Moroccan Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Iron and zinc content in grain and stover of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) grown under water-deficit conditions at various stages of development

2026-05-31T13:24:43+02:00

Globally, many people face the problem of hidden hunger related to Fe and Zn deficiencies. Improving the level of these micronutrients in crops such as pearl millet that is widely cultivated and consumed in many tropical areas can be one way to mitigate the menace. Influence of water stress (deficit) on the Fe and Zn content of pearl millet was studied at various developmental stages of the crop. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions at Dutsinma in Katsina State. The experiment consisted of six treatments representing water stress at: A = leaf stage during the first 13 Days After Emergence (13 DAE), B = panicle initiation stage (14-27 DAE), C = boot stage (28-41 DAE), D = milk stage (42-55 DAE), E = dough stage (56-70 DAE) and F = control treatment (full irrigation regime). Experimental design was the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) replicated 3 times. Crop and soil data were collected according to standard procedures. Results indicated that water stress at various stages of growth significantly improved Fe and Zn contents of grain and stover. At dough stage, the grain Fe and Zn contents were significantly increased by at least 49.3%, while stover Fe and Zn contents significantly increased by 55.6% and 70.3% respectively during the boot stage. It was recommended to avoid early planting of pearl millet so that the quality of the grains can be improved in terms of Fe and Zn. There is need for more research practices that can improve crops nutritional quality in relation to micronutrients.

Keywords: Iron, Zinc, Pearl Millet, Water deficit

Influence of ridge height, vine orientation and cuttings on growth and yield of sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas L.) in Dutse, Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria

2026-05-31T14:18:16+02:00

A field study was conducted in Dutse, Sudan Savannah of Nigeria during the 2023 and 2024 rainy seasons to evaluate the effects of ridge height, vine orientation, and vine cuttings on growth and yield of sweet potato. The experiment consisted of five ridge heights (0, 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm), three vine orientations (45°, 90°, and 180°), and three vine cuttings (apical, middle, and base). Results showed that 60 cm ridge height and apical vine cuttings significantly improved growth and yield. Apical vine cuttings outperformed middle and base cuttings in vine length, number of leaves, leaf area, and root yield. Vine orientation had no significant effect on growth and yield. The interaction between ridge height and vine cutting showed 30 cm ridge and apex had higher chlorophyll content, while 50 cm ridge and apex had higher root fresh weight. The study recommends using 60 cm ridge height, apical vine cuttings, and 45° or 90° planting orientation for improved sweet potato yield.

Keywords: Ridge Height, Vine Cutting, Vine Orientation

Comparative evaluation of soil moisture measurement methods under crop rotation across three irrigated locations in Kano and Jigawa States, Nigeria

2026-05-31T21:43:56+02:00

Accurate soil moisture measurement is essential for efficient irrigation management and sustainable crop production. This study evaluated the performance of Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) and a portable moisture meter relative to gravimetric method across three irrigated locations (BUK, HVIP and KRIP) during the rainy and cold dry seasons. Soil moisture data were collected under crop rotation systems, and method performance was assessed using descriptive statistics, root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R²). Results revealed clear seasonal and spatial variability in soil moisture. Gravimetric mean moisture content ranged from 13.9% to 23.7% during the cold dry season and from 16.7% to 21.7% during the rainy season across locations. TDR generally exhibited stronger agreement with gravimetric measurements, with R² values ranging from 0.299 to 0.844 and comparatively lower RMSE values. In contrast, the portable moisture meter showed greater variability, with weaker correlations at certain locations (R² as low as 0.042) and higher prediction errors. The findings indicate that TDR provides more reliable soil moisture estimates under the studied conditions, although sensor performance varied by location and season. Site-specific calibration is therefore recommended to improve the accuracy of electronic soil moisture monitoring tools for irrigation management.

Keywords: Soil water monitoring, Time Domain Reflectometry, Portable moisture meter, Irrigating scheduling, Gravimetric method, Sensor calibration, Seasonal variability, Irrigated agriculture

Effect of climate-smart agricultural practices on food security among smallholder millet farmers in Jigawa State, Nigeria

2026-06-01T13:52:53+02:00

Food insecurity continues to challenge rural households despite the adoption of various adaptation strategies. Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices (CSAP) have emerged as viable tools to mitigate climate impacts and improve food security among smallholder farmers. This study assessed the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder millet farmers, examined the effect of CSAPs on household food security, and identified challenges faced by farmers in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 262 respondents across the four Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) zones. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Results showed that the majority (71.8%) of farmers were medium users of CSAPs, while 25.6% were high users. About 46.2% of households were food secure, while 53.8% were food insecure. Binary logistic regression indicated that cover cropping, improved disease-resistant varieties, farm size, and extension visits significantly influenced food security, while ridging and early planting had negative effects. Challenges identified included inadequate access to inputs, credit, irrigation, and extension services. The study recommends increased access to improved inputs, strengthening of extension services, and policy interventions to improve food security.

Keywords: Climate-Smart Agriculture, Millet, Food Security, Smallholder Farmers, Jigawa State

Current perspectives on potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) and its sustainable management strategies

2026-05-31T13:50:49+02:00

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) has been a main food crop in many parts of the world including Europe for centuries. Currently, potato is placed as the third major consumed human food crop globally following wheat and rice, it plays a significant role in nutrient supply of most nations in the world. Despite the support of potato to the world food security, its production faced a serious constraint that is detrimental to both the crop and the consumers. This production constraint includes diseases, among which is potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans (Irish famine pathogen), the most disturbing disease that causes great concern to the growers, home gardeners and scientist all over the world. Difficulty in controlling this disease is attributable to long survivability of the pathogen and its existence in diverse pathogenic races. Using a single method alone, is completely ineffective in managing potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. This paper has examined the integrated disease management strategy to control the menace of this devastating fungus and other oomycetes. In order to achieve a sustainable disease management, the use of integrated approach is highly recommended. This review will provide farmers with various methods to be integrated as management package for potato late blight and related diseases.

Keywords: Integrated disease management, use of host resistance cultivars, oomycetes, cultural practices, fungicide, Irish potato

Bio-pesticidal efficacy of selected botanicals extracts and mixtures against Spodoptera frugiperda infestation on maize under field condition

2026-05-31T23:55:18+02:00

A two-location field trial was conducted to study the bio-pesticidal efficacy of methanolic seed extracts from three botanicals, Khaya senegalensis, Hyptis suaveolens and Azadirachta indica and their mixtures, in controlling infestation of the FALL armyworm, S. frugiperda, in maize. Field trials were conducted at two locations under a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Treatments include individual extracts (2.5% w/v), mixtures (50:50), a synthetic insecticide check (Emamectin benzoate 5.0 % WDG), and an untreated control. Combined analysis across locations showed that all botanical treated and synthetic check plots had significantly reduced larval counts, foliar damage incidence and severity compared to the control. Moreover, treated plots exhibited significantly higher cob weight, 1000 grain weight, and overall grain yield, resulting in enhanced yield protection. Among the treatments, the Hyptis + Neem mixture provided the highest yield protection (26.5%) compared to the standard check (25.4%). These findings suggest that methanolic botanical extracts, particularly in combination, represent a promising component for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies against S. frugiperda in maize cultivation.

Keywords: Maize, Spodoptera frugiperda, botanicals extracts, Field trial, IPM

Recent advances in molecular biology and host-parasite interactions in Cuscuta spp.

2026-06-18T13:47:54+02:00

Plants of the genus Cuscuta (Cuscutaceae) are holoparasitic angiosperms that completely depend on their host plants for water, nutrients, and signaling molecules. Lacking functional roots and chlorophyll, Cuscuta species attach to their hosts through specialized organs called haustoria, forming complex physiological and molecular connections. These parasites cause significant yield losses in a wide range of economically important crops, including legumes, solanaceous plants, and forages. Recent advances in molecular biology, genomics, and transcriptomics have greatly enhanced our understanding of Cuscuta–host interactions. The sequencing of the Cuscuta campestris genome revealed massive gene loss associated with photosynthesis and metabolism, alongside horizontally transferred genes acquired from host species. Multi-omics studies have uncovered a bidirectional exchange of macromolecules-messenger RNAs, small RNAs, and regulatory proteins-across the haustorial interface, enabling Cuscuta to manipulate host gene expression and suppress immune responses. These findings have highlighted the parasite’s sophisticated molecular strategies for host exploitation. Moreover, emerging approaches such as RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing offer promising tools for inducing host resistance and disrupting parasite gene function. Together, these molecular insights open new avenues for the development of early detection tools, biosurveillance systems, and sustainable management strategies against Cuscuta infestations.

Keywords: Cuscuta, plant parasitism, haustorium, transcriptomics, RNA interference, host-parasite interactions

Evaluation of biosecurity measures as a factor influencing antimicrobial resistance in semi-intensive poultry farms in Kinshasa

2026-06-18T23:36:20+02:00

The poultry farming sector constitutes a major pillar of food security and economic growth in several African countries. However, the persistence of various pathological conditions hampers the development of this sector, leading to substantial socio-economic and public health losses. In response to these multiple challenges, the implementation of new strategies aimed at preventing infections in poultry farms and reducing antimicrobial use is critically important. This study aimed to assess the current status of biosecurity practices as a factor influencing antimicrobial resistance in three peri-urban areas of the city of Kinshasa. Based on a survey conducted among poultry farmers, it was found that only 24% of farms had a footbath at the farm entrance, and 16% were equipped with handwashing or disinfection facilities. The presence of rodents and flies (80%), cockroaches (60%), lizards (40%), and wild birds (20%) was reported. The main diseases encountered included coccidiosis (30%), colibacillosis (28%), Newcastle disease (18%), avian pox (10%), Gumboro disease (8%), and Marek’s disease (6%). Overall, the results of this study demonstrated a low level of implementation of biosecurity measures related to farm personnel, visitors, animals, as well as materials and equipment.

Keywords: Biosecurity, resistance, antimicrobial, poultry, semi-intensive, DRC

Reproductive management through sterility and infertility in female goats slaughtered in Lubumbashi

2026-06-19T13:36:06+02:00

This study evaluated the reproductive management of goats culled for infertility or sterility in slaughterhouses in Lubumbashi, with the aim of improving the numerical productivity of traditional herds. The objective was to identify pathologies of the glandular and tubular portions, as well as the frequency of ovarian activity in non-pregnant females. The survey involved 118 goats aged from 2 to 8 permanent teeth, sampled between November 2021 and April 2022. Ante-mortem observations included weighing, dentition, and ocular mucosa coloration, while post-mortem examinations focused on measurements of the genital organs. The results revealed a low frequency of paraovarian cysts (2.54 %), follicular cysts (2.54 %), and bilateral ovarian tumours (1.69 %). Pathological uterine contents were sanguinopurulent (2.54 %) and mucopurulent (0.84 %). Ovarian activity was confirmed by the presence of corpora lutea (89.8 %) and follicles (16.9 %), with average ovarian dimensions of 17 mm in length and 11 mm in width. These findings indicate an absence of ovarian inactivity. In perspective, improved reproductive management could enhance the profitability of traditional goat farming. A complementary study based on the origin of the animals is recommended.

Keywords: Ovarian activity, pathological uterine content, reproductive management, goat, Lubumbashi

Moroccan spice and herbs market: trade, production practices, and global competitiveness

2026-05-31T21:29:18+02:00

The world spices and herbs market has experienced consistent growth over the last decades, where Asia occupied 81% of the production and the European Union (EU) held the distinction of being the world's largest importer and consumer of these commodities. In Morocco, spice and herbs market is characterized by a rich history and cultural traditions, providing income for rural populations and securing a place in the international market, by ranking 12^th in the world for the export of aromatic and medicinal plants. This review gives a special attention to the status of the Moroccan spice and herbs production and market, exploring the evolution of its imports and exports and highlighting the main methods of valorization used in the country such as drying and distillation of essential oils. However, this market faces many challenges that retard its growth and development. Accordingly, a SWOT analysis was conducted to point out the strength and weakness of this market as well as emphasizing the country’s potential for improvement. This review suggests that focusing on sustainable practices, added value, and better quality products could promote this sector and generate a significant economic benefits.

Keywords: Spices, herbs, Morocco, production, market, SWOT analysis

Evaluation of nutritional quality of smoked and oven dried African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Zobe reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria

2026-06-18T21:06:01+02:00

This study investigated how hot-smoking and convective oven-drying affect the proximate and mineral composition of Clarias gariepinus. Significant differences were observed between the two processing methods. Thirty fresh fish samples were randomly split into two groups: 15 were smoked, and 15 were oven-dried. Proximate and mineral compositions were determined on a dry-weight basis, mineral contents were normalized to a wet-weight basis to account for differences in moisture content between processing methods, and data were all expressed as means ± SD. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and significant differences were identified with Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% level of significance. Oven-dried fish retained higher moisture content (14.2 %) and showed increased crude protein (40.1 %) and lipid levels (22.0 %) compared with smoked samples, which were more dehydrated (5.3 %) and contained lower protein (33.7 %) and lipid (16.5 %) contents. Conversely, ash content was significantly higher in smoked fish (43.5 %) than in oven-dried samples (22.7 %). The processing method also influenced mineral composition. Oven-dried fish contained higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, whereas smoked samples were richer in iron and sodium. These differences are attributed to variations in dehydration intensity, heat exposure, and mineral concentration or deposition during processing. Overall, the results demonstrate that the processing technique plays a critical role in shaping the nutritional quality of preserved C. gariepinus, with important implications for dietary selection and fish processing practices.

Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, smoking, oven-drying, proximate composition, mineral content, nutrient quality

Quality evaluation of jerky (Kilishi) produced from chicken, duck and turkey meat

2026-06-18T21:33:06+02:00

This study was carried out to evaluated the quality attributes of broiler Kilishi, produced from fresh meat of three avian species: broiler chicken, duck, and turkey. The research aimed to compare the Kilishi for chemical characteristics. The Kilishi samples were prepared using fresh cuts of 5 kg from the three avian species, marinated with spices and groundnut cake, sun-dried for 6 hours and later roasted for two hours for each sample. The prepared samples were analysed for their nutritional profiles. The results showed that there were significant differences in the nutritional composition of the Kilishi made from the three avian spices. Turkey Kilishi (TK) had the highest protein content (66.2 g/100g), while Duck Kilishi (DK) exhibited the highest fat (10.2 g/100g) and ash content (15.3 g/100g). TK had the highest moisture content (9.75 g/100g). Results of mineral analysis revealed that TK had the highest calcium content (83.5 mg/100g), while DK had the highest phosphorus and magnesium levels (1698 mg/100g and 208.7 mg/100g, respectively). Fatty acid analysis indicated that DK had the highest saturated fatty acid (43.4 g/100g), while Chicken Kilishi (CK) exhibited higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (4.41g/100g). The vitamin composition showed CK had the highest niacin (16.8 mg/100g) and vitamin A (21.0 IU), while DK had the highest choline content (92.7 mg/100g). The essential amino acid profile revealed that CK had the highest leucine (6.01g /100g) and lysine (4.19 g/100g) content. The findings provide an insights into poultry Kilishi production, with potential benefits for poultry producers, processors and consumers.

Keywords: Kilishi, Chicken, Duck, Turkey, Polyunsaturated fatty acid, Marinates, Nigeria