Fouad Elame

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a highly polyphagous and economically important pest affecting a wide range of crops worldwide. This study evaluated the potential of four rhizobacterial isolates—Leucobacter aridicollis (IQR1), Paenochrobactrum sp. (IQR2), uncultured bacterium IQR3, and marine bacterium AK6_052 (IQR5)—as candidate biological control agents against T. urticae. The rhizobacterial isolates were obtained from the tomato rhizosphere at the INRA experimental farm (Agadir, Morocco) and evaluated for their acaricidal and repellent activities against T. urticae. Corrected mortality and repellency index were assessed after 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure. All four isolates exhibited acaricidal activity, with IQR3 and IQR5 showing the greatest efficacy. Corrected mortality reached 69.9% with IQR3 at the highest concentration after 72 h of exposure. The isolates showed no statistically significant repellent activity. Under greenhouse conditions (10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹), IQR3 was associated with the lowest infestation incidence (64%), the lowest infestation severity (13.3%) and the lowest adult density (1.8 adults leaf⁻¹); IQR5 showed a comparable trend. Overall, IQR3 and IQR5 represent promising rhizobacterial candidates for the sustainable management of T. urticae in tomato production. Further studies are needed to optimize their formulation, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and validate their efficacy under field conditions.

Argan tree (Argania spinosa L. Skeels), an endemic Moroccan species, is widely recognized for its traditional medicinal and nutritional uses. It has long been employed to promote skin and cardiovascular health, regulate blood glucose levels, and support overall wellbeing. Traditionally, different parts of the argan tree, including argan oil, leaves, and other plant-derived preparations, have been used to manage various health conditions such as diabetes, gastritis, gastric ulcers, rheumatism, joint and muscle pain, skin disorders including acne, eczema, and inflammation, as well as wound healing and dental problems. This narrative critical review compiles and evaluates current knowledge on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of argan tree to support its evidence-based application. Relevant literature was collected from major English and French scientific databases, focusing on studies addressing the plant and its principal bioactive constituents. Ethnobotanical data indicate the extensive use of argan oil, leaves, and other plant parts in traditional remedies and dietary practices. Phytochemical investigations reveal a rich composition dominated by unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, and polyphenolic compounds. Experimental studies highlight a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and anti-obesity effects, along with emerging applications in nanotechnology. Toxicological findings generally suggest low toxicity and good safety profiles under tested conditions. Overall, A. spinosa exhibits substantial ethnopharmacological relevance and diverse bioactivities, supporting its continued exploration for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications.

Background: Extensively cultivated argan orchards in Argan Biosphere Reserve in Morocco, aged 2–10 years, were assessed to quantify ecosystem components (above-ground argan biomass, leaf litter, herbaceous vegetation, and soil) and their carbon stocks. The study was conducted in six sites over two years, from 2021 to 2023. Each site included two plots for investigation. Morphophysiological characteristics and dendrometric parameters were measured, and structural equation modeling was applied to elucidate the complex interactions among the orchard components. Argan plant biomass and soil physicochemical properties were determined. The carbon stock of each component was calculated using the 2019 Refinement to 2006 IPCC guidelines. Results: The carbon stock in total argan plant biomass ranged from 0.003 t C ha ^-1 in 2-year-old plants to 1.938 t C ha ^-1 in 10-year-old plants. The carbon stock associated with leaf litter ranged from 0.36 to 8.51 kg C ha ^-1 . Herbaceous-grass biomass carbon stock ranged from 0 to 0.56 t C ha ^-1 . The total soil organic carbon (SOC) stock varied significantly, from 10.12 to 80.5 t C ha ^-1 at a depth of 0–30 cm and from 8.49 to 75.94 t C ha ^-1 at a depth of 30–60 cm, and was identified as the dominant carbon reservoir. Conclusions: These findings provide a comprehensive analysis of carbon sequestration dynamics in arganiculture ecosystems under extensive management while supporting ecosystem rehabilitation within the Argan Biosphere Reserve. They position arganiculture as a viable component of Morocco’s Nationally Determined Contributions, aiding in carbon market integration. These findings also offer insights into the sequestration potential of similar plantations in arid regions.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer a sustainable strategy for enhancing crop productivity and suppressing phytopathogens. In this study, seven bacterial isolates obtained from the rhizosphere of healthy tomato plants were evaluated for their antagonistic activity against the fungal pathogen Passalora fulva, the leaf miner Tuta absoluta, and their effects on tomato growth. In vitro dual-culture assays revealed that isolates IQR1, IQR2, IQR3, and IQR5 significantly inhibited P. fulva mycelial growth, with inhibition rates exceeding 35%. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by the bacterial isolates exhibited considerable antifungal activity, with IQR5, IQR1, and IQR2 achieving over 84% inhibition. Molecular identification based on 16S rDNA sequencing indicated that these isolates belong to distinct taxa: Leucobacter aridicolis (ON799334.1) (genus Leucobacter), Paenochrobactrum sp. (JF804769.1) (genus Paenochrobactrum), an uncultured bacterium (JQ337400.1) (genus Psychrobacter), and marine bacterium AK6_052 (KF816539.1) (genus Brevundimonas). Under greenhouse conditions, isolates IQR3, IQR5, and IQR1 reduced disease incidence of P. fulva to 20–26%. The same isolates also promoted plant growth, enhancing stem height and collar diameter. In addition, IQR5 significantly reduced T. absoluta larval density and foliar damage, with the number of larvae per leaflet decreasing to 1.42, compared to 3.20 in the control. These findings highlight the potentials of these rhizobacterial strains—particularly IQR5—as effective biocontrol agents and biofertilizers for integrated pest and disease management in tomato cultivation.

Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is a unique endemic species in Morocco, renowned for its ecological characteristics and socio-economic importance. In Morocco, recent years have seen an exacerbation of the harmful effects of climate change, leading to an alarming decline in the natural regeneration of this species in its original habitats. It seems that the only viable solution lies in the domestication of this genetic heritage. This study marks the first in-depth investigation of the impact of various climatic and edaphic factors on the morphological and physiological traits of Argania spinosa young plants, assessed in six separate orchards and observed over four seasons (March 2022 (Winter), June 2022 (Summer), November 2022 (Autumn), and March 2023 (Winter)). A climatic assessment was carried out at each site, including measurements of rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures, mean temperature, air temperature, and wind speed. The soil was analyzed for the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), water content, limestone (CaCO₃), Kjeldahl nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P₂O₅), organic matter (OM), and carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N). To gain a better understanding of the morphophysiological characteristics of young argan seedlings, we carried out various observations, such as measuring the height and diameter of aerial parts, and the water content of leaves (WCL) and branches (WCB), quantifying chlorophyll (mg/m²) and leaf area. The results revealed a significant impact of edaphic and climatic factors on the morphophysiological parameters of young argan trees. Results revealed significant correlations of young argan plants between edaphic and climatic factors and morphophysiological parameters. The Tamjloujt site, characterized by protective vegetation cover, showed optimal growth conditions with the highest leaf and branch water content (46.89 ± 4.06% and 37.76 ± 3.51%, respectively), maximum height growth (91.33 ± 28.68 mm), trunk diameter (24.85 ± 3.78 mm), and leaf surface area (69.33 ± 19.28 mm²) during Summer 2022. The Saharan zone of Laqsabi exhibited peak chlorophyll concentrations (506.9 ± 92.25 mg/m²) during Autumn 2022, due to high temperatures. The mountainous environment of Imoulass negatively impacted plant growth (mean height: 52.61 ± 12.37 mm; diameter: 6.46 ± 1.57 mm) due to harsh climatic and edaphic conditions. This research provides vital knowledge regarding the environmental factors influencing the establishment of young argan plants within the Argan Biosphere Reserve. This contributes to the development of more effective domestication strategies and the restoration of agroecosystems. The aim is to use this knowledge to promote the rehabilitation and sustainability of argan agroecosystems.

This study aims to evaluate the state of precision livestock farming (PLF)’s spread, utilization, effectiveness, and evolution over the years. PLF includes a plethora of tools, which can aid in a number of laborious and complex tasks. These tools are often used in the monitoring of different animals, with the objective to increase production and improve animal welfare. The most frequently monitored attributes tend to be behavior, welfare, and social interaction. This study focused on the application of three types of technology: wearable sensors, video observation, and smartphones. For the wearable devices, the focus was on accelerometers and global positioning systems. For the video observation, the study addressed drones and cameras. The animals monitored by these tools were the most common ruminants, which are cattle, sheep, and goats. This review involved 108 articles that were believed to be pertinent. Most of the studied papers were very accurate, for most tools, when utilized appropriate; some showed great benefits and potential.

The production of argan seedlings in nurseries is considered a crucial step for the success of any argan forest regeneration program since it increases the rate of survival and growth. Therefore, the substrate and container play a vital role in argan seedling production, while the use of shade may improve soil moisture and decrease the water stress of the plant. This study aims to determine the effects of these factors and their interactions. For this, the effects of four shade levels (0%, 20%, 40%, and 80%) and six different compositions of the substrate, as well as four different sizes and forms of containers, on argan seedling production were studied for six months under greenhouse conditions, based on analyzing the leaf mineral elements and measuring morphological traits. According to the studied parameters, the results show that 0% and 40% of shade are, respectively, the best shade levels for growth, while the germination rate is higher only in an unshaded compartment (85.28%). Furthermore, the substrate based on peat moss lead to one of the higher germination rates (78.75%) and the finest plants in terms of chlorophyll content, and shoot and root growth, while the largest container (C2) had the best shoot and root growth with 34.34 cm of root length. However, the mineral analysis, mainly the leaf total nitrogen concentration, is correlated with morphological traits. In addition, the cost–benefit analysis study confirmed this finding and valorizes the use of S1 substrate (1/2 black peat and 1/2 blond peat) and a C2 container (volume: 3100 mL) since it is considered the most efficient and economic combination for different shade levels.