This research examines the progression of major climate parameters in the Djeffara region, located in southeastern Tunisia (33.21°N ; 10.29°E), over a forty-year period from 1984 to 2024. Monthly and annual climate data were obtained from the NASA POWER database. The factors analyzed include precipitation, relative humidity, average and extreme temperatures, wind speed, and potential evapotranspiration (ETP). The assessment of climate trends is based on the use of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, such as the Mann-Kendall test, Pettitt test, and linear regression. Furthermore, the calculation of climatic aridity is performed using the De Martonne index. The results highlight a significant increase in annual average temperatures (+1.5 °C over 40 years), a decrease in annual precipitation (-15% between the periods 1984-1999 and 2000-2024), and an exacerbation of drought, with the De Martonne index changing from 5,14 to 4,75. These changes attest to an intensification of global warming in this semi-arid region and underscore the urgent need to develop comprehensive adaptation strategies to mitigate the environmental and socio-economic impacts.
The sustainability of potato production in arid regions can be significantly impacted by irrigation management decisions. In order to assess the effects of Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) and standard pivot systems on soil properties, plant growth, yield components, IWUE, and WUE of two potato varieties, "Spunta" and "Arizona," a field study was carried out in 2023 and 2024. Our findings show that the SDI system increased the soil water content by 10.30% compared to the pivot one, which produced the highest biomass weights of 146.83 g/plant and 148.93 g/plant, respectively, during the vegetative growth and sprouting stages. However, in 2023, the pivot system increased this characteristic by 28% more than the SDI system. Additionally, those responded differently during the growth stage, with the Pivot * Arizona interaction showing a higher correlation than the pivot * Spunta interaction for each of the three phases. Regarding yield and yield components, SDI resulted in a 35.5% increase in tuber weight and a 29.5% rise in tuber number per m². Using SDI instead of the pivot resulted in a 21.56% increase in the marketable tuber size. Significant variations were noted between Spunta and Arizona varieties across all yield parameters during the two growing seasons. Notably, Arizona had the highest yield/ha (around 33t/ha), average tuber weight (61g), and marketable tuber C2 (18.2/m²). Throughout the growing seasons, SDI-irrigated plants had a higher IWUE than the pivot system. WUE values ranged from 5.258 to 6.065 kg/m3, while IWUE varied from 3.725 to 4.694 kg/m3. According to these results, irrigation using the SDI system maximizes potato output and would increase water productivity because less water is needed, making these methods applicable in arid areas with limited water resources.
Pistacia vera tree, represents a valuable fruit farming in Tunisia, this type crop has been growing for a long time particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. North African origin (Tunisia) of Pistacia vera is, until now, ambiguous. The Bayesian Markov Monte Carlo Chains (MCMC) analysis implemented in BEAST software was conducted to analyze the trnL-F marker and estimate the divergence times of pistachio clades. Pistacia was estimated to have originated at 37.60 My, given to the Madrean-Tethyan hypothesis. The divergence of Mediterranean species (P. integerrima, P. terebinthus, P. atlanctica and P. khinjuk) was happened between 11.99 My and 1.85 My, which represented the periods of formation of the Mediterranean climate. The divergence of the Pistacia vera species from its closest ancestor (P. khinjuk) was estimated at 1.85 My, this period was characterized by a succession of abrupt climatic changes causing alternating glacial and interglacial periods and leading to the fragmentation of the range of plant species. The P. vera (Tunisia) / P. vera (foreign) divergence date was estimated at 0.48 My, corresponding to the Middle Pleistocene or the "Mid-Pleistocene transition. The diversification of the Tunisian Pistachio was significantly affected by important climatic changes in the North hemisphere and the formation of the Mediterranean region.
This research examines the progression of major climate parameters in the Djeffara region, located in southeastern Tunisia (33.21°N ; 10.29°E), over a forty-year period from 1984 to 2024. Monthly and annual climate data were obtained from the NASA POWER database. The factors analyzed include precipitation, relative humidity, average and extreme temperatures, wind speed, and potential evapotranspiration (ETP). The assessment of climate trends is based on the use of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, such as the Mann-Kendall test, Pettitt test, and linear regression. Furthermore, the calculation of climatic aridity is performed using the De Martonne index. The results highlight a significant increase in annual average temperatures (+1.5 °C over 40 years), a decrease in annual precipitation (-15% between the periods 1984-1999 and 2000-2024), and an exacerbation of drought, with the De Martonne index changing from 5,14 to 4,75. These changes attest to an intensification of global warming in this semi-arid region and underscore the urgent need to develop comprehensive adaptation strategies to mitigate the environmental and socio-economic impacts.
This study was conducted to investigate morphological and biochemical characteristics and potential for in vitro regeneration of the elite and extremely rare Tunisian date palm cultivar ‘Boufeggous’ grown at Tozeur oasis. The results revealed that ‘Boufeggous’ dates are heavier (19.83 versus 11.95 g), longer (50.1 versus 42.76 mm), wider (23.3 versus 18.63 mm), and higher pulp/fruit ratio (91.96 versus 89.06%) than ‘Deglet Nour’. Chemical composition study showed that ‘Boufeggous’ is predominantly rich in sugar and total soluble solids which could explain its unique sweetness and high energy value. The moisture content, pH level, titrable acidity and water activity were 23.16 ± 0.54, 5.3 ± 0.13, 1.7 ± 0.01 and 0.73 ± 0.01, respectively. In terms of minerals, ‘Boufeggous’ is rich in K and Na. In vitro regeneration on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium comprising 1 mg/l 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid appears to be the most effective stimulant of somatic embryogenesis and shoot organogenesis on both shoot tips and young leaf explants. Thidiazuron only acts on young leaves by stimulating embryogenic callus production with a frequency of 30%.
Seedling plasticity in Poaceae, particularly in Stipa tenacissima L., represents a key adaptive mechanism for survival in arid steppes. This plasticity is essential for the species’ persistence and success under harsh environmental conditions. In the present study, we examined the leaf and root morphological traits and plasticity in relation to the seed-source rainfall of Stipa tenacissima (Alfa grass), a key species in the arid and semi-arid environments of the Mediterranean Basin. Populations representing a rainfall range of 100 to 400 mm per year at the seed collection sites were grown in a common garden. Populations differed significantly in TB, leaf traits, and several root traits, with Hassi El Frid showing higher above-ground biomass and leaf architecture, and Sfax populations exhibiting larger root systems. Specific root length (SRL) and leaf traits were positively correlated, while mean root diameter (MRD) decreased with increasing aridity. Plasticity indices revealed high variability among populations, with Sbeitla showing the greatest trait plasticity. Principal component analysis grouped populations according to functional trait expression, explaining 72.7% of total variance. Our results indicate that seedling trait variation is influenced by both local climate and genetic differentiation. Resource allocation patterns support the optimal partitioning theory, with xeric populations favoring root investment and mesic populations favoring leaf development. These findings highlight the adaptive strategies of S. tenacissima seedlings to cope with aridity, providing insights for predicting species responses to climate change and informing conservation of Mediterranean drylands.
This study evaluates the effect of different solvents (methanol, water, acetate, chloroform, and hexane), on the extraction of antioxidant compounds from a local pea population (Pisum sativum) cultivated in the arid region of southern Tunisia. The extraction efficiency was assessed by determining the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannins (TC), anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity. A one-way ANOVA analysis revealed a significant influence of solvent type on the extraction yield of these bioactive compounds. Among the five tested solvents, methanol and acetate demonstrated the highest extraction efficiency, yielding the highest concentrations of TPC, TFC, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity. In contrast, chloroform was particularly effective for extracting condensed tannins, whereas water and hexane exhibited the lowest extraction efficiency. These findings emphasize the crucial role of solvent selection in optimizing the extraction of bioactive compounds from Pisum sativum seeds, which can enhance their nutritional and medicinal value.
This study aims to address the challenges of agricultural sustainability and food security in arid regions by focusing on the genetic improvement of local pea (Pisum sativum L.) populations cultivated in the southern arid zones of Tunisia. Given the absence of locally adapted pea varieties for irrigated areas in these regions, a breeding program was initiated to develop composite varieties with improved yield, quality, and resilience to environmental stresses. Classical breeding methods, augmented by molecular tools such as SSR and ISSR markers, were used to evaluate genetic diversity and identify promising genotypes. The application of index selection proved effective in enhancing traits related to yield. A thorough multi-marker analysis, integrating genetic, morphological, and biochemical data, classified the populations into two distinct groups: white-flowered populations (P3, P5, P7), characterized by high yields and protein content, and purple-flowered populations (P2, P6, P8, P9), distinguished by their high seed productivity and rich antioxidant content. These findings highlight the successful integration of traditional breeding techniques and molecular approaches, providing a robust foundation for developing resilient pea varieties tailored to arid environments.
Modernization has led to environmental contamination from various chemicals, raising concerns about their impact on animal health. To investigate the specific effects of breeding methods on liver health in hens (Gallus gallus domesticus), focusing on two potential environmental pollution factors: heavy metal contamination and the use of veterinary additives and drugs. To achieve our purpose, the study analyzed three batches of hens: (1) controls from free-range organic farms, (2) conventional farming, and (3) free range breeding in an industrial site (Jebel Ressas old mine). After a six-month period, liver tissues were examined for the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), the frequency of micronuclei (MN) as a marker for genotoxicity, and histological alterations. The current study highlighted that varying breeding environment, potentially associated with increased use of additives, drugs, and antibiotics, notably impact the overall health of the animal liver. Moreover, exposure to heavy metals has been identified as a severe cause of health issues due to its interference with normal biological mechanisms and disruption of natural reactions. Given their non-biodegradable nature, these metals persist for extended periods, posing long-term health risks. While these findings raise concerns about the potential health risks associated with such practices. Our results suggest that exposure to heavy metals poses more serious threat. This underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and more sustainable approaches to protect both animal welfare and public health.
Climate change significantly impacts agriculture by altering plant growth, productivity, and resource efficiency. The Internet of Things (IoT) offers a data-driven framework to monitor plant and environmental conditions in real time, supporting more resilient agricultural systems. This review synthesizes recent advances in IoT-based plant monitoring, focusing on sensor technologies, communication protocols, and integrated platforms for assessing plant stress, nutrient uptake, and water use efficiency. Studies show that IoT implementation can improve irrigation efficiency by up to 30% and reduce fertilizer waste by nearly 20% through precise monitoring. Despite these benefits, widespread adoption remains limited by high deployment costs, inconsistent connectivity in rural areas, and complex data management requirements. The review also identifies research priorities, including the development of low-cost, energy-efficient sensors, interoperable data systems, and AI-driven decision-support tools. Overall, IoT-based monitoring provides an essential pathway for improving crop productivity and adaptive capacity under changing climatic conditions.
The study highlighted the utilization of groundwater for irrigating Moringa oleifera plants, revealing physicochemical characteristics of this water. It presented a slightly alkaline pH and an electrical conductivity of 11.5 mS cm-1, categorizing it as slightly saline. Potassium, recognized as a plant resistance element to drought and diseases, measured around 10.4 mg/L. Despite the water's high concentration of calcium and magnesium, indicative of hardness, the soil under examination exhibited low CaCO3 content and a notable organic matter percentage. The impact of salinity and water stress on M. oleifera's vegetative behavior was demonstrated through an accumulation of proline concentration in leaves. Irrigation with saline water markedly inhibited plant growth, but increased the content of proline in Moringa oleifera relative to plants irrigated with non-salinized water. The species demonstrated a tolerance to a salinity level of 2 to 6 g/L, adapting by intensively branching its roots to enhance nutrient and water absorption. Due to its notable adaptive features to both water and salinity stress, M. oleifera holds potential for utilization as a tolerant plant in desert environments, sebkhas, and saline lands. Cultivating Moringa on a large scale allows for greater utilization of its medicinal properties.
Climate change poses significant challenges to goat farming systems in arid regions, requiring integrated approaches combining genetic diversity, adaptive management, and value chain optimization. This study assessed breed performance, climate adaptation strategies, and dairy valorization potential in southeastern Tunisia's Gabes region. A comprehensive survey of 110 goat farmers documented climate perceptions and adaptation practices, while experimental analysis of 40 dairy goats representing four breeds (Local, Alpine, Maltese, Damascus) evaluated milk composition and cheese yield through 120 samples collected over nine weeks at three-week intervals. Statistical power analysis confirmed adequacy (>0.80) for detecting breed differences in key parameters. Morphometric characterization included 50 animals across five breeds and dairy valorization assessment complemented the analysis. Damascus goats demonstrated superior milk quality with significantly higher fat content (5.51% vs 3.83% in Local breeds, F=5.254, p=0.004) and lactose levels (3.98% vs 3.61%), but paradoxically achieved the lowest cheese yield (78.07% vs 85.57% in Maltese breeds, p<0.001). Alpine and Maltese breeds optimized processing efficiency with 84-86% cheese yields. Farmers implemented comprehensive adaptation strategies including crossbreeding (76%), infrastructure renovation (60%), and reduced grazing dependence (3.74 h/day average). Women dominated dairy processing (87%) with traditional products achieving 3.3-fold value multiplication over raw milk. Results reveal sophisticated breed-environment interactions where genetic specialization for arid conditions does not automatically translate to processing advantages. Strategic breed portfolio management combining Damascus for premium products, Alpine/Maltese for commercial efficiency, and Local breeds for climate resilience offers optimal sustainability outcomes.
Le recours aux microalgues cultivées sur des eaux usées urbaines comme intrants durables en agriculture ou pour produire de l’énergie peut offrir des perspectives prometteuses dans une démarche d’économie circulaire. Cependant, l‘efficacité de leur valorisation dépend étroitement de l’espèce algale utilisée et des conditions de culture. Ce travail vise à évaluer le potentiel fertilisant d’une biomasse algale, composée de Scenedesmus sp. et Chlorella sp. issues d’eaux usées urbaines, sur la croissance de Hordeum vulgare L. ainsi que son aptitude à être valorisée comme substrat pour la méthanisation. La caractérisation de la biomasse algale montre des teneurs en métaux lourds conformes à la norme tunisienne (NT 10.44) relative aux amendements mais présentent certaines limites par rapport aux standards européens, en particulier pour le chrome. Cependant, les essais en pots ont montré que l’irrigation avec les extraits d’algues (10, 20, 40 g/L) entraine une amélioration significative des différents paramètres de croissance (poids sec, longueur des racines et des parties aériennes, teneur en chlorophylle) principalement pour la dose de 20 g/L. Le même traitement a aussi provoqué une amélioration des teneurs en N, P et K dans le sol. Le potentiel méthanogène de la biomasse algale révèle une production de 279,6 mL CH4/g MV pour la biomasse non prétraitée, et de 430,08 mL /g MV pour une biomasse ayant subi un prétraitement à basse température. Cette étude confirme que les microalgues cultivées sur des eaux usées peuvent être utilisées en toute sécurité à des fins agricoles et énergétique dans le contexte méditerranéen, sous réserve d’évaluations expérimentales approfondies.
Ce travail étudie l’effet de l’amendement et de la fertilisation sur les traits physiologiques et les rendements de la variété de sorgho CE 180 33 introduite dans les périmètres aménagés de la vallée de Djifa au Sénégal. Le sorgho est cultivé dans un dispositif en blocs complets randomisés correspondants aux 18 parcelles élémentaires. Ces parcelles ont été amendées avec de l’engrais NPK 15 15 10 (E) à la dose de 150 Kg/ha et le biofertilisant (B), les coques d’arachide (C), le fumier (F), les ordures ménagères (O) tous à la dose de 500 Kg/ha avec un témoin absolu sans amendement (T). Les mesures ont porté sur les traits physiologiques (TRE, SFS, TMS, teneur en chlorophylle, rendement quantique, conductance stomatique) et le rendement en grains et en résidus pour chaque traitement. Les données ont été soumises à une analyse de variance (ANOVA) et s’il apparaît une différence significative, un test de comparaison des moyennes de Fisher au seuil de 5% est appliqué afin d’identifier ou non des groupes évidents. Les amendements à base d’engrais et de biofertilisant améliorent plus le statut hydrique des plants et favorisent le stockage de pigments chlorophylliens des plants. Les rendements en grains et en résidus de récolte ont aussi été significativement plus élevés pour les parcelles amendées avec d’engrais et de biofertilisant. A cela s’ajoute des feuilles plus développées leur conférant une teneur en matière sèche foliaire plus importante.
Dates and spirulina are two famous foods due to their richness in various nutrients and antioxidant compounds with very important therapeutic and nutritional effects. The aim of this study is to develop nutritious date syrup “Alig” fortified with spirulina. Firstly, a hedonic test of date syrups with spirulina at 2, 5 and 10% was carried out to evaluate the sensory properties of each sample and to choose the appropriate formulation. Then, the values of pH, titratable acidity (TA) and humidity, as well as the contents of total solids (TS), proteins, ash, lipids, sugars and carbohydrates of date syrup, spirulina and the chosen date syrup/spirulina formulation were determined. The total polyphenol (TPC) and condensed tannin (CTC) contents as well as the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of these samples were also evaluated. Results showed that compared to the syrup without spirulina, the syrup enriched with 2% spirulina has the highest TS, ash, total lipids, proteins, TPC, and CTC, as well as pH and TA values, beside the most important antioxidant and antibacterial activities. In parallel, the present results indicate that this syrup is more interesting from the point of view energy value with 329.79 Kcal/day for 100 g of fresh syrup. We could conclude that date syrup fortified with 2% spirulina have very interesting nutritional value and could attribute to numerous health benefits.
Wild boars (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) are increasingly affecting agroecosystems in arid regions, but their impact in oasis environments is not well known. This study investigates the crop damage caused by wild boars in the oasis systems of southern Tunisia, focusing on two different regions: Gabès (coastal) and Kébili (continental). We studied how location, season, vegetation, and farming practices influence damage in 17 oases, using chi-squared tests, log-linear models, and a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM). Wild boars were found in 57% of the sites, and crop damage occurred in 58% of the sites. Contrary to expectations, Damage patterns did not change significantly between seasons or regions. However, statistical models revealed strong associations between crop damage and specific human-related factors, including fertilization practices, distances to roads, and irrigation. In Kébili, damage decreased with distance from roads, increased with complex vegetation structure, was lower in fertilized fields, and taller palms reduced wild boar activity during summer by altering microclimates. These findings show that land-use has a major impact on wild boar interactions in oasis agroecosystems and point to the need for management plans that fit local conditions.
Searching natural molecules with insecticidal effects and less harmful to environment is one of scientific and agricultural concern. In this work, the polysaccharidic fraction from Prunus amygdalus amara was tested for its insecticidal potential against Tribolium confusum. Water- soluble polysaccharides of P. amygdalus were extracted at 80°C and filtrated using sevag milieu. Their chemical composition was estimated using FTIR analysis. Contact toxicity and repellent assays were performed by exposing T confusum to different concentrations of the extract, in petri dishes. Levels of malondialdehyde were measured in individuals surviving after 7 days of exposition to 4 mg/ml of PAP. Our results show the richness of PAP in many aromatic and sulfonated compounds that are probably complexed to proteins. The contact toxicity revealed that insects’ mortality was dose and time- dependant. For example, when applied at 8 mg/ml for 15 days, PAPs induced 80 % demise of adult. The repellent effect varied between 66 % and 100 % for the studied doses, after 6 hours of exposition. The analysis of malondialdehyde proved that exposition to PAPs induced oxidative stress at the organismic level, thus explaining in part their toxic effect on T confusum. It is concluded that polysaccharides extracted from P. amygdalus amara exert insecticidal effect against coleopteran and might be considered for the development of new “eco-friendly” insecticides.
The pumpkin fly Dacus frontalis (Becker) is already ranked as one of the most economically damaging pest of cucurbits in North Africa, South Africa, and the Middle East. The exact identification of this fruit fly can be delicate because of the similarities at the species level. Thus, molecular biology can easily classify and control fruit fly pests. D.frontalis favorite hosts are Pumpkin, Watermelon, Sweet melon, Cucumber and Squash. Infested fruits usually present oviposition or exit holes and direct damage is caused by the larval stage which, decreases quality and quantity of fruits and provoke high losses in yield. The Control strategy of this pest varies from biological control to chemical pesticides in addition to the bait traps.
In Tunisia, managing the water requirements of date palm is a critical challenge due to scarce water resources and the necessity for efficient irrigation practices in oasis environments. This study aims to estimate the irrigation water requirements of date palm (cv. Deglet Nour) in three oases: Jemna, Rjim Maatoug, and Tozeur using the CROPWAT 8.0 model. Climatic data revealed similar maximum and minimum temperatures and solar radiation across the sites. However, minimum relative humidity varied significantly, recorded at 34%, 14.5%, and 8.4% in Jemna, Rjim Maatoug, and Tozeur, respectively. The annual irrigation water requirements of date palm were highest in Rjim Maatoug (1267.1 mm), followed by Jemna (1245.4 mm) and Tozeur (1044.6 mm). Water productivity values were estimated at 0.47, 0.44, and 0.59 kg·m⁻³ for Jemna, Rjim Maatoug, and Tozeur, respectively. These findings contribute to a better understanding of date palm water needs in southern Tunisia and support the development of improved irrigation scheduling and water use efficiency strategies. The use of the CROPWAT 8.0 model offers a practical tool for farmers to determine optimal irrigation quantities and frequencies for sustainable date palm cultivation.
Foot and root rot disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum and Sclerotium rolfsii, is one of the most devastating lentil diseases, resulting in decreased yield. A study was done to assess the efficacy of several Trichoderma formulated products in treating lentil foot and root rot disease as a biocontrol agent. The study used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with seven treatments, viz., T1 = Control, T2 = Decoprima, T3 = Lycomax, T4 = Dynamic, T5 = Tricost, T6 = Provax 200 WP, and T7 = Trichoderma. All treatments were applied as seed treatments and sprays to the plant's basal region (root zone). Data were obtained on several days following the sowing dates. The findings showed that the numerous treatments used had a considerable impact on yield, contributing features, and growth indices. T3 (Lycomax) showed promising results in reducing lentil overcontrol disease among foot and root infection treatments. The disease incidence was lowest in T3 (15.23%) and highest (31.25%) in the control group. T3 also exhibited the highest plant height, branches/plant, nodules/plant, pods/plant, root length/plant, and yield compared to the control. Given the performance of the biocontrol agents assessed in the study, Lycomax might be recommended for producers to treat their seed and use basal spraying of this biocontrol agent to manage foot and root rot of lentil.
