Younes Abbas

University Sultan Moulay Slimane · Biology-Geology

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods provide a framework for addressing sustainable forest management challenges, especially under climate change. This study offers a systematic review of MCDM applications in forest management from January 2010 to March 2024. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze trends in MCDM use and geographic...

Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg is a prickly, leafless and succulent, Moroccan endemic shrub. Field data indicate that the plant faces many challenges related to its natural regeneration and its gradual decline that can lead to a probability of extinction, at least in some areas. Successful seed germination and survival of E. resinifera seedlings duri...

The global imperative to combat food losses and wastes (FLW) is an essential component of achieving sustainable food systems , as emphasized by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12). This study presents a novel methodological approach for quantifying and analyzing FLW within Morocco's wheat processing industry, addressing a critical gap in bot...

Forest soils often contain more carbon (C) than living trees, with significant variation in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks due to stand type and soil characteristics. This study evaluates SOC stocks in the Moroccan Middle Atlas forests using field measurements and machine learning models. Soil profiles across 16 forest types were analysed, identi...

Food waste reduction is an essential solution to guarantee food security and to achieve sustainable development goals, especially promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns that lead to attainment of the twelfth Sustainable Development Goal. Although a number of quantitative studies have explored food wastage, few have focused on ana...

The 14th African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) Morocco Meeting and 2nd International Congress of the Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics (SM2GH), held in Rabat, Morocco, from December 12 through 17, 2022, brought together 298 attendees from 23 countries, organized by the AfSHG in collaboration with the SM2GH. The conference’s overar...

The current case analysis aims to explore the spatio-temporal evolution of thuriferous juniper (Juniperus thurif- era L.) forest formations on the El Houanet plateau within the Biological and Ecological Interest Site (BEIS) of Boutferda in Morocco, focusing on their vulnerability to extinction due to various complex reasons. Our research focused on...

The antifungal activity of aqueous extracts of nine spontaneous Moroccan aromatic and medicinal plants was examined against four phytopathogenic fungi. The primary secondary metabolites were qualitatively determined in the extracts, which showed inhibitory activity against at least one of the targeted fungal species. The poisoned food approach was...

Cactiform succulents, belonging to the Euphorbia genus, are distinctive species found in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of Macaronesia and the Arabian Peninsula. Resembling cacti in appearance, they exhibit unique morphological characteristics, such as succulent, green-stemmed structures with ribs, accompanied by a pair of stipular spines. These...

The thuriferous juniper (Juniperus thurifera) is an important species in the Mediterranean region due to its ecological and economic values. It plays a significant role in preventing soil erosion and desertification, as well as being used in traditional medicine and as a source of essential oils for various industries. In addition, its extracts are...

The Azores laurel Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco is a highly esteemed forest species in Morocco due to its medicinal and aromatic properties. However, the natural habitats of this species are increasingly scarce, resulting in its classification as a rare species. This study comprehensively investigates the autoecology, plant communities, and distrib...

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is an evergreen tree native to SW Europe and NW Africa. It covers 2·106 ha in the western Mediterranean basin, forms heterogeneous forest ecosystems and represents an important source of income derived from cork production. While in Iberia, Italy, Tunisia and Algeria, drought and several endemic pathogens have been assoc...

Biocontrol agents and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria represent promising tools to improve plant growth and health as environmentally friendly biopesticides and fertilizers. Streptomyces bacteria are commonly used for biocontrol, but have been poorly investigated for biofertilizer activity. In this study, we evaluated at field scale the perfor...

Forests and woodland ecosystems in Morocco play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and providing ecological and economic services. Despite advances in administration, technology, and research tools in Morocco, these ecosystems have received limited attention. This paper highlights the importance of forests and woodland ecosystems in Morocco...

Reforestation of degraded drylands calls for the selection of species with the capacity to withstand water scarcity. In this current study we have assessed, the physiological responses of three field-grown species (Ceratonia siliqua, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Moringa oleifera) to water deficits in semi-arid regions in order to suggest a potentia...

Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters (Cupressaceae) is a woody tree species indigenous to North Africa. It is also found occasionally in Malta and Spain showing significant adaptability to different bioclimatic conditions. Due to its economic and ecologic values, this tree is affected by human and environmental disturbance leading to habitat fragm...

The thuriferous juniper (Juniperus thurifera) is an important species in the Mediterranean region due to its ecological and economic values. It plays a significant role in preventing soil erosion and desertification, as well as being used in traditional medicine and as a source of essential oils for various industries. In addition, its extracts are...

Plants are exposed to a variety of abiotic factors during their growth, such as climatic conditions and soil qualities. These factors have varying effects on the physiological and morphological characteristics of plant species. The present study was aimed at evaluating the physiological and morphological responses of Cedrus atlantica, Pinus halepen...

Background: Morocco is considered one of the main biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean region and contains various plant species including wild and domestic Rosa. This genus is the most important among cultivated ornamental plants in the world, with a high economic value in cosmetics, pharmaceutical industries, and floriculture. In the presen...

This study evaluated of the impact of wildfires, burned areas and affected species, for the first time, in Fez, Sefrou and Boulemane provinces located in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Data collected from field surveys from 2000 to 2020 and GIS-based aggregation functions were used to produce spatial distribution maps and to show the evolut...

Soil actinomycetes explorations appear to be an efficient alternative as biofertilizers to optimize the use of phosphorus (P) resources and enhance plant growth. This research aimed to explore the distribution of actinomycetes isolated from four different rhizospheric Moroccan oat soils and to investigate their potential for P solubilization. The d...

Our objective is to test selected mycorrhizal complexes to verify the contribution of mycorrhizal symbiosis as a biological tool promoting the development of the argan tree under hostile conditions. In addition, this study aims to assess the impact of soil drought caused by stopping watering of young argan plants inoculated with strains of fungal c...

Strawberry tree (Arbutus Unedo L.) is one of the evergreen trees that grow spontaneously in Moroccan forests. This tall shrub is traditionally used in grazing zones of some Moroccan areas, especially during the dry season, but its value in Morocco has still been underestimated. In this paper, the nutritional composition of A. unedo leaves sample co...

The main environmental challenges of phosphate mines are the huge amounts of waste generated as solid phosphate sludge. These contain a high phosphate rate which is necessary for agriculture production, but chemical parameters as presence of heavy metals and pH make its use possible with limited quantity. In order to be recovered for organic nurser...

In this work, we analyzed the symbiotic performance and diversity of rhizobial strains isolated from the endemic shrubby legume Chamaecytisus albidus grown in soils of three different agroforestry ecosystems representing arid and semi-arid forest areas in Morocco. The analysis of the rrs gene sequences from twenty-four representative strains select...

In Morocco, despite the adaptation of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp) to edaphoclimatic conditions, differing from those that prevail in the countries from which it originates, this introduced species is regressing due to biotic and abiotic stresses that impact its survival. Hence, finding innovativetechnologies to preserve this species are e...

The main environmental challenges of phosphate mines are the huge amounts of waste generated as solid phosphate sludge. These contain a high phosphate rate which is necessary for agriculture production, but chemical parameters as presence of heavy metals and pH make its use possible with limited quantity. In order to be recovered for organic nurser...

Out of 54 isolates from root nodules of the Moroccan-endemic Chamaecytisus albidus plants growing in soils from the Maamora cork oak forest, 44 isolates formed nodules when used to infect their original host plant. A phenotypic analysis showed the metabolic diversity of the strains that used different carbohydrates and amino acids as sole carbon an...

Accumulation of phosphate sludge (PS) generated from phosphate treatment process in the open air represent an environment risk and a problem in terms of storage capacities. The use of this by-products in agriculture, is an alternative recovery technique for the phosphate. Moreover, selection of symbionts and their inoculation into the soil whether...

Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters is one of Morocco's most important forest species. It is also found occasionally in Malta and Spain, showing significant adaptability to different bio-climatic conditions. However, the species is being affected by anthropogenic fragmentation, logging and neglect from authorities, which could lead to the irretri...

In Morocco, despite the adaptation of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp) to edaphoclimatic conditions, differing from those that prevail in the countries from which it originates, this introduced species is regressing due to biotic and abiotic stresses that impact its survival. Hence, finding innovative technologies to preserve this species are...

Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg, also called Euphorbusresin, is a species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is endemic to the Beni Mellal Khenifra region and extends discontinuously between El Ksiba and Demnate. Currently, this plant is known as a meliferous species and its product is considered as a terroir product with a Protected Geographic...

The use of beneficial microorganisms in the regeneration of forest species is a rational approach that both reduces inputs and preserves forest ecosystems. From this perspective, the objectives of this study were (i) to select the most efficient mycorrhizal complex and (ii) to evaluate the effects of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) se...

Tetraclinis articulata Vahl Masters is a forest species endemic to the western Mediterranean, which is of great ecological, socioeconomic and environmental interest. However, its stands are subject to a process of degradation increasingly accentuated, associated in addition to the scarcity of natural regeneration. The rehabilitation of the ecosyste...

L’arganier, Argania spinosa, est une espèce endémique du Maroc, structurant des formations forestières remarquables et façonnant un terroir agricole original. Si son statut mycorhizien a été largement étudié, la diversité mycorhizienne associée et son efficacité, en tenant compte du lien avec les contextes pédoclimatiques et la diversité des territ...

In this study, we examined several aspects related to water stress tolerance of Thuya (Tetraclinis articulata Vahl masters) inoculated with a native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). The mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Thuya were subjected to two water levels: under well-watered and under drought stress. Our results show that the AMF have a signi...

L'arganier [Argania spinosa], est une espèce endémique du Maroc, structurant des formations forestières remarquables et façonnant un terroir agricole original. Le statut mycorhizien de l'arganier a été étudié dans neuf arganeraies situées dans le Sud-Ouest marocain. L'examen microscopique des racines de l'arganier confirme la mycotrophie de l'espèc...

Mycorrhizal fungi play an important role in the tolerance of host plants to environmental stresses. Nine areas of the argan tree located in southwest Morocco (Argana, Amskroud plain, Amskroud mountain, Immouzzar, Admine, Lekhssas, Bouyzakarne, Essaouira, and Safi) were investigated to assess the mycorrhizal potential of their soils in order to expl...

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is an emblematic component of western Mediterranean basin landscapes. Cork oak forests have always been highly appreciated by local populations for their great ecological and socio-economic value. However, the sustainability of cork oak forests has been threatened in recent decades by a complex phenomenon of degradation...

Crocus sativus L. cultivation is expanding to areas with low soil fertility, where mycorrhizal fungi are supposed to be essential for plants growth and ecosystems functioning. Agricultural practices applied under these conditions should lead to good saffron productivity and quality. Our objective was to study the density and diversity of mycorrhiza...

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) harvested from two argan (Argania spinosa [L.] Skeels) stands in southwest Morocco (Bouyzakarne and Argana) on the growth of argan seedlings under nursery conditions. Results confirm the strong dependence of argan tree on native AMF for the improvemen...

La comparaison entre l'état physiologique des arbres de chêne-liège déliègés à divers coefficients de déliègeage et celui des arbres non déliègés en prenant en compte la durée de la période post-déliègeage est l'objet principal de cette étude. Quelques paramètres physiologiques ont été analysés chez des échantillons d'arbres en Maamora (Nord-Ouest...

This work aims to determine the parameters affecting the natural regeneration of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters, a species endemic to the north of Africa and is of major economic importance in Morocco. This enables to aid decision-making for forest management planning, notably in the Moroccan Central Plateau. The research work carried out wa...

Soil fungi associated with plant roots, notably ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi, are central in above- and below-ground interactions in Mediterranean forests. They are a key component in soil nutrient cycling and plant productivity. Yet, major disturbances of Mediterranean forests, particularly in the Southern Mediterranean basin, are observed due to t...

Taxonomic affiliation of root-associated fungal OTUs of Q. suber in the Moroccan cork oak forest (Maâmora, Benslimane, Chefchaoun). (XLSX)

Fungal indicators of Moroccan cork oak habitats (Maâmora, Benslimane and Chefchaoun). (DOCX)

Correlation coefficient between soil physical-chemical parameters among Moroccan cork oak habitats. (XLSX)

Fungal OTU indicators with respect to soil properties (pH, C:N ratio, available P). (DOCX)

Variation in Q. Suber root-associated fungal community structures among Moroccan cork oak habitats. (DOCX)

Data and code snippets used to produce the results presented in this study. (ZIP)

Soil parameters in the Moroccan cork oak forest. (XLSX)

Venn diagram representing shared and unique EcM-related fungal OTUs among habitats (Maâmora, Benslimane, Chefchaoun). (TIFF)

Arganier-{Stress de Déficit Hydrique & Mycorhization}

The cork oak forest is an ecosystem playing a major role in Moroccan socio-economy and biodiversity conservation. However, this ecosystem is negatively impacted by extensive human- and climate-driven pressures, causing a strong decrease in its distribution and a worsening of the desertification processes. This study aims at characterising the impac...

A total of 51 bacterial strains were isolated from root nodules of Scorpiurus muricatus sampled from 6 regions of western Algeria. Strain diversity was assessed by rep-PCR amplification fingerprinting, which grouped the isolates into 28 different clusters. Partial nucleotide sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and BLAST analysis revealed that root nodu...

The cork oak forest is an ecosystem playing a major role in Moroccan socio-economy and biodiversity conservation. However, this ecosystem is negatively impacted by extensive human-and climate-driven pressures, causing a strong decrease in its distribution and a worsening of the desertification processes. This study aims at characterising the impact...

Le cyprès de l’Atlas (Cupresus atlantica Gaussen) est une essence résineuse endémique du Maroc dont les peuplements naturels se trouvent dans le Haut Atlas occidental, plus particulièrement dans la vallée de l’Oued N’Fis où il constitue des formations forestières pré- steppiques. Sa résistance à la sécheresse est reconnue par les phytoécologues,...

L"allélopathie est considérée comme une technique prometteuse pour la lutte biologique. Cependant, les effets des substances allelopathiques restent peu expérimentés et méritent d"être étudiés et mieux approfondies dans les conditions du laboratoire et du champ. Dans cette optique, l"objectif de cette étude est de tester des phénomènes allelopathiq...

Les changements climatiques auront des effets persistants, cumulatifs et interactifs sur les essences forestières. Le rythme et l’ampleur de cette évolution future du climat pourront dépasser significativement la capacité d’adaptation naturelle de certaines de ces essences, ce qui risque de les rendre plus vulnérables au changement de leurs conditi...

Assisted migration of tree species is one of few adaptive strategies available to mitigate the anticipated effects of climate change on the distribution, regeneration and productivity of forest ecosystems. In Morocco, forest species are vulnerable to climate change due to the sensitivity of trees to climate. Assisted migration could be a preferred...

Trough the Green Morocco Plan (PMV) and National Plan to Combat Desertification (PNLCD), the cactus (Opuntia spp) cultivation has been developed. The areas occupied have tripled from almost 45 000ha in the beginning of 1990, to an estimated 150 000ha actually. The previous studies on cactus have been shown that this specie displays a high level of...

Trough the Green Morocco Plan (PMV) and National Plan to Combat Desertification (PNLCD), the cactus (Opuntia spp) cultivation has been developed. The areas occupied have tripled from almost 45 000ha in the beginning of 1990, to an estimated 150 000ha actually. The previous studies on cactus have been shown that this specie displays a high level of...

Effct of mycorrhizal complex on the growth of plants Argania spinosa L. Inoculation of argan seeds by a composite of endomycorrhizal showed a good installation of mycorrhizal symbiosis on the inoculated plantlets. Root fresh and dry weight, aerial fresh and dry weight, aerial height and stem diameter for the mycorrhized argan plantlets and nonmycor...

In Morocco, scientific research on the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica M.) has helped to understand its ecology and to characterize its behavior in response to drought. However, few studies have dealt with the analysis of its appearance in relation to the diversity of habitats and different ecological situations. The aim of this study is to assess, i...

Mycorrhizal statut of T. articulata (Vahl) Masters was studied in seven Tetraclinis woodlands. Root microscopic analysis revealed only Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AMF). The rates of mycorrhizal colonisation were high (more than 80 %). A "Paris-type" mycorrhizal structure was noted and spores isolated were dominated by Glomus genus. Molecular analy...

The gradual decline of the Achach forest cover is at the heart of regional and national environmental issues. Public policy wishes to develop a participatory approach involving local populations. Thus, a better understanding of how local management should be is required. This article examines the analysis of human impacts on the Achach forest degra...