Nangui Abrogoua University Research Articles

Impact of Fruit Order on Cucurbits Yield Components: A Case of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl

Lagenaria siceraria is a trendy plant in Ivory Coast for its seeds. However, production of this plant remains relatively low. One of the underlying reasons for poor yields is poor control of crop techniques. This study is part of the improvement of L. siceraria production. It was conducted on the experimental farm of Nangui Abrogoua University in Abidjan. The study focused on the effect of fruit order on agronomic parameters related to fruits and seeds. To this end, a series of experiments was conducted. Fruits formed on the same plant were classified into three groups: J0 for the first generation, J8 for the second and J15 for the third generation. The results obtained indicate that for all agronomic parameters, the weight of the fruit (PoFr), the volume of the fruit (VoFr), the volume of the seed lodge (VLGr), the number of seeds per fruit (NoGr), the weight of 100 seeds (P100), the highest values are obtained for fruits of the first generation of fruit (J0). Thus, the fruits that appear first have a better agronomic quality. Farmers should use seeds from first-generation fruits for planting.

Morphological and Molecular Diversity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Causing Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Anthracnose Disease in Côte d’Ivoire

Yam is a plant of great importance for the Ivorian people in terms of food, nutrition, economy, and socio-cultural value. However, its production is threatened by several biotic factors, including anthracnose, one of the most destructive diseases affecting yams. The objective of this study was to assess the morphological and molecular diversity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolates responsible for anthracnose in yam (Dioscorea alata) in Côte d'Ivoire. Twenty-seven previously isolated strains were collected from Plant Health Laboratory of Nangui ABROGOUA University and analyzed. The study examined the cultural (coloration, growth mode, texture, and colony diameter), microscopic (conidial shape, size, and spore concentration), and molecular characteristics of these isolates. Significant morphological diversity was observed among the isolates. Macroscopically, three major groups were identified based on colony coloration (whitish, orange, and grayish). Colony textures varied, presenting cottony, flaky, downy, or filamentous appearances, with growth patterns ranging from concentric and radiating to regular rings. Colony diameters ranged from 37 mm to 82 mm. Microscopically, sporulation varied significantly among isolates, ranging from 1.1 × 10⁵ to 85.4 × 10⁵ spores, as did conidial size, which ranged from 10.54 to 19.29 µm in length and 3.93 to 6.43 µm in diameter. Molecular analysis through comparison with GenBank nucleotide sequences revealed homology rates of 99-100% and varying proximities between the rDNA sequences of the isolates. In conclusion, the characterization of these isolates provides valuable insights for improving disease control strategies for yam anthracnose.

Effect of Fruit Harvest Time on the Nutritional and Agronomic Quality of Oleaginous Citrullus lanatus Seeds

Oilseeds of Citrullus lanatus are highly prized in African societies for their nutritional and socio-economic importance. In an attempt to improve their yield, remaining very low mainly due to lack of good nutritive and germinative quality seeds, the effect of fruit harvest time was studied. After growing plants of ʺwlêwlêʺ cultivar on Nangui Abrogoua University experimental site, fruits were harvested at six different times [15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 days after anthesis (DAA)] then fermented to produce seeds for germination test concerning agronomic aspect and biochemical analysis for nutritional quality. Agronomically, results showed that delaying harvest time (from 15 to 40 DAA) significantly (P < 0.001) improved fruit weight (from 512.20 to 760.50 g) and their seed content (from 71.75 to 230.70 seeds/fruit), as well as size (from 10.69 to 11.42 mm) and weight (from 5.16 to 6.37 g) of dry seeds what lead to their optimum viability (89.50%). Nutritionally, apart from ash which didn’t vary, C. lanatus seeds reached their highest levels of flavonoids (0.03 mg/100g) and tannins (0.022 mg/100g) at 15 DAA, followed by protein (30.66%), lipids (56.60%) and vitamin C (2.25 mg/100g DM) ones at 35 days while dehydrating to reach the lowest moisture content (5.51%). Hence, this variety seeds reach their nutritional maturity earlier, already at 35 DAA, while their optimal germination quality occurs later at 40 DAA.

Artificial Ripening of Mango (Manguiféra indica. L) with Calcium Carbide (CaC2) and Ethephon: Problem of Fruit Safety in the Markets of Abidjan, Côte D’ivoire

Background: Fruit ripening is a natural process that can also be stimulated by various artificial means. In recent years, artificial ripening has become increasingly popular in developing countries. This practice has become questionable due to various health problems associated with the use of its chemicals.
 Aims: The aim of this study was therefore to list the products and techniques used for the artificial ripening of mangoes in Côte d'Ivoire. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 5 communes of Abidjan on the ripening and marketing of mangoes for local markets in Côte d'Ivoire.
 Study Design: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with a single questionnaire passage.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Food Science and Technology, Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety, Nangui Abrogoua University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
 Methodology: This study was carried out to evaluate the different mango trade in Abidjan. The investigation period extended over two months, from April 1 to May 31, 2022, and involved 225 traders, or 45 per municipality. The markets were selected based on the main mango unloading points, with the aim of having two wholesale markets for each municipality. The selection of traders was based on the size of their activity.
 Results: The study showed that a large number of mango traders used ripening products. The products used in all markets were calcium carbide "caba" and ethephon "cabadji", of which caba was used by the majority (80%) of traders. For caba, 95% of traders used the incubation technique, while for cabadji, 100% of traders used the sprinkling technique. These practices are carried out with less protection and disinfection. Most of these applicators felt some kind of effect (headache, prolonged cold, dizziness, etc.) after using these products. Consumption of mangoes sold on the national market depends essentially on knowledge of these ripening practices.
 Conclusion: The aim of this study was to list the products and techniques used for the ripening in Côte d'Ivoire. The study revealed a variety of products used for mango ripening, the main being calcium carbide (caba) and almephon (cabadji). Caba is used for incubation and Cabadji for spraying.

Nutritional Value and Amino Acid Profile of Dried Seeds of Cucumeropsis mannii (Cucurbitaceae)

Aims: To assess the biochemical, phytochemical and amino acid content from Cucumeropsis mannii dried seeds flours grown in Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa). 
 Study Design: Experimental.
 Place and duration of study: Sample: Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Security, Nangui Abrogoua University
 Methodology: Cucumeropsis mannii seeds were obtained for this study from an experimental field in Gagnoa (Côte d’Ivoire). In March 2022, seeds were planted and after 7 months, the mature fruits that lead to the complete drying of the plant were harvested.
 Results: The biochemical composition of the seeds revealed that they contain varying proportions of carbohydrates, fibers, ash, total sugars with contents of 9.28 ± 0.79 %; 2.72 ± 0.30 %; 3.12 ± 0.38; 2.34 ± 0.05, respectively. High levels of lipids, proteins, dry matter and energy were observed in seed flour with values of 47.46 ± 1.55 %; 31.80 ± 1.16 %; 94.38 ± 0.6 %; 591.46 ± 1.17 kcal /100 g DM. The resulting flour reached a pH of 6.5. The study of phytochemicals showed varying levels of oxalate (0.32 g/100g DM), tannins (3.02 g TAE/ 100g DM), total polyphenols (8.12 mg GAE / g DM), total flavonoids (27.5 mg QE/g DM) and carotenoids (2.9 µg/100g DM). Furthermore, they were potential sources of essential amino acids, including histidine (905.6 mg/100g), isoleucine (844.5 mg/100g), threonine (730.1mg/100g), phenylalanine (550.0 mg/100g), valine (469.9 mg/100g), leucine (456.6 mg/100g), and methionine (358.5 mg/100g).
 Conclusion: The overall result implies that Cucumeropsis mannii seeds could be added to the food preparations of malnourished children.

Biochemical Characterization of Mango Kernel (Mangifera indica) Grown in Côte d’Ivoire and Formulation of Butter for Cosmetic Use

Aims: The peel and the kernel of mangoes of KENT and KEIT varieties, although presenting enormous nutritive and technological potentialities, are considered as waste and, as a result, rejected in nature causing environmental pollution. This study therefore set itself the general objective of contributing to the development of mango by-products (Mangifera indica) by incorporating them into formulations of products for cosmetic use.
 Study Design: Almond butter was obtained from the fresh and dried almonds of two varieties of mangoes (KENT and KEIT).
 Place and Duration of Study: Fruits of mango (KENT and KEIT) varieties at commercial maturity used in this study came from Banco fruit market (Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire). The tests were carried out at the laboratory of food biochemistry of Nangui Abrogoua University, between May and July 2020.
 Methodology: The mango kernels (Mangifera indica) were extracted and the biochemical characterization of both fresh kernels and almond powders was carried out on parameters such as lipids, ash, fibers, etc. Then, mango kernel powder of KENT with good potential was used for the formulation of butter. Following the control formulation, different formulations were made by reducing volume of extraction solvent (sunflower oil) and varying the amount of beeswax used at 10% and 35% of the mass of macerate used. Finally, physicochemical properties of butter were determined.
 Results: The study showed that mango kernels produced in Côte d’Ivoire, specifically mango kernel powders, were rich in lipids (8-9%), proteins (2-7%), fiber (9-11%), carbohydrates (35-76%), ash (2.99-5.66%), vitamin C (35-104 mg/100g) and many other biomolecules, which made possible the production of butter. The physicochemical properties of butter gave results of acid numbers of 8.24 to 9.03 mg KOH/g oil and saponification of 189.45 to 212.09 mg KOH/g oil. These indices combined with pH (4.6 to 5.2), density (0.3 to 0.91) and color are indicators of the good quality of butter. Finally, the KE 1/3 formulation, with 35% beeswax added, gave the most satisfaction.
 Conclusion: These physical and chemical properties obtained would suggest a finished product of quality and good conservation and good scent pleasant and would have various applications in the cosmetic field in particular in the nutrition of the skin and the hair.

Effects of Charcoal Preservation Methods on the Biochemical Parameters of Three Varieties of Plantain (Musa ssp)

Aims: To contribute to solving plantain post-harvest losses, six preservation methods combining charcoal and polyethylene bags were experimented on three different varieties of plantain (SACI, Big-Ebanga, and Orishele).
 Place and Duration of Study: This work was carried out at the Biocatalysis and Bioprocesses Laboratory of Nangui Abrogoua University in Abidjan and the Food Technology Laboratory of the National Center for Agronomic Research in Côte d'Ivoire.
 Methodology: Some Biochemical parameters of these fruits are monitored to know the effects of these preservation methods during storage.
 Results: The outcomes indicate an average shelf green life extension of up to 30 days for fruits preserved in polyethylene containing charcoal, while fruits preserved in polyethylene without charcoal have only 24 days on average. The control test (fruits stored in the open air) showed an average shelf green life of 12 days. During storage, total carbohydrate levels increase and values range from 92.49% to 70.05%. Those of total sugars also increase and the levels evolve from 0.47 to 30.83 g/100 g DM. On the other hand, there is a decrease in starch levels (42.66 and 64.05 mg/100g DM).
 Conclusion: Charcoal can extend the shelf green life of plantain bananas for up to a month. These methods can be recommended to actors in the sector to reduce post-harvest losses.

Estimation of the Energy Potential by Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste at Nangui Abrogoua University : Codigestion of Food Waste With Cow Dung

The food wastes of the Nangui Abrogoua University are rich in organic matter that can promote the production of biogas through anaerobic digestion. These wastes are favorable for the anaerobic digestion process. This study aims at estimating the energy potential of the food wastes of the University Nangui Abrogoua by the production of biogas following the process of anaerobic digestion batch. The biogas from this food waste is estimated to be 10.79 m3 or 10790000 mL over a period of 30 days. This is equivalent to an energy potential of 75.58 kWh. These results obtained indicate that the food waste of the University Nangui Abrogoua is an important source of renewable energy.

Bioactives and Antimicobial Potential of Processing by Products of Four Mango Varieties (Magifera indica Varieties Amelie, Kent, Keitt and Brooks) from the Poro Region (Ivory Coast)

Aims: During the industrial processing of mango, considerable quantities of peel and seeds are rejected, which results in a significant economic loss for the manufacturer, as well as an impact on the environment. However, mango almond and peel flours present enormous nutritional and especially therapeutic potentialities. Thus, the objective of this work is to contribute to the valorization of the waste of 4 varieties of mango (Amelie, Kent, Keitt, Brooks) from north in Ivory Coast by the determination of their bioactive compounds in, order to be used in the pharmaceutical industry.
 Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Technology, Nangui Abrogoua University, Abidjan 02, Ivory Coast. Between March 2019 to July 2021. 
 Methodology: Phenolic compounds of the Mango almond and peel flours were extracted with ethanol. UV-VIS spectrophotometry was employed to further quantify the total phenolic, tannin and total flavonoid content. DPPH radical scavenging assay, 2.2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6- sulphonic acid (ABTS) scavenging test and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used to determine antioxidant activity. As for phenolic acids, they were analysed by HPLC. Well diffusion method was used to determine antibacterial activity.
 Results: The analysis of the bioactive compounds of these mango discards revealed that they are characterised by high contents of total polyphenols 39.67 ± 0.04 to 85.18 ± 0.01 mg/g in the peel and 22.86 ± 0.03 to 58.43 ± 0.00 mg/g in the almond, flavonoids 4.36 ± 0.03 to 20.43 ± 0.02 mg/g in peel and from 6.59 ± 0.01 to 26.72 ± 0.02 mg/g in almonds, tannins 5.04 ± 1.13 to 8.64 ± 0.76 mg/g in peel and from 6.58 ± 0.06 to 12.46 ± 0.11 in almonds. Antioxidant activity varies in peel and almond from 64.49 ± 2.56 to 96.40 ± 0.32 % and 89.16 ± 1.45 to 97.96 ± 0.25 % respectively for ABTS, from 59.51 ± 0.26 to 86, 27 ± 0.56% and 80.39 ± 0.56 to 87.21 ± 0.39% for DPPH inhibition and from 0.59 ± 0.0 to 0.72 ± 0.01 mg/g and from 0.81% to 0.92% mg/g for iron reduction by the FRAP method. As for the antimicrobial activity, very marked inhibition diameters were observed both with the peel extracts and in the almonds for different bacteria (B. ceurus, E. coli, ST. aureus, S. typhi, P. aeruginosa).
 Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the by-products of the four mango varieties are potential sources of bioactive compounds. These by-products could therefore be used in the pharmaceutical industry and diet.

Effect of Fruit Harvest Time and Fermentation Methods on Seed Viability and Seedling Vigour in Oleaginous Citrullus lanatus

Aims: In an attempt to improve the yields of Citrullus lanatus’s wlêwlê oilseed cultivar, generally low due to the lack of good germination seeds, the effect of fruit age at harvest and fermentation methods were studied. The present study is a contribution to the improvement the African oleaginous Cucurbits seed production system by optimizing the date of harvest combined to seed fermentation methods through enhancement of seed germination and seedling vigor.
 Study Design: Seedling vigor was evaluated on farm trial using five completely randomized blocks represented by seedbeds constituting each, one replication.
 Place and Duration of Study: The trials were carried out from July to December 2020, at the experimental farm of the Nangui Abrogoua University in the district of Abidjan, southern of Côte d'Ivoire between 5°17' and 5°31' North latitude and between 3°45' and 4°31' West longitude.
 Methodology: Fruits from grown plants were harvested at five different times 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 days after anthesis (DAA)] and seeds fermented following four methods fermentation at ambient air (SFA); fermentation in a plastic bag exposed at ambient air (SFB); fermentation in plastic bag buried in 30 cm depth (SFD) and control or non-fermented (NF)]. Seeds from these 20 treatments (5 harvest time × 4 fermentation methods) were sown for viability tests in laboratory and seedling vigor in the field.
 Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that delaying harvest time (from 20 to 40 DAA) significantly (P < .001) improved fruit weight (from 512.20 to 760.50 g) and its seed content (from 71.75 to 230.70 seeds/fruit), seed size (length: 10.69 to 11.42 mm and width: 5.31 to 5.90 mm) and weight (5.16 to 6.37 g) as well as their viability (from 67.75 to 89.50 %). Moreover, in spite of facilitating seed extraction, all three fermentation methods (SFA, SFB and SFD) significantly improved seed viability and seedling vigor compared to control (NF) seeds. The highest agronomic performance (seed viability and produced seedling vigor), was obtained with fermentation under closed and deep confinement (SFD), followed by the closed confinement (SFB) and then by the open environment (SFA). Positive interaction (harvest time × fermentation method) revealed that the best performance was achieved with later harvested seeds (40 DAA) and closed fermented seeds (SFD) which could provide a better seed quality.
 Conclusion: Agronomic performances (viability and vigor) are influenced by both harvest date and fermentation method. Late harvesting of the fruit (40 DAA) and fermentation in a very confined deep soil condition (SFD) ensures the production of high germination quality seeds.

Microbiological Quality of "Soumbala", an African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) Condiment Sold in the Markets of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: Produced in an artisanal way from the fermentation of the seeds of Parkia biglobosa, “Soumbala”, is a condiment very appreciated in several African countries including Côte d'Ivoire. This study was conducted to assess the microbiological quality and fungal profile of this condiment sold in the markets of nine communes in Abidjan.
 Study Design: Food safety.
 Place and Duration of Study: Soumbala's samples were collected in the markets during the month of October 2019 and analyzed at the Laboratory of Microbiology and Food Biotechnology of the Nangui Abrogoua University, Côte d'Ivoire.
 Methodology: For this purpose, 27 samples of "Soumbala" were taken from the different markets and analysed. The loads of the different microorganisms (mesophilic aerobic germs, total coliforms, moulds) were determined by counting after culture in agar medium. The microbiological quality has been assessed according to Directive 2005/2073/EC. The physico-chemical composition (pH, titratable acidity, moisture content) of "Soumbala" has been determined according to standard methods. The identification of the mould strains isolated from the different samples was carried out using the identification keys.
 Results: The results of the various physico-chemical parameters obtained ranged from 13.81 to 20.31%, 5.58 to 6.50 and 3.73 to 9.06 % for moisture content, pH and titratable acidity, respectively. The mesophilic aerobic germ loads of 7.21 to 7.70 log10 cfu/g determined in the analyzed samples are above the acceptability limit (6 log10 cfu/g) applied in this study. The maximum loading of total coliforms was 3.92 log10 cfu/g. All mould loads are below the acceptability limit. The mould strains isolated and identified from the identification keys belong to the genus Aspergillus.
 Conclusion : A public health risk related to the consumption of "Soumbala" could exist if these moulds produced mycotoxin.

Proximate Composition and Phytochemical Properties of Fresh and Boiled Solanum torvum Consumed in East of Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and anti-nutritional factors composition of the Solanum torvum fruit.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing laboratory of Nangui Abrogoua University (Côte d’Ivoire), between June 2019 and March 2020.
 Methodology: Proximate composition, mineral element profile and phytochemical composition of fresh and boiled S torvum berries were investigated. The S torvum fruit were harvested fresh. One part was cooked in boiling water for 25 min while the other part did not undergo any treatment. These two samples were dried in an oven at 45°C for 72 hours, ground and analyzed according to official analytical method.
 Results: The results indicated that the boiling caused the loss of nutrients except moisture, fibers and lipids. It was noted a significant reduction of nutrient and anti-nutrients content of berries after boiling. Boiled berries showed a higher energy value (57.07 Kcal) than fresh ones (53.12 Kcal). Despite the boiling, S torvum berries showed high levels of polyphenols (142.54 mg GAE/100g DW (dry weight)), carotenoids (12.96 mg βCE/100g DW), vitamin C (12.03 mg/100 g FW), fibers (6.88%) and ash (7.23%). Minerals analysis of S torvum berries indicated that it is rich in potassium (2046.77 mg/100 g DW), calcium (340.92 mg/100g DW), phosphorus (238.71 mg/100g DW) and magnesium (234.97 mg/100g DW) with high predicted bioavailability for calcium, magnesium and zinc. S torvum fruit contains also iron (7.97 mg/100g DW) and zinc (8.10 mg/100g DW) which are essential for organism.
 Conclusion: These data indicated that this Solanum torvum fruit consumed in East of Côte d’Ivoire could constitute a potential good source of nutrients for local population.

Molecular confirmation of varietal status in bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) using genotyping-by-sequencing.

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is an important food, medicinal, and utilitarian crop with a large pan-tropical distribution. Two morphologically different types in the siceraria subspecies are sufficiently different to be considered as varieties, but they are assigned into different taxonomic ranks. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of 95 different accessions from the Nangui Abrogoua University collection was used to confirm the varietal status in bottle gourd. This analysis produced 22 575 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Cluster analyses conducted with 2250 (9.96%) SNPs distinctly separated hard-shelled from soft-shelled types. Analysis of 23 SNPs located in 11 genes coding for traits that differentiate the two types of gourds revealed that genes in the soft-shelled types had about 21% fewer SNPs than genes within hard-shelled gourds, but the latter had more non-synonymous SNPs. Cluster analyses conducted with the 23 SNPs fitted well with the structure defined by the 2250 SNPs, suggesting the implication of these SNPs in the varietal differentiation of bottle gourd. These nucleotide changes along with the genetic relationships between the accessions provide molecular proof supporting the status of two varieties. To prevent the confusion inherent in the use of synonyms and homonyms in bottle gourd, we suggest the terms hard-shelled and soft-shelled to designate, respectively, the varieties used as utensils and those grown for their edible seeds.

Prevalence and variation of viviparous germination with respect to fruit maturation in the bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley (Cucurbitaceae)

Researches documenting comprehensively the prevalence of seed vivipary in relation to phenology, as well as its impact on production are scant. This article reports the results of investigations carried out during four cropping seasons to quantitatively document seed vivipary in the oleaginous bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). Field experiments were conducted during the first and second cropping season of 2014 and 2015 at the experimental station of Nangui Abrogoua University (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire). The assessment of the prevalence of seed vivipary was carried out using 185 L. siceraria accessions collected in different ecological zones of Côte d'Ivoire. To examine the influence of fruit maturation time on seed vivipary, four accessions (two viviparous and two non-viviparous) were cropped and harvested at 30 and 50 days after fertilization (DAF), complete whiteness of plants (CPW) and after 60 days of storage of fruits harvested on plants completely withered (CPWS). Finally, a comparative analysis of seed yield and its main components was conducted using four accessions including two highly viviparous and two non-viviparous. The results on seed vivipary prevalence showed that the oleaginous form of L. siceraria is highly susceptible and allowed the classification of the 185 accessions analyzed into three groups: non-viviparous (2.16%), viviparous (89.19%) and highly viviparous accessions (8.65%). No precocious seed germination was observed in non-viviparous accessions during fruit maturation stage. The fruits of highly viviparous accessions harvested at 30 DAF showed no precocious seed germination while 3.35–17.89% of fruits bearing viviparous seed were observed at 50 DAF. Plants from highly viviparous fruits showed significantly low yields compared those from non-viviparous fruits. These results suggested that an efficient control of seed vivipary allowing a quantitative and qualitative improvement of yield in the oilseed bottle gourd can be ensured by the selection of vivipary-tolerant genotypes and appropriate planning of the harvest time.

Floristic and structural studies of the forest blocks of Nangui Abrogoua University, Cote d'Ivoire | JBES

Floristic and structural studies of the forest blocks of Nangui Abrogoua University, Cote d'Ivoire | JBES

Agro-morphological Variability of Bottle Gourd Accessions Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl in Côte d’Ivoire

Bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl is one of the oleaginous cucurbits grown in Cote d'Ivoire with socio-economic and food importance that could play an important role in food security. The increase in the production of this species for improvement of plant yield remains a major challenge that begins with the agro-morphological characterization of local varieties present in different production areas. The objective of this study is to estimate agro-morphological variability within the Lagenaria siceraria seed collection of Nangui Abrogoua University. The study focused on 26 accessions collected in the different production areas of the species. The experimental design is a randomized complementary block. Descriptive analyzes under the observation of fourteen descriptors showed the existence of a great variability between accessions for the yield characters. Multiple variance analysis showed that there is a highly significant difference between accessions and provenances for the majority of traits studied. The structuring of accessions according to areas collection revealed by principal component analysis is confirmed by discriminant factor analysis. The classification of accessions and identification of the groups were carried out by hierarchical ascending classification which made it possible to elaborate a dendrogram which presents two groups of phenotypic diversity. It appears that the most relevant variables that describe the best variability between groups are fruit size (FH), fruit weight (FW), number of seed (NS), and seed weight (SW). These analyzed characters can thus constitute basic criteria to differentiate accessions and to be used in studies of morphological diversity of L. siceraria.

Current dietary intake and eating habits in connection with socio-demographic characteristics of students of Nangui Abrogoua University of Côte d’Ivoire

ABSTRACTThe socio-demographic features and eating pattern were assessed on 156 Ivorian students (18-34 years) from Nangui Abrogoua University. The study population was made of randomly selected students who were willing to participate to the survey. The semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on breakfast, lunch, and dinner consumption pattern and 24-h dietary recall to document the dietary intake. Results showed that 88% of the respondents were not used to having breakfast, while 87.70% and 94.80% would have lunch and dinner, respectively. 33.30% of the respondents claimed financial problems as a reason for skipping meals. 82% of the respondents do daily physical activity for a minimum of 30 min three times a week. 25.69% of the students with bad nutritional status including 17.95% being underweight and 7.74% overweight to the extent of obesity. Rice and “Attiéké” (cassava semolina) were the favorite foods during the three daily meals.

English

The overuse of chemical fertilizers in agriculture remains an environmental concern, especially in sub-Saharan areas of Africa where soil degradation lead to low crop yield. Crop inoculation with beneficial microorganisms appears a good alternative to reduce chemical substances and improve yield. In this regard, studies on soil biological activities and inoculation experiments on maize (Zea mays L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) crops were conducted. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of these crops on soil microbial activities and to assess their response to inoculation with two fungi (Glomus aggregatum and Glomus etunicatum) alone or in combination. Rhizospheric and non rhizospheric soils were collected in peanut and maize fields at Takali in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Soil enzymes activities, total microbial biomass, AMF spore and rhizobia densities were determined in these soils. Then, mycorrhizal inoculation experiment of these plant species was conducted in a greenhouse located at Nangui Abrogoua University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. After three months, plant growth and yield, mycorrhizal and nodulation parameters were measured. Results showed that maize has significantly improved enzymes activities, spore density and total microbial biomass of soil. Effect of peanut was only significant on chitinase. Moreover, soil rhizobia density was reduced under this crop effect. Maize significantly improved these parameters more than peanut. Inoculation results showed a significant enhancement of the height and shoot dry weight of maize with single inoculation with G. aggregatum or G. etunicatum even if a low mycorrhization rate was observed. However, in peanut, the mixed inoculants (G. aggregatum + G. etunicatum) significantly increased the pod weight and nodulation parameters. Results showed the importance of plant cover in the improvement of soil biological quality including enzymes activities and microbial community and suggested that the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation is influenced by many factors as plant species, AMF and soil environment characteristics.   Key words: A. hypogaea, Z. mays, soil enzyme activities, microbial biomass, soil microorganisms’ density, mycorrhizal inoculation. &nbsp

Prévalence De l’Obésité En Milieu Jeune En Côte d’Ivoire

Obesity is one of the diseases whose situation has become alarming in Côte d'Ivoire. As it is known, the young people represent the labor force of tomorrow. So we investigated the situation of obesity among youth. We took the case of Nangui Abrogoua University which is full of students from Ivory Coast, as well as students from countries in the sub region. Our study shows that the majority of students, about 74.01 % had a normal weight. There is however 20.51% who was overweight, and 1.13% who was obese. Also overweight and abdominal obesity were more present in women than men. This low rate of obesity was explained by the fact that it is a more active population with a lower level of income. Our study highlighted that in addition to physical inactivity, obesity is also related to income level.

Genetic evaluation of seed traits from intraspecific crossing of genetically distinct watermelon varieties

Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsumura and Nakai (Cucurbitaceae) is an important cucurbit crop worldwide. Global production of watermelon is about 90 million metric tonnes per annum, making it among the top five most consumed fresh fruits. The objective of this study was to evaluate seed variability in different segregating populations, and determine heritability of traits of watermelon. Interspecific crosses were made between two cultivars of C. lanatus (Bebu and Wlêwlê Small Seeds (WSS) were performed at Research Station of Nangui Abrogoua University in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. There was wide variability between parental, F1, BC1 (first generation of back-crossing) and F2 seeds. Seeds of all hybrid populations were intermediate versus those of the parents. Also, crossing did not affect F1 and F2 seed characters, but affected those of BC1 because of maternal effects. Thus, back-crossing on Bebu cultivar produced seeds which looked like those of Bebu; while backcrossing on WSS cultivar produced seeds similar to those of WSS. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and individuals repartitioning revealed that Bebu and WSS cultivars were genetically distinct and showed three main groups: two groups from each parental line and one from a recombinant line (hybrids). F2 population had a wide individual’s dispersion, and contained seeds of all other populations. High heritability was observed for all evaluated characters.Key Words: Citrullus lanatus, Côte d’Ivoire, heritability, hybrids