Abstract: Introduction. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a crop of major economic impor- tance in the provinces of Malaga and Granada (SE Spain). A field experiment on mango trees was designed to determine the optimum irrigation scheduling over three seasons. The aim was to evaluate the impact of sustained-deficit irrigation (SDI) strategies on fruit yield and quality, tree growth, and mineral status under a Mediterranean subtropical climate. Materials and methods. Three sustained-deficit irrigation treatments were applied to mango trees: SDI-1 (33% ETc), SDI-2 (50% ETc) and SDI-3 (75% ETc). The stress treatments were compared with a control (C-100) irrigated at 100% ET C. The response of fruit yield, number of fruits, fruit size and quality, and macro- and micronutrients in leaves was determined. Results. The SDI-2 treatment proved to be the most appropriate SDI treatment, since it allowed the trees to reach the highest yield (18.4 t·ha -1 ) and the best water-use efficiency (7.14 kg·m -3 ). However, fruit size was higher for trees of the SDI-3 and C-100 treatments, since they reached significantly higher length and width. The total soluble solids were affected by the SDI treatments only for one year, being highest in fruits from trees of the SDI-1 and SDI-2 treatments. Macro- and micronutrients in the leaves were affected by the SDI treatment only for the P, Mg and Mn contents. Conclusion. The SDI treatment providing 50% of ETC is recommended for mango orchards in order to attain the highest yields and the best water-use efficiency under a Mediterranean subtropical climate. Spain / Mangifera indica / irrigation / water use / soil water deficit / irrigation rates / fruits / growth / plant nutrition / yields / quality

Abstract: Vegetative propagation of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex. A. Rich. and Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. in northern Cameroon. Abstract — Introduction.Thesuckeringandtheairlayeringmethodsofthreemultipurposefruittrees, B. aegyptiaca, D. mespiliformis and S. birrea, were studied in Kering (Sudano-Sahelian zone of Came- roon) in order to contribute to the low-cost propagation of these overexploited species. Materialsand methods.Threerepresentativestationsofthislocality(homegardens,bushandriverbanks)wereselec- ted. A study was carried out with 90 trees per species in each of these stations. A preliminary ground investigation under these 90 selected trees per species was carried out to detect natural root suckering or ground layering. Then, the possibilities of induction of suckers at the beginning of the rainy season by partial wounding or complete cutting of roots and the aptitude for air layering at the end of the rainy season were tested on these selected samples. Results and discussion. The S. birrea species presented a high aptitude for natural root suckering compared with the two other species. D. mespi- liformissuckered reasonably well, whereas B. aegyptiaca, a much grazedfodder species, showed here a weak aptitude for natural suckering. The station effect on suckering was significant, with a higher frequency of the suckers on the river banks. The natural terrestrial layering was not noticed on the total of 270 trees investigated. The induction of root suckering realised at the beginning of the rainy season by the method of complete cutting of roots appeared more effective after 9 months (mean rate of 57.7% for all species) compared with the method of partial wounding of roots (rate of 37.7%). The light amplified root suckering on stressed roots. Induced suckers generally appeared on the proximal side (near the stem of the mother tree) of the stressed roots, but also on the distal side. Realised at the end of the rainy season, the air layering trials of B. aegyptiaca showed 95% success, whereas the two other species were refractory after 5 months of observation. Conclusion. Besides genetic, phy- siological and environmental factors that could influence the success of air layering or root suckering of these species, S. birrea and D. mespiliformis were predisposed in this ecosystem to root suckering, while B. aegyptiaca can be easily propagated by air layering. This opens up new ways for the mul- tiplication of these wild fruit-bearing species overexploited by the populations. Cameroon/Balanitesaegyptiaca/Diospyrosmespiliformis/Sclerocaryabirrea/Sudano- Sahelian region / plant propagation / vegetative propagation / suckering / layering Multiplication vegetative de Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex. A. Rich. et Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. au nord du Cameroun.

Abstract: Introduction . Physalis minima is a widespread, quick-growing and high fruit-yielding annual herb belonging to the family Solanaceae. However, like many other underutilized fruit-bearing plants, P. minima is poorly studied and its nutritional potential is unknown. Since the edible sunberry is said to be a rich source of vitamin C, we studied the physiochemical changes during its fruit growth and ripening. Materials and methods . The changes in the physiochemical properties, such as pH, total soluble solids, titrable acidity, chlorophylls, carotenoids, carbohydrates (reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, total sugars and starch), free amino acids, total proteins, total phenols, ascorbic acid, ethylene, and respiration and the activities of hydrolytic enzymes (amylase and invertase), antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase), and cell wall-degrading enzymes (cellulase, polygalacturonase and pectinmethylesterase), were analyzed in the fruit of sunberry at five sequential stages, viz. , the young, premature, mature, preripe and ripe stages. Results and discussion . A gradual increase in the pH and total soluble solids occurred throughout the growth and ripening of sunberry fruit, while its titrable acidity increased up to the preripe stage and thereafter declined. A decreasing trend in the chlorophylls occurred simultaneously with an increase in the quantity of carotenoids. As the sunberry fruit proceeded towards ripening, the amount of its total starch decreased, with a concomitant sharp increase in the quantity of its reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugars. An increase in the quantity of free amino acids, proteins and phenols also occurred during the growth and ripening of the fruit, and the quantity of ascorbic acid increased at the mature stage. Moreover, sunberry fruit also exhibits a climacteric behavior with increased ethylene production and rate of respiration. The specific activity of amylase increased throughout the growth period of sunberry, but that of invertase decreased after maturity until ripening. The catalase and peroxidase enzymes showed higher activity, indicating better radical scavenger properties, while cellulase, polygalacturonase and pectinmethylesterase tended to remain at lower levels. Conclusion . The fruit of P. minima are nutritive and a rich source of sugars, starch, free amino acids, proteins, total phenols and ascorbic acid. They are metabolically active, showing a high specific activity of hydrolyzing and antioxidant enzymes, while the activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes is relatively low, indicating a better postharvest storage life.

Abstract: Quality characteristics of bisir 'Barhee' dates during cold storage as affected by postharvestdippingingibberellicacid,naphthaleneaceticacidandbenzyladenine. Abstract — Introduction.Thereisagrowingdemandintheinternationalmarketforexcellent-quality dates of cultivars such as 'Barhee' that are consumed at the bisir stage. Materials and methods. The effects of GA3, BA and NAA postharvest dipping treatments at different concentrations on the quality characteristics of bisir 'Barhee' dates during cold storage were investigated. Results and discussion. The total soluble solids (TSS) concentration was lower in the BA- and NAA-treated fruit than in control fruit. Similarly, the GA3-treated fruit at 150 mg·L -1 contained a lower TSS concentration than control fruit. The GA3 at 150 mg·L -1 , BA at 60 mg·L -1 and NAA at (100 and 150) mg·L -1 increased vitamin C concentration compared with other treatments. Acidity and total phenol concentrations were not affec- ted by any of the treatments. The date soluble tannin concentration was higher than control fruit only in the dates treated with 20 mg BA·L -1 . The weight loss % was lower in the BA-treated fruit at (20 and 60) mg·L -1 compared with all other treatments, while GA3treatment at 50 mg·L -1 increased fruit weight loss % compared with control fruit. The percentage of dates at the rutab stage (index for fruit ripening) was lower for fruit treated with GA3 than for control fruit. Also, the rutab stage % was lower for fruit treatedwithBAat40 mg·L -1 andNAAat150 mg·L -1 comparedwithcontrolfruit.TheTSSconcentration decreased during storage from the initial day to day 20. However, there were no further decreases in theTSSconcentrationafter(40and60) daysofstorage.Theacidityconcentrationwasslightlyincreased during storage. The vitamin C concentration increased until 40 days of storage, then a slight decrease occurred. The total phenol concentration decreased after (40 and 60) days of storage compared with the initial level. The soluble tannin concentration slightly increased at day 20 but sharply decreased after (40 and 60) days of storage compared with the initial level. Both weight loss and rutab stage % gradually increased during storage. There were significant interaction effects between growth regu- lators and storage period on TSS, vitamin C concentration, weight loss and rutab stage %. Saudi Arabia / Phoenix dactylifera / fruits / developmental stages / cold storage / quality / chemicophysical properties / ripening / maturity

Abstract: Introduction . The baobab tree’s potential overexploitation has recently been reinforced by the acceptance of baobab fruit pulp in the EU and US food markets. Despite the number of recent studies on this species, Adansonia digitata, little is known from Malawi, the main exporter of baobab fruit pulp in Africa. Materials and methods . Information on distribution and density of baobab trees present in Malawi was gathered from field surveys. The Maxent software based on the maximum-entropy approach for species habitat modelling was used together with spatial environmental data and geo-referenced records of the baobab tree to analyse its ecological preferences and potential cultivation sites. Farmers were interviewed about who was using and buying baobab fruits in different areas. Fruit and leaf morphological diversity was assessed in eight study sites selected along a latitudinal gradient. Results and discussion . The baobab tree was found to be widely distributed in southern Malawi, with variable densities. Modelling results show that this species could be cultivated in most of the southern region. A large morphological diversity in both fruit and leaf characteristics was observed, which gives the opportunity to select more desirable characters for cultivation. Conclusion . Our study showed that, while some areas of high baobab tree density could be further exploited, its cultivation, however, should be recommended in areas with low density of baobab trees in southern Malawi because there is little natural regeneration. Moreover, this study suggested that there is room for selecting baobab planting material with desirable characteristics for cultivation purposes in Malawi.

Abstract: Introduction. Knowledge of tephritid diversity in Senegal was poor before 2004, so PIP-COLEACP and CIRAD, in collaboration with Ceres-DPV, carried out, in 2004, trapping for preliminary detection of fruit flies in six orchards in the Niayes zone. Materials and methods. We selected three mixed mango orchards and three homogeneous mango orchards in this zone. In each orchard, we used three attractants: Terpinyl acetate (Ter), Trimedlure (Tri) and Torula (Tor). Traps were serviced weekly. Results. We captured 77 642 fruit flies in more than 4 months including mango season; they were represented by 18 identified fly species, including ten Ceratitis, six Dacus and two Bactrocera species. Two very serious pests were identified with the confirmation of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) for cucurbit crops and the detection of B. invadens Drew Tsuruta & White for fruit crops. The two most abundant species of Ceratitis were C. cosyra and C. silvestrii. Discussion. We captured more fruit fly specie s in mixed mango orchards than in homogeneous mango orchards. Bactrocera invadens was also more abundant in mixed orchards, probably because of its polyphagous status. This new invasive species, B. invadens , can have many hosts in mixed mango orchards , enhancing its breeding potential. Conclusion. Effective management to deal with this alien species requires: (i) improvement of basic and applied research; (ii) an effective IPM package; (iii) an area-wide management approach; (iv) a sub-regional effort on the part of researchers, extension services, growers, exporters, farming associations and the different actors in fruit value chains (mainly mango). (Resume d'auteur)

Abstract: Introduction. Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum Miq.) fruit is an underutilized fruit found in Borneo, Palawan and Sumatra. To our knowledge, no literature exists about the postharvest quality characteristics of dabai fruit. Furthermore, it is a unique fruit whereby the fruit is served by steeping at about 60 °C for 15–20 min to soften the flesh. Therefore, a preliminary study was conducted to determine the physicochemical characteristics of dabai fruit before and after steeping. Materials and methods. Physicochemical characteristics (skin color, size, shape, weight, mesocarp thickness, firmness, soluble solids concentration, pH, titratable acidity, organic acids, respiration production rate and ethylene concentration) of dabai fruit were determined before and after steeping in hot water at 60 °C for 15 min. Results. The color of mature dabai fruit is dark purplish with very low chromaticity. The fruit is oval-shaped with a length to diameter ratio of 1.40. The seed contributes 61% of the fruit weight. After treating fresh dabai fruit with 10 mL·L-1 ethylene at 20 °C, the respiration production rate decreased while ethylene concentration increased. After steeping dabai fruit at 60 °C for 15 min, the flesh firmness decreased while soluble solids concentration increased tremendously. After steeping, the pH of fruit decreased and titratable acidity increased, as did the citric, malic and succinic acids of dabai fruit, especially citric acid. Conclusion. Steeping softens dabai fruit flesh and makes it palatable, with high soluble solids concentration and organic acids. The high respiration production rate means that dabai fruit has a short shelf life under non-cold chain handling practices.

Abstract: Introduction. Consumption of Physalis fruits is quite recent and the products are poorly known among consumers. This plant has been known for a long time as an ornamental in Europe, for at least 200 years. Traceability is increasingly becoming important across the agri-food industry; however, at the present time, the traceability of this fruit is only documentary. In case of doubt or fraud, no standardized analysis can determine the geographical origin of the fruits. Materials and methods. In order to discover the relationship between the fungal communities of the fruit and their geographical origins, 28S rDNA-PCRDGGE was used to analyze the variation in fungal communities in three species of Physalis fruit (Physalis ixocarpa Brot., Physalis pruinosa L. and Physalis peruviana L.) from Egypt, Uganda and Colombia. Results. Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprints of 28S ribosomal DNA (28S rDNA) analyzed by multivariate analysis could distinguish different fruit origins by their fungal communities. Conclusion. We propose the PCR-DGGE method as a new traceability tool which provides fruit in general, and Physalis in particular, with a unique barcode for each country by using 28S rDNA fingerprinting of fungi. (Resume d'auteur)

Abstract: Introduction. Les aires protegees representent un immense reservoir de ressources biologiques dont dependent fortement les populations riveraines. La non-prise en compte des savoirs locaux constitue souvent un frein aux politiques de conservation et d’utilisation durable de la biodiversite dans ces aires. La reserve de Pama, situee en zone soudanienne au sud-est du Burkina Faso, est un bon exemple de la divergence existant entre les besoins d’autosubsistance des populations riveraines et la necessite de conserver la biodiversite. L’evaluation de l’importance socio-economique de cette reserve pour les populations riveraines pourrait permettre de mieux adapter la strategie de gestion des ressources naturelles. Materiel et methodes . Des enquetes ethnobotaniques ont ete menees en se basant sur des interviews individuelles. Les informations obtenues a partir de l’interrogation de 30 personnes ressources ont permis (1) de recenser les differentes utilisations faites de la reserve par les populations locales ainsi que l’impact de ces utilisations sur la flore et (2) d’evaluer la perception des villageois sur la facon de gerer les ressources de leur foret. Resultats . Un total de 58 especes vegetales de la reserve, soit plus de 15 % de la flore locale, fournissent diverses ressources aux populations riveraines, dont du materiel de construction (90 % de reponses), des plantes medicinales (73,33 %), des plantes alimentaires (73,33 %), etc. Les especes vegetales les plus sollicitees se sont revelees etre entre autres Vitellaria paradoxa (80 %), Parkia biglobosa (66,67 %), Diospyros mespiliformis (33,33 %), Gardenia erubescens (33,33 %), Lannea microcarpa (33,33 %), Tamarindus indica (33,33 %), Andropogon gayanus (26,67 %) et A. chinensis (26,67 %) Certaines de ces especes se sont revelees de plus en plus rares du fait de la degradation des conditions climatiques, de l’exploitation abusive de bois vert et de l’appauvrissement des sols. Conclusion . L’etude que nous avons menee sur la reserve de Pama nous conduit a preconiser un renforcement des mesures de protection de l’environnement par l’implication des populations riveraines. Par ailleurs, la plantation en champ d’especes utiles en voie de rarefaction serait une action apte a limiter la pression d’exploitation sur la reserve

Abstract: Introduction The use of mycorrhizal fungi as biofertilizers can reduce chemical inputs during the nursery phase, allowing the production of high quality plant material with reduced fertilizer inputs The lack of complete knowledge of each crop’s responsiveness to mycorrhizal symbiosis, however, is still a handicap to the routine application of this biotechnology for commercial purposes In our work, the influence of early mycorrhization as an alternative to standard P fertilization programs for two tropical crops, papaya and pineapple, was assessed in a greenhouse experiment Materials and methods Papaya seedlings and pineapple planting material were inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus mosseae and cultured on substrates with increasing amounts of soluble P Data concerning plant development and nutritional status were determined 5 months (papaya) and 7 months (pineapple) after inoculation Results For both crops, benefits derived from mycorrhization, expressed in terms of plant development and nutritional status, were significantly higher than those derived from P application Overall, mycorrhizal papaya plants exhibited significantly higher biomass and macroelement contents in shoots than plants without mycorrhizas at any P level Mycorrhizal effects on pineapple at the lowest P level were significant in terms of plant development and P shoot contents Conclusions Differential benefits derived from mycorrhization seem to be correlated to each crop’s internal P requirements Our work highlights the potential benefits of integrating early mycorrhization at the nursery stage in order to reduce P fertilizer inputs in sustainable plant production systems

Abstract: Introduction. Traditionally the control of fruit flies is based on the use of pesticides, which increase production costs and have led to many environmental concerns. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of neem cake on the larval and pupal stages of Ceratitis capitata. Materials and methods. Third instar larvae were transferred to plastic vials with neem cake in different proportions. The treatments consisted of ver- miculite with neem cake in the concentrations: control (vermiculite only), then (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100)% of neem seed cake. The bioassay was completely randomized, with six treatments, ten replicates and ten third instar larvae per replicate. The results were statis- tically analyzed. Results. At concentrations of 75% or more of neem cake in vermiculite, practically no adult flies emerged. At 50%, more than 80% of the adults did not emerge and the pupal period was prolonged. The sex ratio of the adults was not affected after the contact of the pupae with the neem cake. The estimated lethal concentrations to kill 50% and 90% of the population were 30.6% and 51.6%, respectively. Conclusion. The neem seed cake has contact actions against the larval-pupal stage of C. capitata. Neem seed cake in the pupation substrate can cause high mortality when its concentration is 50% or more, and it prolongs the delay of the pupal period of C. capitata. Brazil / Azadirachta indica / Ceratitis capitata / Tephritidae / insect control / botanical pesticides / biological control

Abstract: Introduction . The avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit is sensitive to chilling injury (CI) when exposed to low temperatures. High lipid content in avocado pulp makes it prone to oxidation, resulting in rancidity and subsequent production of undesirable flavours and quality loss during storage. Materials and methods . Avocado fruit (cv. Becon) were treated with 1 μ L.L-1 1-MCP for 24 h at 20 °C, and thereafter stored at 4 °C for 21 d under low oxygen atmosphere (3.5% O2 ), followed by transferring to 20 °C for 14 d to simulate the shelf life. The CI index, firmness, peel colour, relative electrical conductivity (EC), respiration, ethylene evolution, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, peroxidase (POD) activity, peroxide value and iodine value were measured throughout the storage period. Results and discussion . The CI incidence and severity of fruit treated with a combination of 1-MCP and low oxygen were significantly lower and delayed compared with the other treatments. The combined application of 1-MCP and low oxygen treatment was effective and delayed the onset of climacteric peaks of respiration and ethylene production. The delay was associated with reductions in fruit softening and cell membrane permeability as expressed by EC. The results of MDA content and POD activity of fruit treated with a combination of 1-MCP and low oxygen were significantly reduced. Moreover, significantly lower peroxide values and higher iodine values suggested that a combination of 1-MCP and low oxygen treatment effectively controlled the lipid oxidation in avocado fruit pulp. Conclusion . Overall, the results support the hypothesis that combined treatment (as compared with either 1-MCP or low oxygen treatment) was the most effective for alleviation of CI, lipid oxidation stability and extending the shelf life of avocado fruit under low temperature storage

Abstract: Introduction . Turkey potentially has a very rich source of sweet (Prunus avium ) and sour (P. cerasus ) cherries. P. avium is apparently native to some parts of Northern Turkey, where Giresun is located. Identification of the sweet cherry cultivars produced in Turkey will help in choosing appropriate cultivars and aid in the preservation of natural resources required for breeding studies. The most conventional method of cultivar identification is based on the assessment of morphological characteristics. However, this method is insufficient to distinguish closely related cultivars. The aims of our study were to determine the molecular profile of sweet cherry accessions grown in Giresun, Turkey, and to determine their genetic relationships. Materials and methods . In our study, we identified 44 sweet cherry accessions grown in Giresun by using genetic markers (SSR, Simple Sequence Repeat), and we determined the genetic relationships among the sweet cherry genotypes. For DNA isolation, we collected young leaves sampled on a single plant per accession, then amplification of microsatellite loci was performed. In total, ten SSR primer pairs, previously isolated from peach and sweet cherry, were used. Genetic similarity values were calculated. A cluster analysis was performed to generate a dendrogram. Results and discussion . Of the ten primers tested, six primer pairs did not result in suitable amplification products with the 44 accessions studied. The remaining four polymorphic SSR primer pairs produced 33 alleles with an average of 8.25 putative alleles per locus, ranging from 7 to 11. Depending on the accessions, similarity ratios ranged from 0.32 to 0.98, with a mean value of 0.64. In conclusion, the results obtained demonstrate a high level of polymorphism among sweet cherry genotypes from a single province in Turkey.

Abstract: Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of an electronic nose (e-nose) to predict the quality of nectarines and peaches, and, in particular, the aroma. Materials and methods. Four nectarine cultivars ('Maria Dolce', 'Maillarlate', 'Nectaross' and 'Venus') and one peach cultivar ('Royal Glory') were evaluated. The fruit was harvested ripe and the quality evaluations were carried out just one day after harvest. The intensity of the main des- criptors of fruit quality was described, and fruits were subjected to an e-nose assessment. The sensory analysis and the e-nose results were presented through a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A multiple linear regression (MLR) was also used to create a predictive model for the attri- bute 'aroma' compared with the other sensory parameters and the most informative e-nose sensor data. Results and discussion. 'Royal Glory' and 'Maria Dolce' were placed in a separate cluster far from 'Venus', 'Nectaross' and 'Maillarlate'. The result of the MLR included the attributes 'aci- dity', 'sweetness' and 'acceptability' in the model, and the data registered by sensor 6 of the e- nose (SnO2-sensor, RGTO Mo, 45 A thick layer), which were those factors that best related to the aroma, reached a R 2 of 0.48 and a mean square error (MSE) of 3.85. It was concluded that the e-nose is an instrument able to discriminate peach varieties through their aromatic features, which are among the descriptors that mainly determine acceptability by the peach consumer. Chile / Prunus persica / fruits / varieties / segregation / volatile compounds / olfaction / measuring instruments

Abstract: Introduction . Films act as semi-permeable gaseous barriers capable of maintaining fruit postharvest quality; thus coatings consisting of non-traditional sources may represent an alternative tool for producers. The objective of our work was to investigate the effect of a galactomannan coating on postharvest quality and physiology of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes. Materials and methods . Physiologically mature mangoes were divided into four lots and stored for 16 d. Control uncoated fruits (lot 1) were stored at ambient temperature (25 °C), the second lot was uncoated and refrigerated (14 °C), the third lot was coated and stored at ambient temperature, and the fourth lot was coated and refrigerated. Fruit were analyzed for physicochemical quality parameters, antioxidant enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation. Results and discussion . Control fruit (lot 1) lost almost twice the weight of uncoated refrigerated (lot 2) and coated mangoes at both temperatures (lots 3 and 4); the fruit of lot 1 softened faster. Regarding the antioxidant enzymes, the activity of superoxide dismutase decreased throughout storage without statistical differences between treatments and catalasic activity was significantly inhibited under refrigeration. At ambient temperature, coating delayed the catalasic activity peak to day 12, which was coincident with the lowest lipid peroxidation degree, evidencing the association of free radical production and scavenging mechanisms. The galactomannan coating was efficient in reducing weight loss and delaying softening; thus, it maintained quality of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes for a longer period of time than the control treatment during storage at ambient temperature. Refrigeration (14 °C) enhanced the performance of the galactomannan coating; it was effective in slowing down the metabolism and delaying softening to day 12.

Abstract: Morphological variability of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) in Mali. Abstract — Introduction. Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a typical agricultural landscape tree in semi-arid areas of Africa. It is a tree used daily by the local popu- lation. The diversity of its services and products suggests an assessment of its mor- phological variability to achieve a better understanding of its potential. This article seeks to identify morphological descriptors of baobab in relation to the agro-ecolog- ical diversity of Mali. Materials and methods. Eight provenances distributed over the whole geographical distribution area in Mali were evaluated for foliar, fruit and seed traits. The coefficient of variation was used to evaluate the variation. The data was analyzed by variance analysis and multivariate analysis. Results. Significant variability was observed according to the provenance, and the foliar, fruit and seed descriptors. The discriminating morphological descriptors for baobab in Mali are the fruit length and width, the fruit peduncle length, the leaf length and width, and the number of lobes. Mali / Adansonia digitata / fruits / leaves / site factors / production location

Abstract: Introduction. The fruit and vegetable sector group of the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) carried out a bibliometric analysis of INRA publications on fruits and vegetables produced between 2002 and 2006. While a previous study focused on scientific publications indexed by the Web of Science, this study took into account the remaining INRA publications, i.e., gray literature, technical papers and scientific papers not indexed by the Web of Science. Materials and methods. Different steps were taken to constitute and process a corpus of INRA researchers' publication data. The citation corpus gathering bibliographic data was mainly constituted using the INRA institutional repository (ProdINRA). To ensure exhaustivity, a survey was carried out to collect INRA researchers' publications. Due to the different types of publications involved, we had to develop an original method to constitute a complete database which could allow bibliometric analysis. The Sphinx Plus(2) Survey program was used to analyze publications and Pajek software was used to visualize networks. Results. A total of 2,224 publications were authored by INRA between 2002 and 2006. We analyzed the typology of fruits and vegetables studied at INRA, the INRA research centers and research divisions involved, the main research topics, and the national and international partners of INRA authors. Graphic visualizations allowed an attractive presentation of relationships between authors within and outside INRA. Conclusion. This study led to the mapping of INRA fruit and vegetable research publications. It confirmed that INRA plays an active role in the field of fruit and vegetable research. French research is carried out in the main INRA research centers located in horticultural and/or fruit regions, particularly in South-Eastern France. Despite the fact that the nature of these publications provides less opportunity for co-publication, this study highlights the relationships between INRA and French partners or foreign countries.

Abstract: 1) A la suite de plusieurs observations, l'auteur s'est limite a decrire l'allure generale des angles de divergence des noeuds de la spirale. 2) Apres avoir etudie l'hypothese de SKUTCH, selon laquelle le bananier avait une structure sympodiale, le nombre de points ne concordant pas avec cette idee, fait plutot croire a une structure monopodiale. 3) Le bananier emet un certain nombre de rejets dont chacun correspond a une feuille. Le plan de rejetonnage suit donc celui de la phyllotaxie. Au moment du rejetonnage, c'est le stade ou les feuilles se succedent avec un angle de divergence inferieur a 140¼, et les groupes de 5 rejets successifs formeront donc en theorie des pentagones irreguliers qui se superposent en tournant legerement vers la droite (20¼ environ). En pratique, les rejets ne se developpent pas tous et selon leur emission, le systeme rejetonnant presentera une grande variation, dont chaque cas peut caracteriser une variete. Enfin l'emploi du "systeme pentagonal" est tres utile dans les recherches sur le rejetonnage et la conduite d'un bananier

Abstract: Introduction In Morocco the olive growers rely totally on pesticides to control the black scale Saissetia oleae , although this technique has adverse effects on natural enemies, on product quality and on the environment. However, the pesticides are not used efficiently because of ignorance of the developmental cycle of the insect, and of the periods of vulnerable instar presence. We studied these two parameters. Next, we tested the efficacy of the pesticide and we studied the effect of pruning on the scales as an alternative to chemicals. Materials and methods The seasonal trend of the black scale was studied in two olive orchards near Essaouira, in the west of Morocco, during 2005 and 2006. One of these orchards was subject to chemical treatment in 2007, while two new orchards were selected to study the effect of pruning on the scales. The evolution of crawler and nymph density on different olive tree organs was followed in order to discover their preferences for these different organs. Results and discussion The seasonal trend study showed the presence of one generation of S. oleae per year and the tendency to colonise young organs rather than old ones. The optimum of mobile instar population coincided with the beginning and the end of July. On the organs of the chemically-treated samples, numbers of crawlers and nymphs were highly reduced. The results showed a small-scale infestation in pruned trees compared with the unpruned trees (control). Conclusion. Though the chemical control has good results, pruning remains very efficient and can help improve the control of the black scale populations without harming the environment

Abstract: Introduction. Farm typologies and cropping practice typologies generally aim at seeking determinants of existing crop management strategies. They constitute the first step for setting improvement goals for cropping systems. Though there are a host of farm typology methods, few deal specifically with farmers' practices, and even fewer investi- gate the correlations between practices. We propose here a framework for analysing the determinants of crop manage- ment, based on a vision of a crop management sequence condensed into logical combinations of cropping techniques. Materials and methods. This analytical framework was applied to the case of Guadeloupian citrus production, using a representative sample of 41 producers. Three stages were necessary to implement our analytical framework. At stage 1, logical and ordered combinations of cropping practices (CCPs), constitutive of observed as well as reference crop mana- gements (RCMs), were identified through expert analysis. Based on measurements of deviations between farmers' CCPs and RCMs' CCPs, a typology of cropping practices was next built. At stage 2, the performances of farmers' crop manage- ments were evaluated using relevant indicators. Finally, at stage 3, constraints - either related to the environment or to the whole farm management - that determined producers' cropping practices were identified for making, with the stake- holders, proposals for further technical improvements. Results. Crop management sequences were condensed into five CCPs. A technical profile was then determined for every producer, before a multiple correspondence factorial analysis was run. It identified two groups of producers with contrasting technical profiles. The collective analysis of these results pointed out "weed management" as a major constraint on the cropping systems, revealing that the RCM was inadequate in a context of impossible mechanisation. Discussion. Restructuring complex sequences of cropping techniques into five logical combinations of techniques enabled the comparison with a reference crop management. The cropping sys- tems' constraints and the objectives for further improvements were then set up collectively by the farmers and social stakeholders, along with the researchers. This analysis constitutes the first stage of a process of redesigning cropping sys- tems, and its result provides a sound basis for a participatory approach.

Abstract: Introduction. Citrus aurantium L. sour oranges are poorly exploited in Tunisia, although the Tunisian Cap Bon is one of the major areas of production of sour orange trees. Our study aimed at determining the effect of the geographic origin of the raw material on quality of orange marmalades and consumer acceptance. Materials and methods. Fresh sour oranges were collected from five areas in the Cap Bon region in the North-East of Tuni- sia for producing marmalades. Physicochemical characterisation of marmalades from the five different origins included the determination of soluble solids, total and volatile acidity, the measurement of reducing sugars, and measurement of colour. Sensory panels from Tunisia, Algeria and Europe revealed the marmalades' sensory profiles. The sensory panels then attri- buted preference and acceptance ranks for the five marmalades. Results and discussion. The analyses highlighted an effect of the geographic origin of the raw material on the physi- cochemical quality. The most suitable geographic conditions seem to be climatic and edaphic criteria. Assessors from various nationalities revealed different sensory profiles depending on the consumer's nationality and fruit production region. In addition, Tunisian consumers are less likely to be marmalade buyers than European and Algerian consumers. Tunisia / Citrus aurantium / fruits / provenance trials / jams / proximate composition / organoleptic analysis / consumers

Abstract: Introduction . Au Maroc, les agrumes sont confrontes a une combinaison de stress biotiques [virus de la tristeza (CTV) / Phytophthora ] et abiotiques (salinite, alcalinite et secheresse). La plupart de ces contraintes doivent etre gerees individuellement par le choix d’un porte-greffe adapte. Cependant, la propagation de la CTV dans le bassin mediterraneen va bientot interdire l’utilisation du bigaradier, porte-greffe traditionnel, qui offre actuellement une tolerance suffisante a la salinite et l’alcalinite. Par consequent, la selection de nouveaux porte-greffes d’agrumes devient pressante. Notre etude a cherche a etudier l’effet de differents regimes hydriques sur la croissance de dix porte-greffes d’agrumes : citrange Carrizo (France), citrange Carrizo (Maroc), citrange Troyer, citrange Yuma, Citrus volkameriana; deux Poncirus trifoliata d’origine differente, citrumelo, Mand. Sunki × Poncirus trifoliata, et Poorman. Materiel et methodes . Pour chaque porte-greffe, des plants âges de trois mois ont ete cultives en pots de plastique (0,5 L) dans une serre a El Menzeh, INRA, Maroc; ils ont ete soumis a trois regimes hydriques [(100 %, 75 % et 50 %) d’humidite a la capacite au champ (Hcc) du substrat]. L’experimentation a ete disposee en un split-plot a trois traitements. Les parametres morphologiques mesures ont ete la hauteur de la plante et l’accumulation de matiere seche et fraiche. Les parametres physiologiques etudies ont ete la teneur relative en eau, le taux de transpiration et les teneurs en chlorophylle, sucres solubles et proline. Resultats . Les parametres morphologiques et physiologiques ont ete affectes par l’intensite du stress hydrique applique. Cependant, les porte-greffes se sont comportes differemment vis-a-vis de cette contrainte. Le stress hydrique a induit une augmentation de la teneur en proline et en sucres solubles au niveau des feuilles des porte-greffes. Conclusion . Le stress hydrique affecte d’une maniere significative les caracteristiques physiologiques et morphologiques des porte-greffes d’agrumes et, en conditions de deficit hydrique extreme (50 % Hcc), un comportement differentiel des porte-greffes a ete constate. Sur la base des resultats que nous avons obtenus, ce sont les porte-greffes citrange Carrizo (Maroc) et Poorman qui presenteraient globalement les meilleures aptitudes a resister aux conditions de stress hydrique.

Abstract: Introduction and history of cashew cultivation. The location of Cote d'Ivoire promotes the cultivation of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) in the northern half of the country. Indeed, introduced in 1960 to fight against erosion and halt the advancing desert, this crop has become a perennial source of income for more than 150,000 farmers gathered in twenty cooperatives and allows more than 1.5 M people to earn a living. The Ivorian cashew production increased from 6,000 t·year –1 in 1990 to 330,000 t·year –1 in 2008, with a forecast of 350,000 t·year –1 in 2009. Organization of the cashew sector. However, the sector is facing enormous problems including the disorganization of operators and the non-processing of cashews. The disorganization of the sector's operators does not promote collaborative resolution of issues of common interest. This results in all sorts of speculation by intermediaries. The existing structures do not work synergistically, so that the price of cashew per kg paid to producers varies in the same country, from one region to the other, and even according to the buyers. Strategic and institutional environment. The problems of processing cashew nuts are due on the one hand to the investment code that does not favor the installation of medium-sized processing units (2,500 t·year –1) and, on the other hand, to private banks which require too many guarantees to fund investors. Conclusion. The cashew industry has a future in Cote d'Ivoire provided that the operators are organized, and that the Ivorian state establishes a regulatory and institutional framework to facilitate the installation of investors. (Resume d'auteur)

Abstract: Introduction. Bacterial canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae ,i s a devastating disease of stone fruit worldwide. The effects of mineral nutrients and freezing-thawing on bacterial canker susceptibility were evaluated using potted peach trees in an attempt to understand predisposing factors in bacterial canker of stone fruit. Materials and methods. A split-plot experi- mental design with randomized complete block main plots (i.e.,inoculations associated with freezing- thawing or nonfrozen pretreatments) and subplots of trees with the seven treatments (i.e., solutions deficient in N, P, K, Ca, Mg or Fe, respectively, and a full nutrient control) was adopted to study the effect of mineral deficiency and freezing-thawing on peach susceptibility to bacterial canker. Results anddiscussion. Phosphorus deficiency was the only treatment to significantly decrease lesion length that developed after inoculation with P. syringae pv. syringae, compared with the control trees that received full nutrients. Nitrogen and potassium deficiency treatments significantly decreased bark nitrogenandpotassiumconcentrationsaccordingly,buthadnocleareffectonlesionsizes.Inoculation during freezing-thawing cycles significantly increased lesion length. In another independent expe- riment, nitrogen deficiency significantly increased the number of P. syringae pv. syringae leaf scar infections, but the subsequent infection was limited to a few millimeters. Nitrogen-deficient trees, which had higher (carbon / nitrogen) ratios, developed lesion sizes equivalent to trees provided with full nutrients. Collectively, these data suggest that, in the absence of other major predisposing factors (i.e., low soil pH or ring nematodes), mineral nutrients may play a minor role in the susceptibility of peach to bacterial canker.

Abstract: Introduction . Various whitefly species attack sweet oranges in Nigeria. The economic importance of these whiteflies varies from one area to another depending on prevailing environmental conditions. Trials were established to assess the relative susceptibility of sweet orange varieties to woolly whitefly Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) attack, its population dynamics and the impact of its entomopathogenic fungi Aschersonia spp. in population management. Materials and methods . Four sweet orange varieties were used for the trials: Agege, Bende, Pineapple and Valencia. The population dynamics of A. floccosus and its fungi-colonised nymphs were monitored in 2006 and 2007 by sampling 24 leaves per tree at 14-day intervals. Average monthly precipitation, relative humidity and temperature were collated for the period of our study. Results and discussion . No significant difference was observed among the populations of A. floccosus nymphs or the level of nymphal infection by Aschersonia spp. in the sweet orange varieties. Higher numbers of woolly whitefly eggs and adults were observed on the Agege and Bende varieties in 2006 and 2007, but the results were only significantly different in 2007. In both years, the populations of eggs, nymphs and adults of A. floccosus and its entomopathogenic fungi Aschersonia spp. were relatively high in the dry season months of January to March, dropped during the rainy seasons and rose again from October. Evaluation of Aschersonia spp impact showed active colonisation of whiteflies. Generally, our results showed that weather factors such as rainfall and relative humidity negatively influenced the woolly whitefly population. Conclusion. The association between the woolly whitefly population and fungi was beneficial and suggests that Aschersonia spp. could be considered as a potential biological control agent for A. floccosus

Abstract: Depuis quelques annees, le sechage des fruits et legumes a petite echelle connait un regain d'interet au Cameroun, que ce soit pour la vente locale ou pour celle d'exportation. Or, les transformateurs qui pratiquent cette activite ne sont pas satisfaits des sechoirs qu'ils utilisent. Materiel et methodes. Dans ce contexte, nous avons realise une enquete de type semi ouvert aupres d'une cinquantaine d'unites de sechage installees dans les zones de Douala et de Yaounde (Cameroun) afin de mieux identifier les difficultes qu'elles rencontrent. Les informations obtenues au cours de cette enquete ont ete codifiees pour faciliter leur exploitation informatique. Nous n'avons conserve dans l'echantillon constitue que les entreprises travaillant a petite echelle (70 % de l'echantillon initial), c'est-a-dire traitant moins de 500 kg de produits frais par cycle de sechage. Resultats. L'analyse des resultats a montre que pres de 45 % des unites etudiees ne possedaient pas de sechoir et que 70 % des sechoirs recenses dans les unites qui en etaient equipees etaient des sechoirs a gaz. Dans l'ensemble, pres de 92 % de ces sechoirs sont des sechoirs a convection naturelle. Le modele de sechoir connu est le modele Atesta importe du Burkina Faso dont des variantes sont fabriquees localement. Il s'avere que ce modele ne repond que partiellement aux besoins des utilisateurs et que les transformateurs locaux abandonnent de plus en plus ces sechoirs. Conclusion. L'etat de lieux des activites de sechage a petite echelle des fruits et legumes dans le sud du Cameroun a fait apparaitre que, malgre les differentes offres disponibles localement, le besoin en dispositifs de sechage repondant mieux aux attentes des utilisateurs reste tres important. Ce besoin se traduit par une volonte d'acquerir des sechoirs presentant la capacite de traiter plus de 80 kg de produits frais durant un cycle de sechage de 10 h, et equipes d'un systeme de ventilation et de regulation des parametres de sechage. (Resume d'auteur)

Abstract: Introduction. Damage caused by tephritid fruit flies has been identified as a major limiting factor to citrus production in Nigeria. Presently, no control measure is applied by the majorityofthefarmers.Thisstudythereforeseekstoevaluatetheefficacyoflocally-madeprotein bait sprays and the differences in the susceptibility of sweet orange varieties in reducing fruit fly damage. Materials and methods. In 2006 and 2007, one, two and three spot applications of locally-made protein bait mixed with chlorpyrifos insecticide were administered to Agege, ParsonBrownandValenciaLatesweetoranges.Treatmentswerearrangedinarandomizedcom- plete block design. Efficacy of the bait sprays in reducing fruit attack was assessed by randomly sampling 10 ripe or ripening fruits per stand as well as dropped fruits. Results and discussion. The bait sprays significantly (p < 0.05) reduced damage of sweet orange by lowering the infes- tation level of Bactrocerainvadens Drew Tsurata & White, and consequently reducing the num- ber of dropped fruits. Application of three spots of bait was most effective in reducing damage due to B. invadens on sweet orange varieties. The infestation level of B. invadens and the num- ber of dropped fruits of the variety Agege were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the varieties Parson Brown and Valencia Late. Conclusion. Our study shows that three spot appli- cations were most efficacious in reducing fruit damage, and that the Valencia Late variety was the least damaged, followed by Parson Brown. Nigeria / Citrus sinensis / fruits / Tephritidae / insect control / damage / fruit drop / chemical control / application methods / application rates

Abstract: Introduction . Many desirable properties make cloudy fruit juice widely produced according to consumer acceptance. The pulp of mango (Mangifera indica L.), a good source of carbohydrates and water, has many uses including the production of juice. Nowadays, the use of food enzymes has become widespread in the juice industry for various reasons. However, the application of enzymes has not yet been tested in the context of the production of cloudy mango juice, except for the stabilization of nectars. Thus, the aim of our study was to examine and optimize some parameters involved in the enzymatic production of cloudy mango juice. Materials and methods . To achieve our objective, we used Response Surface Methodology (RSM) by combining five factors: time (30–50 min), temperature (35–55 °C), pH 4–5.5, Pectinexr Ultra SP-L (20–40 μ L·L-1 ) and Cellubrixr L (15–25 μ L· L-1 ). Results and discussion . The study of juice yield, cloud stability and the browning index showed that the coefficients of determination (R 2 values) of these traits with the studied parameters were greater than 0.900. The optimized juice yield, cloud stability and browning index varied with specific values chosen for the five parameters mentioned above. Conclusions . Finally, the use of 30 μ L·L-1 Pectinexr Ultra SP-L and 22 μ L·L-1 Cellubrix at 45 °C, for 43 min, at pH 5.5, was found to be the optimum set of conditions for processing cloudy mango juice.