Algerian Journal of Biosciences

Arbuscular Mycorrhiza as an Essential Ecotechnological Tool: A Critical Review of Literature on the Role of AMF in the Sustainability of Cultivation and Conservation of Palms

SettingsJoseph George Ray — 2024-12-30

Palms are an ecologically and economically significant family of plants, including many crops. Sound knowledge of the ecology of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) association in plants is essential to the sustainable cultivation of crops and the conservation of sensitive species. The current Review is the first-ever comprehensive critical analysis of literature on AMF in the sustainable cultivation and conservation of palms, which reveals the gaps in existing studies and explains the specific needs of future investigations on AMF in Palms. AMF in only 2% of the known palms explored so far; a majority of wild palms and cultivated palms in many different regions remain unexplored. However, currently, a high diversity of 85 species of AMF from about 43 palms are known. The beneficial roles of AMF in palms include boosting productivity, assisting in the in-vitro raising of seedlings, and providing immunity to diseases and environmental stress. However, the identification of external and internal variables crucial to AMF association in palms in the field, long-term monitoring of AMF's beneficial influence in palms, and experimental application of AMF from wild palms in cultivated palms are further required. Overall, AMF dependence, responsiveness, and effectiveness in palms also need thorough investigation in the future.

First wild sighting of mandarin duck (Aix galericulata Linnaeus, 1758) in Algeria at Sidi Abdoune hillside reservoir (Theniet El Had National Park).

Hamid Cherier — 2024-12-30

This studies is the first confirmed wild sighting of the mandarin duck in Algeria, observed 11 December 2020 at Sidi Abdoun hillside reservoir (theniet el Had National Park). Originally native to south-est Asia the mandarin duck were introduced as ornamental bird in Europe in the 18th centry and since established a feral population.

Potential hepatoprotective effect of the crude extract of Lepidium sativum on an experimental model of hepatotoxicity

Samia Hadj Rabia — 2024-12-30

To investigate the effect of the high paracetamol doses on liver damage, we developed an experimental model of hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol. In our study, we were interested in the evaluation of the potential hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Lepidium sativum (L.sativum ME). The latter, was prepared by maceration in methanol and then analyzed qualitatively, using staining and precipitation methods. Mice were randomly allocated into four groups: Ctrl, Paracetamol, ME (200mg/Kg) /Paracetamol and Paracetamol groups /ME (400 mg/Kg). Mice were euthanized and associated indications were investigated to evaluate the histological changes in the liver of the different groups as well as the degree of liver damage caused by paracetamol with and without treatment. With regard to our results, we have noted with interest a hepatoprotective effect of L.sativum ME. Indeed, our results indicate an improvement of the anatomopathological architecture of the hepatic sections following treatment with L.sativum ME. These observations could promote a potential target for the treatment of hepatic injury.

Foliar Application of Calcium silicate Alleviate the Deleterious Effect of African Armyworm on Maize Plants

Gideon Okunlola — 2024-12-30

Maize is one of the key determinants of food security around the world. In Africa, the productivity of maize is not yet satisfactory, as its yield, quantity and quality of the maize plant is degraded by African armyworm infestation. Widespread indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides undermines the pest control, and therefore the use of biodegradable botanical substances such as Calcium silicate is of utmost importance. Two varieties of maize (TZm-223 and TZm-224) were subjected to different concentration of Calcium silicate at 0, 100 150 and 200 mM. Thereafter, the Calcium silicate was further used to enhanced the growth traits, plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidants contents and enzyme activities of maize under African armyworm infestation. The results revealed that different concentrations of Calcium silicate improve the growth traits such as plant heights, leaf area, leaf area ratio, net assimilation rate and plant biomass of the two maize varieties. Chlorophylls and carotenoid accumulation, antioxidant contents and enzyme activities were significantly (p≤0.05) influenced by Calcium silicate. Application of different concentration of Calcium silicate significantly enhanced the leaf area, net assimilation, leaf area ratio, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, TSS, SOD and APX of the two varieties of maize under African armyworm infestation. The two varieties of maize responded differently to different concentrations under the infestation. Calcium silicate can therefore stand to be effective measures for improving the yield and productivity of maize and, managing and controlling African armyworm infestation.