Moroccan Conditions Research Articles

Modeling of ecological niches of Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) under conditions of bioclimatic variability in the Fes-Meknes region (Morocco)

Abstract The Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) is a bird species belonging to the Phasianidae family and is endemic to North Africa, including Morocco. Effective conservation of this species requires a thorough understanding and accurate assessment of the environmental factors that influence reproductive parameters. In this study, we used the species distribution models (SDM) to study the geographical distribution of the Barbary Partridge in Morocco. These models are tools that allow us to study the effects of climate change on the spatial distribution of species, they are based on the Maxent (maximum entropy) algorithm. These models are based on environmental and biological data and can predict the probability of a species’ occurrence in a given geographic area. They can also predict how climatic and environmental conditions will change over time and how these changes will affect the species’ distribution. The results obtained revealed that the environmental factors that have a significant influence on the distribution area of Barbary Partridge under Moroccan conditions are: annual precipitation (Bio12) with a contribution rate of 23.3%; precipitation of the driest quarter (Bio17) at 19.9%; altitude at 9.9%; minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio 6) at 7.6%; precipitation of the driest month (Bio14) at 7.2%; and mean temperature of the wettest quarter (Bio8) at 4.4%. This information can be used to assist in long-term conservation planning by identifying areas that may become more or less suitable for the species.

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Population Dynamics and Infestation in a Raspberry Orchard of Loukkos Area, Morocco.

Raspberries (Rosales: Rosaceae) are considered to be one of most important crops in northwestern Morocco. However, this sector is seriously affected by the attack of Drosophila suzukii, which impairs the production and the export. Furthermore, the eco-ethology and population dynamics of D. suzukii under Moroccan conditions are still poorly understood. In Larache region, we monitored the population dynamics of D. suzukii adults using 4 traps baited with mashed ripe banana mixed with yeast, and reported the infestation levels during spring of 2022, 2023, and 2024 on raspberry cultivar Rubus idaeus var. Yazmin. Our results indicate that a maximum of 14, 20, and 28 D. suzukii adults per trap were caught weekly at the end of April 2022, in the middle of March 2023, and in the middle of April 2024, respectively. Furthermore, three peaks of D. suzukii adult flies were observed each year, whereas a total of six generations were predicted according to the accumulated degree-days. The male sex ratio of trapped D. suzukii was 1:0.32, 1:0.38, and 1:0.42 in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. Raspberry fruit infestation reached a maximum of 76%, 75%, and 64% at the beginning of May 2022, middle of April 2023, and end of April 2024, respectively. Under the climate change scenario, knowledge of the eco-ethology of this insect and its population dynamics is essential for developing an IPM control strategy in Morocco, and further studies are ongoing to establish a biological and reasoned chemical approach based on degree-days.

Variability analysis of the Phenotypic Characteristics of some Grapefruit and Pomelo under Moroccan Conditions

Citrus is an economically important fruit crop with a long history of cultivation worldwide, and many citrus varieties are grown extensively in Morocco, both for domestic consumption and export. Nevertheless, the genetic diversity of this genus in Morocco has not been reported upon. Our objective was to explore phenotypic variations in grapefruit and pomelo genotypes for targeted breeding, enhancing key traits, and identifying opportunities for genetic improvement. We emphasize practical implications and outline future research directions for developing improved citrus varieties. This present study physiochemically analyzes eight grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and two pomelo (Citrus maxima) cultivars to assess the genetic variability of these fruits’ physicochemical characteristics. The results revealed significant variance among the genotypes for all traits. For example, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits. Moreover, a high degree of heritability was recorded for seed number, β-carotene, vitamin C, juice yield (%), total soluble solids, titratable acidity, maturity index, fruit diameter, and fruit weight, whereas limited heritability was observed for fruit length, peel thickness, and segment number per fruit. The high genetic advance scores corresponded to the high degree of heritability estimates for seed number per fruit, β-carotene, juice yield, and vitamin C, suggesting the existence of additive genetic effects. Our principal component analysis (PCA) identified four components with cumulative variance of 93.20%, while hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the collection into five clusters. In conclusion, phenotypic distinctions among grapefruit and pomelo genotypes reveal opportunities for genetic enhancement through selection or hybridization. Varied traits, including seed count, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and juice yield, across genotypes suggest potential avenues for targeted breeding and practical applications in diverse citrus varieties.

Seed yield, physiological and biochemical attributes in canola (Brassica napus L.) as influenced by tillage system and cropping season

Canola is an important oilseed crop and its performance was influenced by tillage system. However, no study on this influence has been carried out in North Africa. Also, the effect of tillage system on physiological and biochemical traits in canola has never been investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of tillage system on agronomic, physiological, and biochemical traits in canola during two cropping seasons (2019/2020 (Y1) and 2020/2021 (Y2)) under Moroccan conditions. The experiment was conducted according to a complete random block design with three replications and the tillage systems studied were deep ploughing (DP), chisel ploughing (CP), minimum till (MT), and no-till (NT). Over both seasons, tillage significantly affected all traits except for proline content. Notably, NT consistently exhibited superior performance with the highest seed yield (272 kg ha−1 in Y1, 1760 kg ha−1 in Y2) and oil content (36 % in Y1, 44 % in Y2). In contrast, DP faced challenges during severe drought in Y1, resulting in no production. On the other hand, in Y2, DP showed the highest stomatal conductance and sugars content, while NT exhibited the highest chlorophyll content. Considering these findings, no-till can be recommended for canola cultivation in Morocco as well as in other North-African and Mediterranean countries with similar climate and soil conditions.

Estimation of Outcrossing Rate of Faba Bean under Natural Moroccan Conditions

Background: Faba bean is a crop of agro-ecological and socio-economic importance in Morocco. Thus, in a changing climatic context, it is important to develop varieties that are resilient to several abiotic constraints, such as synthetics. However, the reproductive system must be understood. Methods: We aimed to estimate faba beans outcrossing rate under natural Moroccan conditions, using two varieties, ‘Reina Mora’ and ‘Zina’ and two phenotypic markers, seed coat color and its size and shape, in two contrasted locations, Saïs and Gharb. Varieties were sown in six alternate rows with six seeds per row and three replicates per location. The experiment consisted in counting the number of purple seeds within ‘Zina’s beige offspring. Besides, seeds collected from ‘Reina Mora’ were counted and processed for differences in size and shape. In total, 859 seeds were measured, including their length, width, thickness, geometric diameter, area and sphericity, enabling to distinguish hybrids from parental seeds and self-seeds. Result: Results showed an average inter-crossing of 3.7% in Saïs and 7.22% in Gharb. A more reliable open-pollination could be achieved by introducing bees and bumblebees colonies as well as using varieties from same geographic gene pools.

Deciphering environmental conditions and agronomic factors underpinning the development of date palm inflorescence rot under Moroccan conditions: A survey study

Deciphering environmental conditions and agronomic factors underpinning the development of date palm inflorescence rot under Moroccan conditions: A survey study

Population ecology of leafhopper Jacobiasca lybica (Bergevin & Zanon, 1922) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and its control based on degree-days in Moulouya area of Morocco

The cotton leafhopper (Jacobiasca lybica) is one of the polyphagous species and its control is mainly based on chemical treatments, however its bio-ecological parameters are still poorly understood especially under Moroccan conditions. In this work, the population ecology of this leafhopper and the planning of insecticide treatments based on the recorded degree-days (DD) in a citrus orchard and vineyard separated by a windbreak (WB) of Cypress and Acacia were investigated. Leafhopper adults were monitored with five yellow sticky traps for each experimental unit and removed weekly from April to August for identification and counting. The sampling indicated the presence of five peaks of adult flight during 2017 and seven during 2018. Whereas six generations were predicted each year according to DD recorded until mid-August. Leafhopper populations were present on WB plants throughout the study period, and its preference for Acacia over Cypress was observed. During 2018, insecticides used were applied one week after DD predicted new generations on WB plants, and they were also applied on grapes at second, third, fourth and fifth adult peaks. The use of DD to predict the outbreak of new generations is discussed as a promising strategy to manage leafhopper populations below economic thresholds.

Forage yield and quality of vetch-triticale and pea-triticale mixtures under Moroccan conditions

In order to investigate forage yield and quality of vetch-triticale and pea-triticale intercrops, two years study was carried out at two locations under rainfed Moroccan conditions, considering three seeding ratios (25:75, 50:50 and 75:25). Results showed that intercrops yielded 46 and 52% higher than vetch and pea monocrops, while they produced 16 and 24% lower than sole triticale. Vetch-triticale intercrops out-yielded pea-triticale mixture by 11% in both locations. Within legume-triticale intercrops, forage yield increase when vetch and pea represented 25 and 50% of seeding ratios; and decreased when the legume ratio increased to 75%. The relative yield of individual species and mixtures increased when legume ratio increased at sowing. Vetch-triticale intercrops had conflictual relationships at SEA, while pea-triticale intercrops at 50 and 75% of legume ratios, developed beneficial relations at both locations. Furthermore, intercrops affected positively forage quality at higher legumes ratios. Protein yield from vetch-triticale mixtures was significantly higher than that of pea-triticale intercrops. It was increased by 43 and 12% respectively compared to sole triticale. NDF ADF and ADL decreased when legumes proportions increased in the harvested forage. Similar trend was noticed for digestibility, dry matter intake (DMI), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and relative feed value (RFV). All of these quality parameters were improved when legume ratios were beyond 25%.

The productivity of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) on dry leaves and steviol glycosides of four varieties grown in six regions of Morocco

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Paraguay. This plant produces diterpene glycosides that are powerful natural low calorie sweeteners , about 300 times sweeter than saccharose. Stevia has now become an important agricultural crop for the production of a high-potency natural sweetener. Cultural practices are still in development and the productivity potential of desirable steviol glycosides in more or less stable proportions and under different agriculture conditions are largely unknown. Currently, commercial growers and processors all over the world are seeking to maximize the productivity of rebaudioside A , a steviol glycoside . The present study aimed to characterize the effects of region and varieties on stevia dry leaf yield, steviol glycoside content, and steviol glycoside yield under Moroccan conditions. The content of steviol glycosides obtained from dry leaves of four varieties of Stevia rebaudiana , compared to the edaphoclimatic conditions in six different areas in Morocco, was determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Dry leaf yield, leaf steviol glycoside content, and leaf steviol glycoside yield varied according to varieties and regions, with significant interaction of varieties by regions. Dry leaf yield varied from 1.57 to 7.86 t/ha. Stevioside yield ranged from 57.04 to 739.77 kg/ha and rebaudioside A yield varied between 60.8 and 614.04 kg/ha, with Reb A/STV ratios that reached up to 2.62. The total of steviol glycosides yield ranged from 163.21 to 1353.2 kg/ha with significant interactions between regions and varieties concerning sweet glycoside contents. Stevia offers great potential for introduction as a commercial crop producing a biological sweetener under Moroccan conditions. • Rebaudiana crops have proved to be very well adapted to the Moroccan conditions. • High dried leaf yields of stevia were detected with significant variability. • The accumulation of steviol glycosides was very important in the 4 varieties. • Biomass and steviol glycosides are influenced by Variety × environment interactions.

THE EFFECT OF IRRIGATION DOSES ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF Citrus clementina variety “Fina Berkane”, A VARIETY OF CLEMENTINE PRODUCED IN TRIFFA PLAIN, NORTH EASTERN MOROCCO

Morocco is a Mediterranean country with an economy based on exporting agricultural products mainly to Europe. However, the ongoing climate change characterized by the frequency and the intensity of drought, along with the regularity of the rainfall is undeniably affecting the productivity of major agricultural products in Morocco. Citriculture is one of the key pillars of agricultural products in Moroccan conditions and the productivity of citriculture is tightly related to water management. To reduce this dependency under climatic change, a pilot study, over three years, has been launched to assess the effect of water stress on the production of clementine (Citrus clementina 'Berkane Clementine'). This study was carried out on the clementine, variety "Fina Berkane" at the Triffa plain, Northeastern Morocco. This variety was grafted on Volkameria rootstock with a density of 3m x 6m. Experimental variety was planted during October 2012, in loam-clay soil equipped with a drip irrigation system. Four doses of water irrigation (60%, 80%, 100%, and the conventional irrigation dose⩾120%) were tested based on the real water demand of the studied plant. Throughout the three-year monitoring, the effect of used water amount on the various parameters including yield, fruit size, and fruit quality have been studied. Results of the study revealed that the treatment 100% ETc provided a high number of fruits, yield, and a good quality ratio. It was also well reported that adopting a dose of 80% ETc could save a significant amount of irrigation water (more than 40% ETc) compared to the conventional irrigation dose (⩾120% ETc) without significantly affecting either the yield or the desired caliber profile (marketable standard).

INFLUENCES OF THE SOIL PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS ON THE MINERAL COMPOSITION OF THE MOROCCAN STRAWBERRY TREE (Arbutus unedo L)

Leaf mineral composition reflects the complex interaction between soil, climate, and plant genetic and epigenetic background in terms of organic and inorganic composition. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of seven soil compositions on the mineral contents of Strawberry leaves (Arbutus unedo) under Moroccan conditions. The obtained results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels and their levels in the Strawberry plant leaves. Also, a positive relation was reported between the soil organic matter and the level of manganese and phosphorus in leaves. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was demonstrated between the soil organic matter and the plant pH level. These correlations were confirmed by the principal component analysis (PCA) which demonstrated the presence of three principal components accounting for 54.42% of the total variations, reflecting the important proportions of the various patterns of mineral and organic traits among accessions. In PCA, the most discriminative traits were clustered in PC1 and PC2. These findings may highlight the specific mineral needs for the A. unedo plant for its optimal cultivation and subsequent domestication in Morocco.

Non-genetic effects on daily milk yield and components of Holstein cows in Morocco

The objectives of this study were to determine milk yield and constituents' levels of Holstein cows under Moroccan conditions and to assess the effects of environmental factors influencing them. Data including 93,815 test day records of 6343 Holstein cows in 162 herds were analyzed for milk yield, contents of fat, protein, lactose and solids-not-fat (SNF), milk urea nitrogen (MUN), and somatic cell score (SCS). Averages were 25.1 ± 7.33 kg/day, 3.54 ± 0.76%, 3.02 ± 0.34%, 4.89 ± 0.24%, 8.72 ± 0.36%, 17.6 ± 8.17 mg/dl, and 4.12 ± 2.06 units, respectively. The effects of herd and calving year were found to be significant on all the studied traits. Parity was determined to have significant effects on all analyzed traits, with the exception of MUN concentration. Milk yield, fat content, protein content, and SCS increased with parity, whereas lactose percentage decreased in later parities. Except fat and lactose contents, all the other studied variables were significantly influenced by calving season. Milk yield and MUN were highest for cows calving during humid season, whereas protein content, SNF content, and SCS tended to be higher in dry season. All the studied traits changed significantly according to stage of lactation. The peaks of milk yield and lactose content occurred between 35 and 65 days, whereas that of MUN between 95 and 125 days after parturition. Protein and SNF contents and SCS attained their lowest values between days 35 and 65, while fat content between days 65 and 95. It was concluded that these environmental factors should be taken into consideration if the milk yield and quality in Morocco is to be optimized.

Assessment of interspecific hybridization between wild beet Beta vulgaris L. subsp. maritima and cultivated sugar beet under Moroccan conditions

Obtaining a viable and fertile beet hybrid resulting from wild and cultivated sugar beet crosses under Moroccan conditions is challenging. To deal with hybridization, barriers in sugar beet, such as concordance of flowering period between biannual and annual subspecies, flowering aptitude according to vernalization requirement, genotype incompatibility and hybrid sterility, should be overcome. In our study, interspecific hybrids were obtained from crosses between 17 cultivated sugar beet Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris and 17 Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima, collected in different regions of Morocco. Twenty-two agro-morphological traits were used for the evaluation of 208 hybrid plants, under greenhouse conditions. CH and WH hybrids were collected on cultivated and wild parents separately. Most of the hybrids behaved as annual plants, of which 83.17% were able to flower and produce seeds without any vernalization requirements. All WH hybrids and 57.06% of CH hybrids were morphologically similar to their wild parent. However, 24% of CH hybrids were phenotypically similar to their cultivated parent. The remaining CH hybrid plants were behaving as intermediate genotypes between both wild and cultivated parents. Our results showed the success of interspecific beet crosses and emphasized the high variability among hybrid genotypes. This is of great importance for sugar beet improvement and breeding programs and interspecific crosses patterns understanding.

Fecal pollution indicators removal by a vertical Multi-Soil-Layering system in domestic wastewater in Morocco

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of the vertical Multi-Soil-Layering filter (V-MSL) to remove indicators of fecal pollution from domestic wastewater under Moroccan conditions. To do this, a V-MSL filter measuring 20 cm deep, 60 cm wide, 78 cm high was installed near the guardian's house of the Razi’s middle school in Meknes to treat domestic wastewater. Three hydraulic loads (250 L/m2/day, 350 L/m2/day and 500 L/m2/day) were tested. This filter showed an average reduction of (97.5 ± 0.3)%, (97.7 ± 0.4)% and (96.0 ± 0.7)%, for total coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci, respectively. The performance of the filter was not affected a lot when changing the hydraulic head from 250 L/m2/day to 500 L/m2/day. The bacterial load concentrations at the filter outlet are slightly higher than the WHO recommended standard (1000 CFU / 100mL) for reuse of wastewater in irrigation. To remedy this situation, we recommend the adoption of the principle of treatment of excreta at the source by the use of dry toilets and the treatment of gray water only by the V-MSL filter.

AN EFFICIENT APPROACH TO MANAGE DOMESTIC WASTEWATER IN SMART CITY

Abstract. The adoption of an ecological sanitation system, meeting the requirements hygienic and sanitary, constitutes a feasible and technically and economically acceptable solution in the future smart city. This new sanitation concept has the advantage of solving the problems of pathogens of human waste at source, thus offering the possibility of reusing them after treatment (recycling) in order to improve the standard of living of the population and protect the environment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of a vertical Multi-Soil-Layering system (MSL) system to treat domestic wastewater under three hydraulic loading rates: 250 L/m2/day, 350 L/m2/day and 500 L/m2/day, in Moroccan conditions. To do this, a vertical MSL system measuring 20cm × 60cm × 78cm (L × W × H) was designed to treat domestic wastewater and his performance was investigated. The results showed high removal of organic matters and nutrients under the three hydraulic loads tested; the performance averages recorded are upper than 84 % for organic matters, 83.1 ± 7.2 % for ammonium and 72.4 ± 14.1 % for orthophosphate. The quality of the treated wastewater was evaluated according to Moroccan reject limit value. Consequently, this system could be considered an effective solution to be adopted for decentralized domestic wastewater treatment in Moroccan conditions.

Food preferences of Pike Perch, Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) in Morocco

Sander luciopercahasbeen introduced in Morocco since 1939. This noble fish has shown a good ability to acclimatize to Moroccan conditions and has developed well [1]. The present study examines diet composition and predator-prey relationships that are dependent on size and weight between sander and its preys during the period October 2018-April 2019. Stomach contents of 287 specimens, whose size varies between 17 and 72 cm, from Al-Massira dam, wereanalyzed. The results showed that Sander feeding is composed of six categories of prey, the most important species was the Blue gill (Perch) with an occurrence index equal to 14.9%, the occurrence indices for other preys were respectively : Pike perch (8.01%), Tilapia (5.57%), Roach (0.69%), Black bass (0.69%) and Common carp (0.69%). It has been found that the total length of the preys increases with that of the Pike perch. Thus, the Pike perch is able to ingest preys of big weight and size. We also revealed that cannibalism was high, indicating a lack of forage fish in this lake.

Life Cycle Assessment of Alternative Road Base Materials: the Case of Phosphogypsum

Phosphogypsum (PG) is the most abundant by-product generated by the phosphate fertilizer industry. Formed during the production of phosphoric acid from natural phosphate rock, PG is mostly disposed in stacks or released into coastal regions’ waters. Due to the expected increase in the world PG production – currently estimated to be around 250 Mt per year – and the environmental impacts of actual waste management scenarios, there is a call for a paradigm shift, by considering PG not as a waste but as a resource. About 15% of the total PG production is nowadays used as fertilizer, retarder, road base material or building material. The load of radionucleids and heavy metals contained in PG however questions the sustainability of such valorization routes. This paper aims to compare the environmental impacts of different PG valorization scenarios through life cycle assessment. Based on Moroccan conditions for phosphoric acid production, it discusses the key parameters influencing the assessment as well as assumptions regarding the allocation of emissions and resource use over PG and phosphoric acid.

Techno-economic assessment of CO2 direct air capture plants

CO2 direct air capture (DAC) has been increasingly discussed as a climate change mitigation option. Despite technical advances in the past decade, there are still misconceptions about DAC's current and long-term costs as well as energy, water and area demands. This could undermine DAC's anticipated role in a neutral or negative greenhouse gas emission energy system, and influence policy makers. In this study, a literature review and techno-economic analyses of state-of-the-art DAC technologies are performed, wherein, DAC technologies are categorised as high temperature aqueous solutions (HT DAC) and low temperature solid sorbent (LT DAC) systems, from an energy system perspective. DAC capital expenditures, energy demands and costs have been estimated under two scenarios for DAC capacities and financial learning rates in the period 2020 to 2050. DAC system costs could be lowered significantly with commercialisation in the 2020s followed by massive implementation in the 2040s and 2050s, making them cost competitive with point source carbon capture and an affordable climate change mitigation solution. It is concluded that LT DAC systems are favourable due to lower heat supply costs and the possibility of using waste heat from other systems. CO2 capture costs of LT DAC systems powered by hybrid PV-Wind-battery systems for Moroccan conditions and based on a conservative scenario, without/with utilisation of free waste heat are calculated at 222/133, 105/60, 69/40 and 54/32 €/tCO2 in 2020, 2030, 2040 and 2050, respectively. These new findings could enhance DAC's role in a successful climate change mitigation strategy.

Characterization and field performance of two strawberry cultivars under Moroccan conditions

Characterization and field performance of two strawberry cultivars under Moroccan conditions

Technical assessment, economic viability and investment risk analysis of solar heating/cooling systems in residential buildings in Morocco

This paper focuses on the potential of a solar installation combining air-conditioning, heating and Domestic Hot Water (DHW) production processes intended for mass use in building sector in Morocco. The objective is to measure the relevance of the investment in such systems through a technico-economic assessment and a risk analysis based on classic economic choice criteria. Then, a sensitivity study was conducted to analyze the impact of the major characteristics of a solar plant project (amount of investment, operation cost, solar sunshine, etc.) on the decision-making in various environments to conclude the technical feasibility and economic viability of these systems under Moroccan conditions. Parametric studies including the solar collectors’ technology and field area in addition to the storage tank volume were carried out to design the solar plant and to ensure its optimization in dynamic mode operation. The major finding of this work is that incrementing the collector’s field area to 30 m2 optimizes the thermal efficiency of the solar plant, and the electric booster consumption is reduced. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to use a number of collectors of 14 (a total surface of 22 m2 to satisfy) the cooling, heating and hot water needs over the year since the overall system solar fraction remain above 55% when the optimum parameters are considered. The results indicated also that solar cooling systems in hot climates are an attractive option to increase energy savings and to mitigate CO2 emissions. In addition, the solar contribution has increased from 605 kW h to 705 kW h in winter and summer periods, respectively, while the auxiliary consumption has achieved 1450 kW h, 1875 kW h and 2300 kW h for Agadir, Tangier and Ben Guerir, respectively. However, according to the economic assessment, the high solar plant cost is a main barrier facing their implementation in Morocco. Several recommendations were drawn from the profitability study to identify the sensitive points and to consider avenues for improvement with a view to future industrialization of the combined solar thermal installation in Morocco.