Meknes Region Research Articles

Comparative study of the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of the essential oil of Pelargonium graveoiens from the four regions of Morocco

Pelargonium graveoiens (rose-scented pelargonium) is a plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family native to South Africa. It is recognized for its aroma and essential oil which is widely used in the cosmetic industry, aromatherapy and as a food flavoring agent. It is also known for its antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. For this, it is interesting to study the chemical composition of the essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens from the four regions of Morocco (Er-Rachidia, Meknes, Rabat, Tetouan) by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and determine the similarities and dissimilarities of the chemical composition of these four essential oils by carrying out an analysis on the one hand in main composition (ACP) and on the other hand, evaluating their antioxidant activities by two methods DPPH and CAT. The results showed that the essential oil of Pelargonium graveoiens (rose-scented pelargonium) from the four regions mainly contains p-Citronellol, geraniol, citronellyl formate, epi-y-eudesmol, geranyl tiglate and linalool. On the other hand, the antioxidant activity of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil by the measured DPPH method showed that the IC50 values of the Meknes region are lower than the IC50 values found in the Er-Rachidia, Tetouan and Rabat regions.

Farmers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding Carcinogenic Pesticides in Fez Meknes Region (Morocco).

Pesticides play an important role in the improvement of agricultural production, but their use may result in adverse effects on the environment, consumers, and farmers’ health. As there are limited data focusing on the factors influencing safety behavior toward pesticide use in Morocco, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in 15 rural communities of Morocco’s Fes Meknes region to assess the attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding pesticide use. A structured questionnaire was completed, containing the data of the interviewed farmers, their behavior towards safety measures, the type of active ingredient used, as well as the perception of risks to their own health following exposure to pesticides by the existence of chronic, self-perceived symptoms. Non-probability (empirical) sampling with the quota method was carried out, which consists of constructing the sample. Results showed that most respondents have not been trained in the application of pesticides, with almost half of the farmers using a category of pesticides which are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as probable human carcinogenic (i.e., Glyphosate, Malathion). In terms of pesticide storage, 40% of farmers said that they did not store pesticides in a separate room after purchasing or using them. The empty containers were buried or burnt by half of the responders, while the remainder were thrown at the edge of fields or in public dumps. Although the participants were aware of the negative effects on their own health and on the environment caused by the application of pesticides in use, the protection measures by individual equipment were insufficient. A canonical analysis indicates that these behaviors were influenced by the farming experience, the benefit of the agricultural council services, the follow-up of training, and the education level. These variables are important factors in explaining and understanding the dangers to both the environment and health caused by pesticides. The most recorded likely consequences of pesticide exposure were visual impairment (46%), followed by dizziness (44.3%), headache (39.4%), and excessive sweating (34.4%), and 30.2% of participants identified consequent respiratory problems. Extension services targeted at safety and protection measures should be developed and accompanied by educational programs to put farmers’ perceptions into practice and encourage them to adopt healthy and environmentally friendly behaviors.

Moroccan Arabic version of the Quality of Life Inventory in Epilepsy (QOLIE-31): translation, cultural adaptation and psychometric validation.

There is currently a growing concern to conduct health-related quality of life (HRQOL) studies among people with epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries, as most data have been derived from high-income countries in North America and Europe. To translate, adapt and validate the Moroccan Arabic version of the QOL Inventory in Epilepsy-31 (MA-QOLIE-31) to evaluate HRQOL predictors in the Moroccan population with epilepsy. Adaptation and validation of QOLIE-31 were performed in July 2018 among 118 patients with epilepsy in the Fez-Meknes region. The test was translated, adapted and validated into Arabic according to the Streiner & Norman recommendations. Acceptability, reliability, central tendency and validity of the QOLIE-31 were assessed. The acceptability and reproducibility were satisfactory and the internal consistency was strong (Cronbach α = 0.993). The mean (standard deviation) global score of QOL in the MA-QOLIE-31 was 68 (22.16). The scores in the subscales were 51 (36.88) for seizures worry, 48.86 (25.44) for overall QOL, 45.60 (26.73) for well-being, 41.28 (25.37) for energy and fatigue, 47.55 (28.33) for cognitive function, 66.83 (39.49) for medication effects and 52.44 (30.26) for social functioning. The global score of QOL in Moroccan patients with epilepsy is similar to that in patients in low and middle- income countries. MA-QOLIE-31 will facilitate further studies in HRQOL in Morocco and Arabic-speaking countries.

Integrated water resources management: An indicator framework for water management system assessment in the R'Dom Sub-basin, Morocco

This paper reports the elaboration and application of an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) indicators framework designed to assess Water management system in the Meknes Region. The framework making up of twelve indicators was developed and applied to the R'Dom sub-basin. The methodology consisted of an indicator selection process to evaluate the inputs from water management stakeholders in the study area. Involved stakeholders in the consultation phase are accepted indicators as a framework of better understanding integrated water resource management. As a result, the IWRM indicators framework was developed accordingly, in order to integrate the relevant economic, social, and environmental aspects. The indicator's assessment shows that all stakeholders have taken steps towards developing a system allowing the IWRM implementation. Nevertheless, significant additional effort is required, as some stakeholders need to set up a more efficient management system. The evaluation of the indicators shows that three of the twelve indicators require a considerable effort, specifically, capacity building, funding, and management scale. The application of the indicators framework represents a contribution to identifying the shortcomings of the current water management system in the study area. The results obtained allow the stakeholders to act and trace the steps needed to be taken towards implementing an integrated water management system.

Tide-dominated deltas responding to high-frequency sea-level changes, Pre-Messinian Rifian Corridor, Morocco

ABSTRACTThe Rifian Corridor was an ancient sea strait that connected the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean during the Miocene. Key outcrop exposures of this corridor's sedimentary fill are exposed at the Ben Allou, El Adergha, and Driouate localities, in the Fez–Meknes region, Morocco. These display cyclic successions that formed immediately before the disappearance of the Rifian Corridor, and the associated isolation and desiccation of the Mediterranean Sea. Sedimentary cycles at Ben Allou consist of: facies 1, Organic-matter-bearing blue claystones; facies 2, gray marlstones intercalated with turbidites; and facies 3, yellow-brown, coarse-grained calcarenites. Based on their coarse grain size, presence of reactivation surfaces, bidirectional current structures, and mud drapes as well as microfossil, macrofossil and trace fossil assemblages, we interpret the calcarenites (facies 3) as prograding, strait-adjacent tide-dominated deltas transitioning from large subtidal compound dunes to intertidal sand sheets that are composed mostly of authigenic carbonate sediment. The two fine-grained facies were deposited in deeper prodelta (facies 2) and shelfal (facies 1) environments, as shown by our combined sedimentological and paleontological evidence. Cross-sectional channel geometries provide a means for reconstructing the delta's paleo–tidal range, suggesting that it was macrotidal, and likely amplified by the paleogeometry of the Southern Rifian Corridor, to at least 4.2 m. The cyclic succession of corridor fill exposed here likely is the result of three, roughly 70 m fluctuations of eustatic rise and subsequent fall, possibly linked to ∼ 100,000-year glacial–interglacial climate fluctuations. Broadly similar, contemporaneous sedimentary successions from the outcrop at El Adergha, 40 km east of Ben Allou, show that these sea-level variations affected a wide range of the Corridor, while rocks at the locality of Driouate, 9 km south of Ben Allou, show evidence for lagoonal environments on the landward side of the corridor, which were subject to periodic marine regressions and floodings. These results are reinterpretations of previous work on these sediments, with implications for depositional processes in the Rifian Corridor, Miocene paleoclimate, and the Messinian salinity crisis.

Consolidated bioethanol production from olive mill waste: Wood-decay fungi from central Morocco as promising decomposition and fermentation biocatalysts

Meknes region is a Moroccan olive-processing area generating high amounts of non-valorized Olive Mill Waste (OMW). Fungi are natural decomposers producing varied enzyme classes and effectively contributing to the carbon cycle. However, structural complexity of biomass and modest performances of wild fungi are major limits for local biorefineries. The objective of current research is to assess the ability of local fungi for bioethanol production from OMW using Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP). This is done by characterizing lignocellulolytic potential of six wood-decay and compost-inhabiting ascomycetes and selecting potent fermentation biocatalysts. High and diversified activities were expressed by Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum: 9.36 IU. mL−1 and 2.88 IU. mL−1 total cellulase activity, 0.54 IU. mL−1 and 0.57 IU. mL−1 laccase activity, respectively, and 8.43 IU. mL−1 lignin peroxidase activity for the latter. F. oxysporum had maximum bioethanol production and yield of 2.47 g.L-1 and 0.84 g.g−1, respectively, qualifying it as an important bio-agent for single-pot local biorefinery.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF ORIGANUM COMPACTUM FROM THE SEVEN REGIONS OF MOROCCO AND THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

The aim of this work is to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil of Origanum compactum, from the region of Meknes (Morocco), and their antimicrobial effect, and on the other hand, to carry out a comparison between the chemical composition of this essential oil with the six regions of Morocco: Larache, Chefchaouen, Al Hoceïma, Tetouan, Taounate and Rabat. The essential oils of Origanum compactum thus obtained were analyzed and identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). To determine the similarities and dissimilarities between the chemical compositions of the essential oil of Origanum compactum from the Meknes region with the other six regions of Morocco, we performed the principal component analysis (ACP). Regarding antimicrobial activity, the essential oils of Origanum compactum have shown significant inhibitory activity against the bacteria and molds studied.

Assessing Regional Scale Water Balances through Remote Sensing Techniques: A Case Study of Boufakrane River Watershed, Meknes Region, Morocco

This paper aims to develop a method to assess regional water balances using remote sensing techniques. The Boufakrane river watershed in Meknes Region (Morocco), which is characterized by both a strong urbanization and a rural land use change, is taken as a study case. Firstly, changes in land cover were mapped by classifying remote sensing images (Thematic Mapper, Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus and Operational Land Imager) at a medium scale resolution for the years 1990, 2003 and 2018. By means of supervised classification procedures the following land cover categories could be mapped: forests, bare soil, arboriculture, arable land and urban area. For each of these categories a water balance was developed for the different time periods, taking into account changing management and consumption patterns. Finally, the land cover maps were combined with the land cover specific water balances resulting in a total water balance for the selected catchment. The procedure was validated by comparing the assessments with data from water supply stations and the number of licensed ground water extraction pumps. In terms of land use/land cover changes (LULCC), the results showed that urban areas, natural vegetation, arboriculture and cereals increased by 183.74%, 12.55%, 34.99 and 48.77% respectively while forests and bare soils decreased by 78.65% and 16.78% respectively. On the other hand, water consumption has been increased significantly due to the Meknes city growth, the arboriculture expansion and the new crops’ introduction in the arable areas. The increased water consumption by human activities is largely due to reduced water losses through evapotranspiration because of deforestation. Since the major part of the forest in the catchment has disappeared, a further increase of the water consumption by human activities can no longer be offset by deforestation.

Mulching effect on weed control and faba bean (Viciafaba L. Minor) yield in Meknes region, Morocco

In order to protect human health and the environment and to prevent the occurrence of weed ecotypes, global efforts are being made to reduce the world’s high dependency on synthetic herbicides for weed control. In this perspective, a field experiment was conducted during 2018/2019 season at the educational farm of the National School of Agriculture of Meknes (Morocco) to evaluate mulch effect of black plastic, oat straw and sycamore leaves on both faba bean and weed growth at flowering and harvest stage. The experiment was performed according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) repeated four times. The results showed that the highest weeds infestation was recorded in weedy check (Control). Sycamore leaves, oat straw and black plastic mulches have significantly reduced weeds density and biomass, thus provided efficiency by 84.8, 80.6 and 86.8% respectively. In addition, the oat straw, black plastic, and sycamore leaves have improved faba bean yield by 42, 52.9, and 43% respectively. In conclusion, mulching practice can be a promising alternative of weed management for faba bean crop in Meknes region.

Chemical characterization and adsorption of oil mill wastewater on Moroccan clay in order to be used in the agricultural field

Oil mill wastewater (OMW) is the main liquid discharge from oil mills, it is considered as a dangerous pollutant due to its toxic chemical compounds which are unloaded directly in the environment without any treatment. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of OMW adsorption on clay as a good method for the elimination of toxic chemical compounds and to study the application of treated OMW as an irrigation source in agricultural field. For this, Clay was collected from the city of Agourai (Meknes region, Morocco) and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, BET and FTIR analysis. Moreover, the treated OMW was analyzed using UHPLC-ESI-MS and the determination of total phenolic content (TPC) was also performed. However, the application of the treated OMW in agricultural field was performed by the determination of its effect on the germination of Lepidium sativum seeds (in vitro) and as a source of irrigation of Vicia faba plants (in situ). The results of this study showed that OMW had the following physicochemical characteristics: average pH of 4.88, TPC of 4.75 g/l, COD of 80 g/l, BOD5 of 18.72 g/l, conductivity of 16.05 cm-1, dry matter of 135.7 g/l and volatile matter of 58.7 g/l. The adsorption on clay had increased the pH from 4.88 to 6.14 and reduced significantly the organic matter (42% of COD and 57.4% of phenolic compounds). UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of a wide variety of organic compounds in OMW, with the appearance of new compounds after adsorption. Moreover, the use of treated OMW as a source of irrigation showed a significant effect on the germination of Lepidium sativum seeds and the growth of Vicia faba plants. From this study, we can conclude that the adsorption on clay is a good method for the treatment of OMW, which became non-toxic for environment and can be used as a source of irrigation in agricultural field.

Characterization and phylogenetic diversity of Allorhizobium vitis isolated from grapevine in Morocco.

Crown gall, a phytobacteriosis characterized by the formation of tumours on plant roots was observed in recently planted vineyards of the Meknes region (Morocco). The objective of this research was to analyse the diversity of pathogenic agrobacteria isolated from grapevine in Morocco. Eighty-two isolates from 11 affected vineyards were characterized by recA sequencing and were found to belong to Agrobacterium tumefaciens genomospecies G1, G4 or G7, Rhizobium rhizogenes, and to Allorhizobium vitis. Only the All. vitis isolates appeared to be pathogenic on tomato and multilocus sequence analysis phylogenetic analyses revealed a weak genetic diversity, with the definition of only four genomic groups. Definition of the All. vitis genomic groups correlated with specific pathogenic traits: indeed, genomic groups differed with respect to the severity of hypersensitive response symptoms on tobacco leaves, the intensity of necrotic response on grapevine explants and opine profiles. Both vitopine and octopine were detected by UHPLC in tumours induced by isolates of three genomic groups, an opine signature scarcely ever reported. Allorhizobium vitis is the only causative agent of crown gall on grape in Morocco, pathogenic isolates can be separated into four genomic groups. This study of recently crown-gall-infested vineyards demonstrated that All. vitis is the only causative agent and revealed the presence of nonpathogenic Agrobacterium strain within tumours. Moreover, as the genetic diversity of the All. vitis isolates is relatively narrow, this study lays the basis for further analyses on the evolution of the disease, on the dissemination of the pTi and more globally on the fate of the different genomic groups in this newly colonized environment.

Isolation, Selection and Characterization of Root-Associated Rock Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria in Moroccan Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Phosphorus (P) is the most important macronutrient next to nitrogen for the growth and development of plants. But often unavailable for plants because of its high reactivity with many soil constituents. Thus, the use of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSBs) as biofertilizers seems to be an effective way to resolve the soluble phosphorus availability in soil. The present study was conducted to isolate and characterize rock PSB associated with the rhizosphere of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from fourteen different wheat-growing sites of Meknes region in Morocco. A total of one hundred ninety-eight (198) rock PSBs were isolated employing NBRIP medium amended with rock phosphate (RP), out of which five strains (A17, A81, B26, B106, and B107) were selected for their strong ability to dissolve RP and were tested in vitro for plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits including production of indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophores, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and antifungal activity, as well as their response to the effect of extrinsic and intrinsic stress. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified these isolates belong to four genera, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Enterobacter. The phosphate solubilization index (SI) of selected isolates ranged between 2.3 and 2.7, and the amount of solubilized phosphorus in the liquid medium varied from 59.1 to 90.2 µg mL−1. HPLC analysis revealed that all the selected isolates produced multiple organic acids (oxalic, citric, gluconic succinic, and fumaric acids) from glucose under aerobic conditions. Except for the A81 strain, all selected isolates were able to produce IAA ranging between 2.9 and 21.2 µg mL−1. The isolates A17, B26, and B107 showed the ability to produce siderophores ranging from 79.3 to 20.8% siderophore units. Only two strains (A17 and B26) were able to produce HCN. All selected isolates showed good resistance against different environmental stresses like 10–50 °C temperature, 0.5–2 g L−1 salt concentration and 4.5–9 pH range, and against different antibiotics. The antagonistic effect showed that among the five selected strains, only two strains (B26 and A17) were able to suppress the growth of tested fungi. This study clearly indicates that our selected rock PSBs can be used as biofertilizers for grain crops after studying their interaction with the host crop and field evaluation.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Treatment of Kidney Diseases in Fez–Meknes Region, Morocco

The purpose of this study was to inventory and collect information on plants and mixtures commonly used by herbalists to treat kidney disease in the Fez–Meknes region. We also aimed to compare the results obtained with the results of the other studies and exploit the correlations between different factors. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted from 289 local herbalists in eight different areas of Fez–Meknes region. Ethnomedicinal uses and ethnobotanical indices were analyzed using quantitative tools, i.e., the total number of citation (TNC), use value (UV), family use value (FUV), fidelity level (FL), and rank order priority (ROP). Statistical analyses such as Pearson correlation and chi-squared test were performed to delineate any correlation. Two hundred and eighty-nine herbalists were questioned. Sixty-nine plant species belonging to 38 families were cited by herbalists for traditional treatment of kidney disease. The highest value of UV was obtained for Herniaria glabra L. (UV = 0.79), and Caryophyllaceae was the family frequently cited (FUV = 0.795). Ammodaucus leucotrichus Coss. & Dur. had the highest value of FL with a value of 100%, and the highest value of ROP was recorded for Herniaria glabra L. (ROP = 91%). Sociodemographic characteristics had a significant impact on the knowledge of toxic plants. Our study has revealed a cultural heritage linked to herbalism and a great wealth of medicinal plants, whose valorization and protection are necessary. Several studies are needed to sensitize herbalists and population on the danger of toxic plants, to extract chemical compounds from the main plants used, and to evaluate their toxicity.

Esterase profiling and molecular identification of yeasts isolated from different environmental samples from Morocco

One hundred and six fungal strains were isolated from different environmental samples (fresh olive oil cake, exhausted olive oil cake, black olive, rancid butter samples, rotten bread and Roquefort) collected from the region of Meknes, Morocco (coordinates: 33°53′42″N 5°33′17″W). Yeast isolates were tested for their esterase production ability using a qualitative method based on Tween agar plate assay. Enzymatic activity was also confirmed by a quantitative method relying on esterase production in liquid medium (6 days at 28°C with shaking). Molecular characterization of the selected esterase-producing yeasts was performed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S and ITS2 region of the rDNA. A total of five different species were identified in this study: Candida aaseri (LE.26, LE.27 and LE.31 strains), Wickerhamomyces anomalus (LE.106, LE.112 and LE.115 strains), Metschnikowia rancensis (LE.153 strain), Pichia sp., (LE.102) and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (LE.171 strain). Esterase production in C. aaseri and W. anomalus was found to be straindependent, while for M. rancensis this represents the first study reporting this species as an esterase producer.

Valorization of crushed bricks in lime-based mortars

To preserve architectural heritage for future generations, restoration materials such as mortars should be compatible with the historic substrate. Pozzolanic mortars are a compromise solution between Portland cement-based mortars and aerial lime-based mortars. This paper investigates the recycling of brick waste in the Meknes region of Morocco to formulate pozzolanic mortars. Nine different mortars were made using aerial lime, sand and brick dust. They were characterized in terms of shrinkage, color, mechanical and hydric properties. The study revealed that Meknes brick dust exhibits a pozzolanic activity and reduces shrinkage. Moreover, it increases hydric and hygric expansion, enhances mechanical strength and affects the color of mortars. An appropriate recipe for restoration mortars could then be proposed to restore regional architectural heritages, depending on the properties of their historic substrates.

Study of the Phosphorus Adsorption on the Sediments

The objective of this work is to determine the reflection elements, allowing the understanding of the phosphorus fixation mechanisms. The samples were taken from Oued Boufekrane in the Meknes region (Northwest of Morocco). In fact, the sediment characterization was examined by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements. A series of experiments were then carried out to study the impact of some parameters on the adsorption capacity. Indeed, the effect of contact time, sediment mass, pH, initial concentration of potassium dihydrogen phosphate KH2PO4, and the temperature has been studied. The characterization of sediment by FTIR spectroscopy shows the existence of carbonates, iron hydroxides, and organic matter. The results obtained showed that the retention of phosphorus on the sediments studied is maximal at pH = 12 and increases with the temperature and the mass of sediments. Phosphorus adsorption kinetics of phosphorus on sediments studied follows the pseudo-second-order model, and the activation energy value (48.51 kJ/mol) indicates the predominance of chemical nature of adsorption (>40 kJ/mol). The experimental data of the adsorption isotherms are well interpreted by the Freundlich model. The values of the thermodynamic parameters ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° indicate that the adsorption reaction is endothermic and occurs spontaneously on the surface of the sediments studied.

Clay-Based Brick Porosity Estimation Using Image Processing Techniques

Abstract This work intends to apprehend and emphasize the contribution of image-processing techniques and computer vision in the treatment of clay-based material known in Meknes region. One of the various characteristics used to describe clay in a qualitative manner is porosity, as it is considered one of the properties that with “kill or cure” effectiveness. For this purpose, we use scanning electron microscopy images, as they are considered the most powerful tool for characterising the quality of the microscopic pore structure of porous materials. We present various existing methods of segmentation, as we are interested only in pore regions. The results show good matching between physical estimation and Voronoi diagram-based porosity estimation.

Isolation, screening and identification of ligno-cellulolytic fungi from northern central Morocco

Description of the subject. Extracellular enzymes from filamentous fungi are increasingly used in eco-friendly biotransformation processes. Their relevant technological role and their stability towards extreme process conditions make of them the first sustainable solution for the elaboration of bio-based products from biomass conversion. Objectives. This paper describes the isolation of filamentous fungi from decaying plant material in the region of Meknes (northern central Morocco) and the assessment of their ability to breakdown lignocellulose. The objective is to select performant fungi with enzymatic machinery adapted to local environment and with potential for the breakdown of the regional specific lignocellulosic by-products into potentially high-value molecules. Method. Cereals, decaying wood, olive-pomace and -pulp and their composts were used to isolate lignocellulolytic fungi. One hundred twenty-seven pure strains were isolated and screened at 25 °C on selective media with cellulose or lignin as the sole carbon source. Performant strains were validated for the production of ligno-cellulolytic enzymes and identified using molecular technique. Results. Twenty-eight fungi had mycelial diameter on cellulose ≥ 6 cm and cellulolytic index ≥ 0.9. Twenty-two strains had the same profile on lignin medium. The production of endoglucanase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase enzymes was confirmed in performant strains using qualitative assay and molecular identification revealed that the best performing fungi were Mucor circinelloides, Mucor racemosus, Penicillium brasilianum, Penicillium crustosum, Paecilomyces sp., Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus fischeri, Curvularia spicifera, Humicola grisea, Trichoderma atroviride and Cosmospora viridescens. Measurement of ligno-cellulolytic activities revealed that Penicillium and Fusarium strains mainly from wood decay and compost had the best profiles among performing strains. Conclusions. Isolated fungi are high decomposers of biomass and represent a prominent solution to develop green bioprocesses in the region.

Wheat yield vulnerability: relation to rainfall and suggestions for adaptation

Wheat production is of paramount importance in the region of Meknes, which is mainly produced under rainfed conditions. It is the dominant cereal, the greater proportion being the soft type. During the past few decades, rainfall flaws have caused a number of cases of droughts. These flaws have seriously affecting wheat production. The main objective of this study is the assessment of rainfall variability at monthly, seasonal and annual scales and to determine their impact on wheat yields. To reduce this impact we suggested some mechanisms of adaptation. We used monthly rainfall records for three decades and wheat yields records of fifteen years. Rainfall variability is assessed utilizing the precipitation concentration index and the variation coefficient. The association between wheat yields and cumulative rainfall amounts of different scales was calculated based on a regression model to evaluate the impact of rainfall on wheat yields. Data analysis shown moderate seasonal and irregular annual rainfall distribution. Yields fluctuated from 210 to 4500 Kg/ha with 52% of coefficient of variation. The correlation results shows that soft wheat and hard wheat are strongly correlated with the period of January to March than with the whole growing-season. While they are adversely correlated with the mid-spring. This investigation concluded that synchronizing appropriate adaptation with the period of January to March was crucial to achieving success yield of wheat.

Physicochemical and bacteriological characterization of raw sewage from the Meknes region Morocco

The region of Meknes suffers from a significant delay in the water sector, including sewage treatment. The Urban waste water in the region originates from various activities; households, industry, agriculture and hospital. These waters are released in to nature without any treatment, which constitutes a serious risk for the environment. The objective of this research is to characterize the physicochemical and bacteriological pollution of the three sewage collectors of the Meknes region (Aïn Choubbik, Oued Ouislane and Aïn Taoujdate). Indeed, the pollution parameters; biological and chemical oxygen demand are abnormally high, which indicates clearly that waste waters is rich of reducing or oxidizing organic materials. Ammonium, nitrogen, phosphorus and heavy metals concentrations exceed the limit values. So these waters are classified as bad or very bad quality. On the one hand, the presence of a large bacterial load indicates fecal contamination. The total coliform, fecal coliform and fecal streptococci levels are high exceeding exceed the values specified the WHO guidelines and the Moroccan standards. This situation is likely to cause serious and irreparable damage to the environment groundwater. To counter this, make the necessary investment in sewage treatment and other remedial measures is key to preventing pollution and its spread.