica granatum L.) (Chetoui, Gabsi and Garsi) at three ripening stages (UR, HR and FR). We report, for the first time, a decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and PAL activities from UR to FR stages f...

Nodules of legume plants are highly integrated symbiotic systems shaped by millions of years of evolution. They harbor nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria called bacteroids. Several legume species produce peptides called nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides in the symbiotic nodule cells which house the bacteroids. NCR peptides are related to...

The present study evaluated the levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins from Peganum harmala L. seeds and determined their antioxidant, antiplasmodial and anticancer potentials. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and ABTS assays. Extracts of P. harmala seeds from Oudref and Djerba (two places in Tunisia) were obtain...

Background Legumes form root nodules to house nitrogen fixing bacteria of the rhizobium family. The rhizobia are located intracellularly in the symbiotic nodule cells. In the legume Medicago truncatula these cells produce high amounts of Nodule-specific Cysteine-Rich (NCR) peptides which induce differentiation of the rhizobia into enlarged, polyplo...

Fish are always in intimate contact with their environment; therefore they are permanently exposed to very vary external hazards (e.g. aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, viruses, parasites, pollutants). To fight off pathogenic microorganisms, the epidermis and its secretion, the mucus acts as a barrier between the fish and the environment. Fish are su...

The objectives of this study, conducted in Bou-Hedma National Park, were to quantify the effects of the dominant legume Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana on soil properties. Three sites with differing soil texture were studied; the first with a gravelly-sand texture, the second with a sandy-loam texture and the third with a loam texture. At each stud...

Fifteen bacterial isolates, representatives of different 16S rRNA-RFLP genomogroups which were isolated from root nodules of Lotus creticus and L. pusillus growing in the arid areas of Tunisia were characterized by phenotypic features and 16S rDNA sequences. Phenotypically, all isolates are fast growers with the ability to grow at a pH between 5.5...

There is growing interest in assessing soil quality using microbial properties in desertified areas. A study was conducted in arid soils subjected to desertification in the south of Tunisia to illustrate the effects of dominating steppes of Stipa tenacissima and Anthyllis sericea subsp. henoniana on soil chemical, microbial, and biochemical propert...

In the framework of soil phytoremediation using local legume plants coupled with their native root-nodulating bacteria to increase forage yields and preserve contaminated soils in arid regions of Tunisia, we investigated the diversity of bacteria from root nodules of Lathyrus sativus, Lens culinaris, Medicago marina, M. truncatula, and M. minima an...

Abstract The chemical composition, antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS assays), anti-inflammatory (5-LOX), and cytotoxic (MCF-7) activities from flowers of seven pomegranate varieties (Punica granatum) were investigated. The highest phenolics (330.9±11.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (dw)), flavonoids (29.5±0.8 mg quercetin equivalent/g dw), tannin...

Camel milk has been widely characterized with regards to casein and whey proteins. However, in camelids, almost nothing is known about the Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), the membrane surrounding fat globules in milk. The purpose of this study was thus to identify MFGM proteins from Camelus dromedarius milk. Major MFGM proteins (namely, fatty aci...

This study evaluated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cholinesterase and cytotoxic activities of extracts with different polarities (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol) obtained from Punica granatum leaves. Total phenolics (8.8-127.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight), flavonoids (1.2-76.9 mg quercetin equivalent/...

Wild legumes (herbs, shrubs or trees) play a critical role in natural ecosystems, agriculture, and agroforestry, where their ability to fix nitrogen in symbiosis makes them excellent colonizers of low-N environments, and hence an economic and environmentally friendly species. The field natural nodulation of the wild Tunisian legumes, the genetic di...

A collection of rhizobia isolated from Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana nodules from various arid soils in Tunisia was analyzed for their diversity at both taxonomic and symbiotic levels. The isolates were found to be phenotypically diverse. The majority of the isolates tolerated 3% NaCl and grew at 40 °C. Genetic characterization emphasized that mo...

Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) subsp. raddiana (Savi) Brenan is a woody legume recommended for adoption in arid lands of Tunisia, but their grazing is recognized as one of the main causes of soil degradation and desertification in these areas. The aim of this research was to explore the effects of grazing intensity on soil properties under A. tortilis s...

Sixty-one bacterial isolates were recovered from surface-sterilized root nodules of Vicia sativa, Trigonella maritima and Hedysarum spinosissimum plants growing in two arid Tunisian soils. The natural nodulation resource of these legumes, prospected from the two sites, was investigated. The occurrence of nodulation and the morphology of the nodules...

GenBank staff is unable to verify sequence and/or annotation provided by the submitter.

GenBank staff is unable to verify sequence and/or annotation provided by the submitter.