Algerian Populations Research Articles

Investigation of the genetic structure of Kabyle and Chaouia Algerian populations through the polymorphism of Alu insertion markers

Background: In Algeria, as in all North Africa, Berbers constitute the old background of the population. Today, Berber speakers account for only ∼ 25% of Algerians. This decline is the product of a complex human settlement from pre-history to recent invaders.Aim: This study aims to determine the genetic diversity level within a sample of five Algerian Berber speaking populations in order to contribute to resolving issues about the North African population settlement.Subjects and methods: Two Algerian Berber groups (Kabyle and Chaouia), originated from five administrative regions from Algeria, were typed for 11 Alu Insertions. Analysis has been based on Fst genetic distance, AMOVA, NMDS and distance to the centroid model.Results: No genetic differentiation has been observed between all Algerian Berbers discarding any geographical or ethnic effect. Comparative analyses based on Fst genetic distance did not show significant affinities between North Africans and either South Europeans or Middle Easterners, except genetic proximity between Algerians and Iberians. The amount of genetic diversity among Algerians and North African populations detected by the distance to the centroid model was significant compared with other North Mediterranean populations.Conclusion: A strong genetic homogeneity has been found between Algerian Berbers. Global genetic diversity based on Alu markers is following the isolation by distance model, except for some European populations.

Diversification and speciation in tree frogs from the Maghreb (Hyla meridionalis sensu lato), with description of a new African endemic

Comparative molecular studies emphasized a new biogeographic paradigm for the terrestrial fauna of North Africa, one of the last uncharted ecoregions of the Western Palearctic: two independent east-west divisions across the Maghreb. Through a comprehensive phylogeography, we assessed how this model suits the genetic diversification documented for the tree frog Hyla meridionalis sensu lato. Analyses of mtDNA variation and thousands of nuclear loci confirmed the old split (low-Pliocene) between Tunisian and Algerian populations. These lineages meet but barely admix in the eastern Maghreb (Algerian-Tunisian border), a sign of putatively advanced reproductive isolation. In the western Maghreb, we report a Pleistocene divergence between Moroccan and Algerian populations. Tree frogs thus follow both predictions: a double east-west break that gave rise to two suture zones characteristic of North-African phylogeography. Moreover, some intraspecific mtDNA variation is not mirrored by the nuclear data, emphasizing that evolutionary units should always be designated by multilocus approaches. Last but not least, we describe the Tunisian lineage as a new species endemic to Africa.

Phylogeny and phylogeography of the genus Luciobarbus (Haeckel, 1843) in Algeria inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequence variation

Phylogenetic relationships and biogeographical patterns of the genus Luciobarbus in Algeria were investigated by analysing the complete cytochrome b sequence variation. With regard to species of the Maghreb Province and the Iberian Peninsula, phylogenetic analysis resulted in five strongly supported clades and a non-monophyletic origin for the Algerian populations. The present study supports the existence of two distinct lineages of L. setivimensis which could have diverged posterior to the emplacement of the Kabylides onto the African margin. Analysis of the 48 haplotypes detected within populations showed a clear phylogeographic structure strongly correlated with species’ geographical distribution. Two haplotypes were found to be shared between different species attesting the possibility that an introgression would have occurred within the genus Luciobarbus in Algeria. The divergence time estimate suggests a rapid radiation of the genus Luciobarbus in Algeria and a pattern of distribution of populations shaped under paleogeographic conditions such as the tectonic dynamics which have led to the change in the geographic configuration of North Africa at the end of Miocene, the formation of the current fluvial basins’ net in the Pliocene as well as the end of the Tell System building in the Pleistocene which seems to have played an important role in the speciation of this genus.

A single species, two basic chromosomal numbers: case of Lygeum spartum (Poaceae)

The existence of two chromosome numbers (2n = 16 and 2n = 40) in Lygeum spartum is confirmed in the Algerian steppe populations of Oran region. Chromosome counts were established for 11 Algerian populations and three supplementary populations from Italy, Spain and Greece. The karyotypes were characterized by chromosome markers obtained using fluorescence in situ hybridization and fluorochrome bandings. The organization of 5S and 18S-5.8S-26S (35S) rDNA was studied in both cytotypes. Six signals of 35S and 2 signals of 5S were observed in 2n = 16 population, while 10 signals of 35S and 4 signals of 5S were detected in the population with 2n = 40. All 35S loci were also strongly marked by chromomycin, but negatively stained by Hoechst, which indicates the presence of GC rich DNA in rDNA regions. The B chromosomes were found in both cytotypes, bearing a 35S locus in 2n = 16 population. Genome size, determined by cytometry of 10 populations, ranged from 9.27 pg for 2n = 16 to 26.63 pg for 2n = 40 populations. The sequencing of plastid and nuclear DNA markers did not reveal major differences among 2n = 16 and 2n = 40 populations. However, given the differences between two cytotypes and based on their morphological and cytogenetic characteristics, the 2n = 16 cytotype merits novel taxonomic treatment.

Ankylosing spondylitis: analysis of gene-gene interactions between IL-12β, JAK2, and STAT3 in Han Chinese and Algerian cohorts.

IntroductionAssociation studies have recently identified the importance of new genetic variants for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in several populations. Our aim was to confirm associations of variants within genes involved in the IL-23 signalling pathway with AS in two ethnically different populations: Han Chinese and Algerian.Material and methodsTwo case-control studies were performed in separate cohorts: Han Chinese (430 AS patients and 580 controls) and Algerian (130 AS patients and 120 controls). We genotyped four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs3212227 (or +1188A/C) and rs6887695 in IL-12β, rs7857730 in JAK2, and rs2293152 in STAT3, using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Gene-gene interaction analyses were also tested by logistic regression and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR).ResultsStatistical analysis revealed a difference in allele frequencies between AS patients and controls for rs321222 in the IL-12β gene in both the Han Chinese (p = 0.005) and the Algerian (p = 0.031) cohorts. Two other associations were reported with JAK2 rs7857730 in the Han Chinese (allelic p = 0.014) cohort and STAT3 rs2293152 in the Algerian (allelic p = 0.006) cohort. Moreover, logistic regression analyses showed a number of significant combinations within the two populations, and the gene-gene epistasis effects in AS were also confirmed by MDR.ConclusionsOur findings have confirmed the association between genes in IL-23 signalling pathway and the pathogenesis of AS. This association was particularly novel in both Han Chinese and Algerian populations with the 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) variant rs3212227 (or +1188A/C) of IL-12β. The gene-gene interaction models in this pathway may thus increase the risk of AS in these populations.

Algerian maize populations from the Sahara desert as potential sources of drought tolerance

Drought affects maize (Zea mays L.) performance from seedling to grain filling. Sources of drought tolerance at multi-scale growth are crucial for maize breeders. The objectives of this work were to identify new sources and mechanisms of drought tolerance and to study the traits controlling plant growth under drought and their associations with yield. We evaluated a collection of 18 maize populations from the Algerian Saharan oases under simulated drought conditions using Polyethylene glycol 6000, and in the field. The genotype × treatment interactions were more significant under field than under control conditions. Under field conditions, based on general agronomic performance, PI527476, PI542678 and PI527474 were the most drought-tolerant populations. PI527476 was the most tolerant population for germination-related traits, PI542678 exhibited high final germination, high number of secondary roots and positive water use efficiency (WUE), while PI527474 presented high number of secondary roots number and WUE. PI542685 was drought tolerant at seedling stage, characterized by high germination, long roots, heavy root, high number of secondary roots, and stable shoot/root weight ratio. Germination, shoot/root weight, root dry weight at seedling stage, and dry weight of secondary roots were the most significant seedling growth-related traits affecting WUE and yield under drought. Differences were detected among populations under stress conditions at multi-scale growth phases with some common genetic dependency of yield on seedling-related traits. Therefore, these Saharan populations could provide favorable alleles for drought tolerance for breeding programs, and the use of seedling-related traits, especially root performance, as secondary yield-related traits could lead to increased gain yield selection under drought conditions.

Genetic diversity and relationships among six local cattle populations in semi-arid areas assessed by a bovine medium-density single nucleotide polymorphism data

The local cattle populations belonging to the ‘Brune de l’Atlas’ cattle in Algeria and Morocco are potential resources in terms of genetic diversity and socioeconomic prevalence and their characterization is an essential step in any program designed to conserve genetic diversity. Our objectives were to assess the genetic diversity, the population structure and relationships among four Algerian cattle breeds, the Biskra, Cheurfa, Chelifienne and Guelmoise and of two Moroccan, the Oulmès-Zaër and Tidili by genotyping 50 309 single nucleotide polymorphism in 203 unrelated animals. A low population structure was observed across breeds with pairwise F ST values ranging from 0.008 to 0.043, suggesting a high level of gene flow. These data were combined with the available data on cattle populations representative of Europe (EUT), West African taurine (WAT) and zebu (ZEB). Principle Components Analysis was carried out which revealed that the Maghrebin populations are closer to the EUT/ZEB population than to the WAT. Structure analysis confirmed this mixed origin of the Maghrebin cattle populations. We also detected the influence of zebu breeds in Cheurfa and Guelmoise populations. This study provides the first information about genetic diversity within and between Algerian and Moroccan cattle populations and gives a detailed description of their genetic structure and relationships according to their historical origins. This study revealed that several combined effects contributed to shape the genetic diversity of the six Maghrebin populations studied: (i) gene flow among local breeds, (ii) the recent introgression of European breeds in local Algerian breeds and (iii) the traditional management systems. The results of this study will primarily assist policy makers and livestock keepers to make useful decisions for improvement of genetic resources while ensuring the preservation and conservation of local breeds in Algeria and Morocco.

Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure in Saharan maize (Zea mays L.) populations using phenotypic traits and SSR markers

Algerian maize has been cultivated in Saharan Oases for many centuries, determining its adaption to extreme environments. Therefore, maize landraces from Sahara could be considered as valuable genetic resources for breeding. Morphological and molecular characterization of fifty-six populations were assessed using 14 agro-morphological traits and 18 SSR markers. Populations were evaluated in field experiment in an augmented randomized complete block design. ANOVA on morphological data revealed significant difference among populations. Analysis of principal component showed two principal components describing 55.44% of total variation. Flowering time, plant height, ears traits and yield were the most discriminatory traits. Genetic analysis identified a large number of alleles (191) with mean value of 10.61 alleles per locus. High average PIC value (0.57) indicates informativeness of the selected markers in this study. The genetic structure analysis revealed a high genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.22) among populations, showing a greater genetic diversity within Algerian populations than among them. Bayesian model-based structure analysis assigned genotypes into two groups. Both phenotypic and SSR analysis revealed significant genetic diversity; albeit a clustering based on geographic origin was not observed. The wide genetic diversity of Saharan maize populations could be used as genetic resources in future maize breeding programs.

Heterotic Patterns among Algerian, US Corn Belt, and European Flint Maize Populations under the Mediterranean Conditions of North Africa

Algerian maize (Zea mays L.) landraces could play an important role in improving commercial maize hybrids under stress conditions. To study this, we identified heterotic patterns by crossing six Algerian maize populations from a collection of accessions (defined by germplasm accession codes) that represent Saharan maize in a diallel design without reciprocals. Furthermore, to define heterotic relationships among Algerian germplasm and previous heterotic groups, these populations were crossed, following the North Carolina II (NCII) mating design, with two representatives of the heterotic pattern north Spain × south Spain (European flint) and with one population from US Corn Belt dent. The populations per se, their respective crosses, and checks were evaluated in Algiers, Algeria, in 2015 and 2016. Highly significant varietal effects for early vigor, reducing flowering time, and increasing yield production were observed among Algerian maize populations. Among Algerian crosses, AOR × IZM presented significant and positive specific heterosis for early vigor, whereas AOR × IGS and IZM × MST were the most outstanding crosses for yield. Concerning the NCII, AS3(HT)C3 × IZM had the highest performance for early vigor and yield, followed by EPS13(FR)C3 × BAH, EPS14(FR)C3 × MST, and AS3(HT)C3 × SHH. We found a high degree of genetic divergence among Algerian maize populations and between Algerian maize populations and Corn Belt dent and European flint germplasm from northern and southern Spain. These populations, particularly AOR, IGS, and IZM, could be used for intrapopulation and/or interpopulation selection, or for further inbred line development.

Assessment of drought tolerance among Algerian maize populations from oases of the Saharan

Maize (Zea mays L.) is severely affected by drought and this challenge is expected to worsen with climate change. One of the most promising solutions is breeding for drought tolerance that requires the identification of sources of drought tolerance. Eighteen maize populations from the Algerian Sahara were evaluated along with three European and two American checks in two Algerian locations under drought and control conditions. Under drought conditions, Algerian populations had large variability for most traits and the populations BTM and LOM out yielded most checks. The ratio yield under drought/yield under control conditions was 65.90, 65.33, and 53.23% for BTM, TAO and LOM, respectively. These populations maintained also yield components such as grain weight, ear length, number of kernel rows, ears per plant, and leaf area under stress conditions; furthermore, they have reduced leaf rolling. TAO and BTM presented the highest relative water content, and LOM had the highest proline content. Algerian populations can be considered as a novel source of favorable alleles for drought tolerance and show a wide variety of mechanisms of response to drought.

Genetic variation and structure of maize populations from Saoura and Gourara oasis in Algerian Sahara

BackgroundThe ability of maize populations/landraces to tolerate drastically extreme environments over the past four centuries in Algeria leads to characterize these genetic resources for germplasm management as well as the identification of the best landraces useful for genetic improvement. Thus, the aim of the present work was a fingerprinting of an Algerian maize collection (47 landraces) from Saharan oasis by using 24 agro-morphological traits and18 Simple Sequence Repeats to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure.ResultsPhenotypic traits showed large significant variation in which earliness, plant size, ear and kernel features and crop yield appeared the most discriminant traits among landraces by using principal component analysis (PCA). One hundred ninety-seven different alleles were detected with a high mean number of allele per locus (10.9). The selected SSR were highly informative with PIC values > 0.65 as well as an overall genetic diversity (0.47) highlighting a broad genetic variability in the analyzed landraces. Genetic structure analysis revealed a high genetic differentiation among the 47 maize landraces with an overall Fst value (0.33). Cluster analysis for morphological traits as well as for SSR markers grouped the 47 Algerian populations regardless their geographic origin.ConclusionsMaize from Algerian desert harbors a wide genetic diversity offering a source of novel/unique alleles useful for maize breeding programs to face the ongoing and future major challenge, the climate changes.

Population structure and genetic diversity using microsatellite markers of four Algerian rabbit populations precludes hybridization with foreign breeds

The genetic characterization of our native rabbit populations is crucial for their development of genetic improvement and conservation programs. In the current study, fifteen microsatellite markers were used to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship among four Algerian popula-tions of rabbits; White (B), White and grey (G), Black and white (N) and Brown and white (M) in addition to Gabali (EG) and New Zealand White (EN) from Egypt. The microsatellites were INRACCDDV0003, SAT2, SAT3, SAT4, SAT5, SAT7, SAT8, SAT12, SAT13, SOL30, SOL33, SOL44, D3Utr2, D6Utr4 and D7Utr5. 90 animals were studied including 15 rabbits from each population. Results revealed that the average number of alleles per locus was 14.26 and the observed heterozygosity averaged 0.62 and ranging from 0.47 in marker SAT2 to 0.8 in marker, D6Utr4 while the expected heterozygosity averaged 0.72 and ranged from 0.62 in marker SAT2 to 0.77 in marker SOL44. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.85 and ranged from 0.77 at locus D3Utr2 to 0.93 at locus SOL33. Most loci showed deviations from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium with highly significant level. The inbreeding coefficient of the individuals relative to the total population (FIT) was the highest 0.28. The within-population heterozygote deficit (FIS) averaged 0.13. The pairwise variation among the populations (FST) averaged 0.16 and rang-ing from 0.09 for D3Utr2 to 0.27 for SAT2. The highest pairwise Nei’s genetic distance was recorded between G and EG (0.87) and the closest genetic dis-tance for natif population was between M and N (0.33). The smallest pair-wise FST was recorded between G and M (0.059). B, G and M, N populations were clustered together forming admixed mosaic cluster.

Trichomes micromorphology and cytological investigation on Acinos alpinus subsp. meridionalis in Algeria

Anatomical and karyological features were investigated in four populations of Acinos alpinus subsp. meridionalis (Nyman) P. Ball., an Ibero-Maghreban species. Plant material was collected in the field during flowering stage, in contrasting bioclimatic conditions. Fresh material was used for analysis of trichomes morphology with light microscopy. Young meristems and flower buds were fixed for karyological analysis. Two types of capitate glandular, one type of peltate glandular, and four types of non-glandular trichomes were observed on different parts of the plants, including the stems, leaves and flowers. Trichomes distribution and density showed variability among organs, but no intraspecific variability was found. The chromosome number 2n = 2x = 18 is reported for the first time for Algerian populations. Furthermore, aberrant meiotic behavior in the form of cytomixis was observed in one population of A. alpinus subsp. meridionalis – cytoplasmic strand was formed between more than two cells at different stages of meiosis. Other types of abnormalities such as lagging chromosomes, and formation of triads with microcytes were also discovered. Results are discussed in comparison with literature.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by nomadic peoples in the Algerian steppe

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThis study is the first ethnobotanical survey focusing on the herbal medicines traditionally used by the nomadic community of the Algerian steppe, identifying new medicinal plants and uses from one of the most characteristic indigenous populations in Algeria. Moreover, the study contributes to the understanding of transmission of medicinal plant knowledge in the Mediterranean basin. Aim of the studyThis work aims to document the phytotherapeutical knowledge and practice of the nomadic community of the Algerian steppe, and compare it with neighbouring sedentary populations and Mediterranean historical texts. Through this, the study strives to evaluate processes of transmission of knowledge among this population, for whom written sources have been largely unavailable. MethodsEthnobotanical surveys were carried out during two years (2015–2017). In total, 73 informants from nomadic populations were interviewed in several steppe regions including areas in the administrative departments of Tiaret, Saida, Naama, Djelfa and M'sila. Structured interviews about medicinal plant knowledge were combined with guided tours with the informants. Prior informed consent was always obtained. The surveys allowed for the collection of sociodemographic data and traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and their uses. Informant Consensus Factor (FIC) was calculated to evaluate agreement among informants. Results were compared to existing literature to evaluate similarities between this nomadic medicinal flora, that of neighbouring communities and historical texts and identify new plant citations and uses. ResultsAmong Algerian nomadic communities, herbal remedies are used mostly by women and elders, who are often illiterate. We identified 97 taxa of medicinal plants belonging to 42 botanical families, importantly Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae, like in neighbouring communities. The most common plant parts and method of preparation are also shared with neighbouring populations. New uses are described for 25 known medicinal taxa, and nine species with undocumented medicinal uses in recent literature have been reported. However, some of these have been reported in Mediterranean materia medica. In total, 60% of the medicinal plant diversity used by Algerian nomads are well-known plants of the Mediterranean ethnopharmacological heritage. ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of traditional medicine for Algerian nomad communities. This indigenous population has specific knowledge about plants from their steppe environment, but also shares a pool of knowledge with sedentary Algerian populations and Mediterranean people as a whole. Our research shows that a common North African and Mediterranean ethnobotanical heritage exists.

Genetic characterization of four Algerian goat breeds assessed by microsatellite markers

Genetic characterization and diversity of local goat breeds (Naine de Kabylie, Arbia, Mekatia, and M’zabite) raised in Algeria (n = 224) were investigated by eighteen microsatellite markers recommended by FAO (2011). A total of 450 alleles were detected in this study. The mean values of polymorphic information content, observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were 0.93, 0.84, 0.94, respectively. The mean number of alleles per population ranged from 12.94 (M’zabite) to 16.39 (Arbia). The highest values of FIS, FST and FIT known as Wright F-statistics were 0.179, 0.087 and 0.219, respectively. Although a total of 118 private alleles was observed in this study, only frequency of six allele in M’zabite goat breed was greater than 5%. Mekatia and Arbia goat populations were genetically closest to each other according to dendrogram. Obtained GST value from the present study indicated that 4.00% of total genetic variation resulted from the differences between the breeds. This study indicates that the four studied Algerian native goat breeds are classified into distinct breeds with a good level of genetic diversity. Indeed, our results showed that the used microsatellite markers were adequately polymorphic and that they can be successfully used to investigate genetic diversity in Algerian goat populations.

Relationship between pathogenicity, race and vegetative compatibility grouping among Algerian populations of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi causing pea wilt

Abstract Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi (FOP) is a significant and destructive pathogen of field pea in Algeria. In the present study, 50 isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi, the causal agent of pea (Pisum sativum) wilt, collected from different parts of western Algeria and representing four races of the pathogen, were analyzed for virulence. The wilt incidence ranged from 6.66 to 88.33% on a highly susceptible cultivar (Little Marvel). Twenty-one isolates belonging to four races of FOP and one nonpathogenic F. oxysporum (FO) isolate were analyzed for vegetative compatibility in order to reveal the genetic structure of the population and to check the reliability of the method for the identification of physiological races of FOP. Obtained results showed that the FOP isolates could be classified into four main vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) that corresponded to races l, 2A, 2B and 5. The race 6 isolate fell into the race 1 VCG. To our knowledge, this is the first such study in Algeria of its kind.

Approche morphozoométrique de chamelles (<em>Camelus dromedarius</em>, L.) des populations algériennes Sahraoui et Targui

L’objectif de cette étude était de comparer les caractérisations morphologiques et de déterminer l’indice de gracilité d’après des mesures zoométriques sur des chamelles adultes de deux populations algériennes, la Sahraoui et la Targui. Les mesures ont été réalisées sur des dromadaires femelles – 30 Sahraoui et 30 Targui – de plus de cinq ans dans le Sahara septentrional (région de Ouargla). Quatre mensurations ont été faites, puis l’indice de gracilité et le poids vif ont été calculés. Des équations de régression linéaire ont été proposées afin d’esti­mer le poids vif des animaux et la hauteur au garrot à partir des mensurations corrélées. Les valeurs moyennes des poids vifs des Sahraoui et des Targui étaient respectivement de 399 ± 74 kg et de 428 ± 82 kg, pour une hauteur au garrot de 1,75 ± 0,08 m et de 1,81 ± 0,08 m. Elles étaient respectivement de 0,96 ± 0,05 m et 0,97 ± 0,08 m pour le vide sous-sternal, de 0,80 ± 0,08 et 0,84 ± 0,07 pour la profondeur thoracique, et de 1,20 ± 0,13 m et 1,18 ± 0,16 m pour l’indice de gracilité sous-sternal. Cette étude montre que la chamelle Tar­gui est un peu plus gracile que la chamelle Sahraoui. Ces populations sont éga­lement associées à un ensemble de pratiques alimentaires, elles-mêmes liées à la qualité des parcours dont l’influence sur le développement morphologique des animaux a été largement observée.

Drought tolerance in some populations of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

In Algeria, the genus Lathyrus is cultivated mainly for grain production (food) and also used as fodder (animal feed). Lathyrus sativus L. or grass pea has a good resistance to drought, salinity and flooding. However, its place is still very limited compared to that of other pulse crops. The objective of this study was the evaluation of 05 Algerian populations and 2 varieties of Lathyrus sativus under drought stress applied during the flowering stage. ANOVA analysis showed that water stress at flowering stage had a significant genotype effect for most traits and significant genotype x stress interaction for flowering date, number of pods, pods weight, number of seeds per pod and seed yield per plant. 21 Lat, 4Lat4-2 and 1Lat-1 genotypes having high performance for pod length, weight pod per plant, seed yield per plant, biological yield and 1000-seed weight are more tolerant to drought.

Digital dermatoglyphic study in three west Algerian populations: Reguibates, Zenata, Oran

ABSTRACTThe study of Dermatoglyphics has a great importance in medical, judicial, criminal and anthropological research. Human dermatoglyphic traits present variations within and between populations. The purpose of this paper is to provide a descriptive analysis of digital dermatoglyphic traits in three Algerian populations and enrich the anthropogenetic database of this population. The current study was conducted on 315 healthy and consenting individuals, 228 (144 males and 84 females) from Oran, the second most important city in Algeria located in the northwest of the country, 46 Reguibates (20 males and 26 females), and 42 Zenata (16 males and 26 females). The results show that the most common descending order of pattern type frequencies for both hands in the three samples is Ulnar loop, Whorl, Arch, Radial loop. One exception is seen in the Reguibates sample that has an unusually high frequency of radial loop. The analysis of qualitative digital characters revealed bimanual differences in the three populations.

Distribution and identification of potato cyst nematodes from Ain Defla region, Algeria

Potato cyst nematodes PCNs are the most economically damaging pest of potato crop worldwide. During 2013, a survey was carried out in Ain Defla region of Algeria. 81 soil samples collected from potato fields of 14 localities were submitted to nematological analysis which revealed the presence of these nematodes in 22.22% of the prospected fields. Sixteen PCN populations from five localities were characterized by combination of features the perineal regions of cysts and those of second stage juveniles. The morphological identification has been confirmed by the analysis of the ITS-RFLP profiles, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS region. The results revealed that the two species Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida are present in this region occurring separately or in mixed populations. However, we noted a dominance of G. pallida since only 12.25% of the populations have been identified like G. rostochiensis whereas 31.5% were G. pallida and 56, 25% of the populations were constituted of a mixture of the two species and among these mixed populations, 77.77% presented a dominance of G. pallida. The predominance of G. pallida has been noted in the sites of Ain Defla, El Amra, Mekhatria and Arib. G. rostochiensis was dominant in Rouina. Intraspecific variation was noted between populations of G. rostochiensis and G. pallida. Because of the high divergence among Algerian populations of G. pallida and G. rostochiensis it can be assumed that they were multi-introduced in Algeria. The most divergent population of G. pallida, that formed a well separated group with some populations from Chile and Peru, suggests a later or independent introduction of this population in Algeria.