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 μL.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

Introduction. Green mould, Penicillium digitatum (Pers.: Fr.) Sacc., causes economically important postharvest disease in citrus. Materials and methods. Ethiopian plant extracts of Acacia seyal (Del. Var. Seyal) and Withania somnifera (L.) Dual were used to test the control of green mould in wound-inoculated fruit, stored for 21 d at 7 °C and at > 85% RH. The chemical compositions of the two extracts were determined using high-performance chromatography. Thereafter, freshly harvested (naturally infected) fruit were subjected to different postharvest treatments and stored for 50 d to investigate the effects of the two plant extracts on fruit quality parameters. Treatments included (pre-wax + leaf extracts), (wax + leaf extracts incorporated into wax, Citrosol A®), (leaf extract alone), (fruit washed in chlorinated water at 5.25%), (untreated fruit) and (commercially treated fruit). Results. Extracts of A. seyal and W. somnifera reduced the incidence of green mould by 56.1% and 50%, respectively, in wound-inoculated fruit. A. seyal extract contained a high concentration of gallic acid (60.3 mg·mL–1) whilst W. somnifera contained low concentrations of caffeic acid (8.7 mg·mL–1), salicylic acid (6.3 mg·mL–1) and 3,4 dihydroxy benzoic acid (3.8 mg·mL–1). Green mould was absent in naturally infected fruit subjected to (pre-wax + leaf extracts), (wax mixed with leaf extracts) and (leaf extracts) treatments. (Pre-wax + leaf extracts) and (wax mixed with leaf extract) treatments significantly reduced weight loss; retained firmness and colour; and they maintained eating qualities and a maturity index (SSC/TA) similar to commercial treatment. Conclusion. Both extracts of A. seyal and W. somnifera showed potential to be used as an alternative in combined applications with wax application under low temperature storage to replace synthetic fungicides, to ultimately control green mould and retain overall fruit quality.

Introduction. Les extraits d'huiles essentielles possèdent des propriétés antivirales, antibactériennes et antifongiques connues de longues dates. Le travail présenté a donc cherché à évaluer l'effet d'huiles extraites de différentes variétés d'agrumes sur la croissance mycélienne in vitro de Phaeoramularia angolensis, champignon responsable de la phaeoramulariose des Citrus. Matériel et méthodes. Les huiles essentielles extraites par hydrodistillation des péricarpes de fruits de six variétés d'agrumes ont été analysées pour en déterminer la composition chimique et évaluer leur activité antifongique vis-à-vis de P. angolensis. L'activité des extraits a été évaluée in vitro par la technique d'incorporation décrite par Grover et Moore. Les huiles ont été analysées par chromatographie en phase gazeuse couplée à la spectrométrie de masse. Résultats. La croissance de P. angolensis a été inhibée par les huiles essentielles à des degrés variés, avec une activité plus prononcée pour les huiles issues de C. latifolia et de C. limon. L'analyse de la composition chimique des huiles testées a montré que les plus actives ont une teneur relativement importante en citrals (néral + géranial $> 5 \%$), ce qui s'accorde avec l'existence de propriétés antifongiques connues chez les citrals. Conclusion. Ces résultats préliminaires sont d'autant plus intéressants que C. limon et C. latifolia sont des variétés réputées peu sensibles à la phaeoramulariose en conditions naturelles. Le rôle probable des huiles essentielles dans la résistance variétale vis-à-vis de P. angolensis est discuté. La poursuite de ces recherches contribuera à une meilleure compréhension des relations hôte-parasite.

Introduction. Chlordecone (CLD), an organochlorine formerly used to control the banana black weevil, is strongly adsorbed on soils, particularly on andosols. A simplified analytical procedure for the quantitative determination of chlordecone residues in water and micro-samples of soil and plants was compared with a standard method. Materials and methods. The procedure combines a simplified sampling protocol and a 10-min solid phase microextraction (SPME), followed by gas chromatographic separation (GC) and mass spectrometric (MS and MS/MS) identification. Quantitation of CLD used a standard addition method with zero extrapolation. First, seventy samples were analysed using the proposed method and the standard method based on hot solvent extraction. Second, fifteen soil samples were analysed with two SPME methods followed by GC-MS but using CLD labelled with C13 as an internal standard or the proposed method. Results and discussion. The detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) limits of our SPME extraction procedure were determined for GC-MS and GC-MS/MS with water, plant (pineapple roots) and soil samples: in water for MS/MS, LODMS/MS-water = 0.5 ng×L–1, LOQMS/MS-water = 2.0 ng×L–1; in andosol for MS/MS, LODMS/MS-soil = 15.0 ng×kg–1 dw, LOQMS/MS-soil = 80.0 ng×kg–1 dw. Data from the seventy contaminated soils obtained with the proposed method and the standard method showed a correlation coefficient of r = 0.86. Data obtained by the two SPME/GC-MS quantitation procedures showed a correlation of r = 0.8073. Conclusion. The method proposes a simplified sample preparation and extraction of CLD in water, plant and soil samples, with no solvent manipulation and which is not time-consuming. The LOD and LOQ were similar to those obtained with other currently used methods. The method is reliable and accurate and may be considered as a good tool for research purposes.

Botanique. Originaire d’Afrique tropicale, Detarium senegalense J.F. Gmel. appartient à la famille des Caesalpiniaceae et au genre Detarium Juss. C’est un grand arbre multicaule de (15 à 40) m de haut. Ses feuilles sont composées, paripennées, avec cinq à six paires de folioles opposées, disposées de manière alterne. Répartition. D. senegalense est rencontré sur les lisières de la forêt dense humide, dans les régions côtières, septentrionales et dans la zone soudano-guinéenne. Désigné par le terme « ditax » en Wolof, D. senegalense fait partie des espèces fruitières forestières les plus importantes dans l’économie d’exploitation au Sénégal. Il pousse de façon sauvage dans les îles du Sine-Saloum et en Casamance. Composition et transformation. Le fruit est caractérisé par sa pulpe verte très riche en vitamine C (plus de 1 g·100 g–1). C’est un fruit très populaire et largement consommé au Sénégal principalement sous forme de boisson, de marmelade, de sorbet ou à l’état frais. Le fruit possède également des vertus thérapeutiques contre la toux, les maux de reins et la lèpre. Certaines variétés de D. senegalense produisent des fruits toxiques mais les composés responsables de la toxicité n’ont pas encore été totalement identifiés. Aucune méthode objective permettant de différencier les fruits comestibles des fruits toxiques n’est disponible à l’heure actuelle. Bilan. Malgré ses potentialités nutritionnelles et organoleptiques, le ditax reste sous-exploité. Dès lors, la caractérisation biochimique complète des fruits, l’évaluation du potentiel technologique, le développement de méthodes de détection rapide des fruits toxiques et l’amélioration de la stabilité des produits transformés à base de ditax seraient des perspectives de recherches intéressantes pour mieux valoriser ce fruit riche en vitamine C. La culture contrôlée de la plante mériterait également d’être envisagée pour le développement de la production.

Introduction.Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) isa promising fruit species originating from North America. Amongpomaceous fruits, saskatoon berries are a valuable source of chemicalcompounds with an antioxidant effect. Materials and methods.The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and their correlationassociated with the total antioxidant capacity of fruit of fiveparticular cultivars were ascertained. Reactive oxygen species (specificallynitric oxide, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical) and antioxidantactivity in the liver lipid system of their methanolic extractswere also assessed. Results and discusssion. In saskatoonberry cultivars the total contents of phenolic compounds rangedfrom (2.52 to 3.82) g gallic acid Eq·kg–1 of fresh mass, while thevalues of total antioxidant capacity were observed to be from (4.17to 5.29) g of ascorbic acid Eq·kg–1 of fresh mass. High correlationcoefficients between phenolics as well as flavonoids and antioxidant capacitywere calculated (r2 = 0.8921 and r2= 0.9901, respectively). Nitric oxide, superoxide anion, hydroxylradical and antioxidant activity in the liver lipid system of saskatoonberry fruit methanolic extracts (10%) were provided for the firsttime. In the case of nitric oxide, the inhibitions were 21.08–27.52%;as regards superoxide anion, they were 25.14–30.73%; concerning hydroxylradical, 18.25–21.18%, and in respect of antioxidant activity inthe liver lipid system, 7.90–8.38%. These inhibitions are strongerthan, e.g., in apples which are the most importantspecies of pomaceous fruit worldwide. Conclusions.Saskatoon berry fruit could be a suitable supplement for modern humannutrition. Furthermore, our work contributes to the popularisationof this pomaceous species, with the focus on its potential in relationto high antioxidant strength.

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 Plus2 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.

Introduction. Extraction of juice from fruit is one of the most important ways of producing fruit drinks, but the extraction rate is hindered by natural factors. This has given rise to exploration of better methods such as ohmic heating to enhance juice yield. Materials and methods. Orange (Citrus sinensis), pawpaw (Carica papaya) and tomato (Lycopercium esculentum) were ohmic-heated at 9 V dc and 110 V ac, using different electrode combinations of copper / copper (Cu / Cu) and copper / aluminum (Cu / Al) at time intervals of (5, 10 and 15) min. Juice was pressed out through a muslin cloth, and yield, pH, color and vitamin C content were determined. Structural changes in the electrode were notified, while voltage drops across the system were studied. Results and discussion. There were significant differences in juice yield according to the electrode type, the fruit type and the ohmic heating treatment time. The use of Cu / Cu electrodes at 110 V ac gave the highest juice yield; tomato yielded the highest juice content per fruit, while pawpaw yielded the least. Cu / cu-treated samples gave the worst quality in terms of color and acceptability, with indication of a high electrolysis, which dissolved the electrodes. The pH decreased with the ohmic heating treatment times. The vitamin C content significantly varied with ohmic heating time, electrode type and fruit type, and decreased in pawpaw from (63.3 to 3.91) mg·100 g–1 for Cu / Al electrodes to zero for Cu / Cu electrodes with (10 and 15) min heating. Orange retained more vitamin C irrespective of the treatment. Conclusion. The results showed that enhancement of juice extraction by ohmic heating is feasible. For commercialization of the process, the correct electrodes devoid of electrolysis must be used.

Introduction. Diverse fruit crops with a high value reduce the risk of crop failure and offer alternatives to farmers and the market. The scope of profitable production with such quality crops along with environmental concerns make the evaluation of new species desirable. The aim of our study was to determine the most appropriate species of Physalis for small-scale commercial production in the temperate climate of western Himalayan regions. Materials and methods. Four Physalis species, viz., P. peruviana, P. ixocarpa, P. pruinosa and P. nicandroides, were field-grown during 2010–2011 in the experimental field of the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar, India, to determine the most appropriate species of Physalis suitable for a temperate climate. Results and discussion. All the species tested produced vegetative growth, flowered and fruited; however, they differed significantly. The number of basal shoots was found to be maximum for P. pruinosa (6.37), whereas the maximum number of prickles per shoot was recorded as maximum for P. nicandroides (6.48). The number of points of attachment varied significantly with species, and the maximum was recorded for P. pruinosa and P. ixocarpa (7.16 for each); the maximum size of fully developed leaves (146.8 mm) and overall plant height (168.27 cm) were recorded for P. pruinosa. Physalis pruinosa and P. ixocarpa were found to exhibit vigorous growth under a temperate climate. Significant differences were recorded for fruiting, flowering and yield potential among the Physalis species. The minimum days taken for bud burst were reported for P. nicandroides (23.55) and P. ixocarpa (24.41). Similarly, the minimum days taken to reach maturity were reported for P. peruviana (64.96). The maximum number of fruits per plant (260.23), length of fruit (33.83 mm), average fruit weight (37.19 g), husk weight (0.32 g), fruit husk ratio (121.27), maximum fruit firmness (43.96 Relative Index) and yield (9.96 Relative Index) were recorded for P. pruinosa. Significant variation was recorded in quality attributes. The highest total soluble solids were found for P. nicandroides (8.46 °Brix), whereas the minimum total titrable acidity (0.35%) and maximum ascorbic content (38.41 mg·100 g–1) were recorded for P. peruviana. The ‘L’ value of fruits, showing brightness, was recorded as the highest for P. peruviana (58.97), whereas fruits of all the species showed a negative ‘a’ value, indicating that none of them produced redness; however, the ‘b’ value, indicating yellowness, was maximum for P. pruinosa (18.72).

Introduction. L’absence de données statistiques fiables et exhaustives sur les exploitations fruitières constitue un handicap pour élaborer une stratégie pertinente de développement de ces cultures et en évaluer l’impact. Une enquête a été réalisée sur les cultures fruitières dans trois sites (Bokito, Foréké et Yaoundé) en zone humide du Cameroun. Matériel et méthodes. Les arbres fruitiers cultivés ont été caractérisés en analysant le profil du producteur et la place de ces cultures dans les activités pratiquées par les familles des exploitants agricoles. Les espèces présentes, le nombre de pieds, l’origine du matériel végétal, l’âge des arbres et les contraintes de production ont été étudiés dans 193 exploitations familiales agricoles. Résultats et discussion. Les chefs d’exploitation, dont 90 % sont des hommes, ont en moyenne 51 ans et un niveau de formation relativement bas. La diversité des espèces fruitières répertoriées varie suivant les sites. La composition spécifique du verger est aussi variable mais quatre espèces majeures (safoutier, oranger, manguier et avocatier) constituent 78 % des plants recensés. Cette répartition corrobore les préférences exprimées par les producteurs pour ces espèces fruitières. Les jeunes arbres (< 10 ans), qui indiquent une dynamique de replantation, constituent (15, 21 et 38) % des effectifs respectivement à Bokito, Foréké et Yaoundé. Toutefois d’importantes disparités intraspécifiques sont observées et discutées. En termes de contribution à la sécurité alimentaire du ménage, les arbres fruitiers, par rapport aux autres spéculations, occupent le 1er, le 2e et le 4e rang à Bokito, Foréké et Yaoundé, respectivement. Les contraintes de production sont d’ordre parasitaire (maladies et ravageurs), agronomique (variétés, pratiques culturales, etc.) ou socioéconomique (intrants, foncier, etc.). Conclusion. Notre travail a permis d’obtenir d’importantes données sur les arbres fruitiers cultivés en zone humide du Cameroun. Les implications des principaux résultats sont discutées dans la perspective d’améliorer, en qualité, en quantité et dans la durée, ces productions.

Introduction.Peach brown rot caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola is a major disease leadingto considerable economic loss during storage. Our previous studyuncovered the striking inhibition of the natural alkaloid berberineagainst M. fructicola. Materials and methods.A berberine-chitosan composite membrane (BCCM) able to slowly releaseberberine was prepared and used for peach preservation. The examinedfruits were stored at 4 °C and treated as follows: (I) control fruits withoutpackaging; (ii) fruits that were transiently immersed in pre-solidifiedBCCM liquid and taken out; (iii) fruit coating either with a BCCM,or with a membrane containing chitosan only (without berberine),and (iv) fruit coating with a PVC membrane. Results and discussion.The group immersed in BCCM showed a high infection rate due to thecytotoxicity of acetic acid, but the coating group showed only a10% infection rate after 40 days of storage. Moreover, the BCCM-coatinggroup showed a significantly lower infection rate than that coatedwith chitosan membrane (without berberine), clearly indicating theantimicrobial activity of berberine therein. Consequently, packedin BCCM and stored at 4 °C, peach fruits could be well preservedover 40 days with very low infection. Conclusion. Consideringits safety and low cost, the berberine-containing chitosan composite membranecould be applicable in controlling diseases during peach storage.

Introduction. This protocol aims to diagnose under laboratory conditions the main Mycosphaerella spp. pathogens of bananas and plantains. The three pathogens Mycosphaerella fijiensis (anamorph Paracercospora fijiensis), M. musicola (anamorph Pseudocercospora musae) and M. eumusae (anamorph Pseudocercospora eumusae) are, respectively, the causal agents of Black Leaf Streak disease, Sigatoka disease and Eumusae Leaf Spot disease. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material and time required for the method are presented. Materials and methods. The laboratory materials required and details of the thirteen steps of the protocols (tissue clearing and in situ microscopic observations, isolation on artificial medium and cloning of single-spore isolate, in vitro sporulation and microscopic observations of conidia, and long-term storage of isolates) are described. Results. Diagnosis is based on the observations of anamorphs (conidiophores and conidia) which can be observed directly from banana leaves or after sporulation of cultivated isolates if sporulating lesions are not present on banana samples.

Introduction. The distribution of shoots and fruits in the tree is an important consideration to improve peach cropping. Therefore, the effects of intensity of pruning were investigated for two years in trees with the same fruit load and, the following year, in trees with different fruit loads. Materials and methods. In an early-maturing peach orchard (cv. Alexandra), three pruning intensities were applied for three years: light, medium and severe. The first two years, the same fruit load was applied for the different pruning treatments; in the last year, three fruit loads per tree were tested: low, intermediate and high. Results and discussion. Increasing severity of pruning stimulated average fruit weight and fruit diameter, limiting (2nd year) or not (3rd year) fruit yield. Severe pruning also tended to enhance young shoot growth on the shoot bearing fruit and on the scaffold branch. Fruit diameter improvement with severe pruning might be therefore explained by the increase in vegetative growth likely to enhance available assimilates for fruit growth. However, severe pruning could favor an alternation in flower setting, as observed in the 2nd year. Increasing fruit load stimulated fruit yield, but, with the highest fruit load, no significant fruit yield enhancement was detected compared with the intermediate fruit load. On the contrary, average fruit weight and fruit soluble solids always decreased with increasing fruit load. Conclusion. Intensity of pruning and fruit load must be well adapted to ensure an appropriate peach production; excessive pruning and fruit load of an early-maturing peach cultivar should be avoided in order not to limit fruit yield and quality, respectively.

Introduction. In-package biofumigation with the volatile-producing fungus Muscodor albus was tested to control fungal decay in organic table grapes stored at a commercial packinghouse. Materials and methods. Sachets containing two different amounts of activated M. albus culture were inserted into shipping boxes containing approximately 4.5 kg of ‘Thompson Seedless’ or ‘Red Seedless’ table grapes. The volatiles were contained inside the boxes either by wrapping pallets of the boxes externally with plastic film after pre-cooling (pallet wrapping) or by using a modified atmosphere liner inside each box. Decay incidence was evaluated after 7 weeks of storage at 0 °C. Results. The M. albus sachets reduced decay incidence among ‘Red Seedless’ table grapes in both wrapped pallets and boxes with liners. In this cultivar, the modified atmosphere liner alone reduced decay incidence by about 70% and the M. albus treatment in the liner further reduced decay incidence, regardless of the amount of M. albus used. The combination of the M. albus sachet and the modified atmosphere liner proved to be the most effective decay control treatment. Decay incidence was lower among ‘Thompson Seedless’ table grapes and a significant decay control was only observed after the grapes had been allowed to warm up after storage with the 50-g rates applied inside the liner. No adverse effects were associated with the treatment or the liners. Discussion. Based on our results, biofumigation with M. albus sachets is compatible with the commercial handling of organic table grapes and could provide significant improvement in their shelf life.

Introduction. A comparative study of antinutrients and heavy metals in the peels of five improved varieties of plantain and banana hybrids was investigated. Our aim was to provide information on plantain and banana peels that may circumvent huge losses during fruit processing by converting waste into wealth and health. Materials and methods. Four new plantain hybrids developed at the IITA, Nigeria, named PITA 14, PITA 17, PITA 24 and PITA 26, one cooking banana hybrid (BITA 3) and an African plantain landrace, Agbagba, were investigated. Antinutrient and heavy metal contents of the dried peels from the different cultivars were determined and the data were statistically analyzed. Results and discussion. The plantain hybrid PITA 14 differed significantly from other cultivars in saponin, tannin and oxalate. A significant difference was observed between PITA 17 in phytate compared with other cultivars. Cyanogenic glucosides found in PITA 17, PITA 26 and BITA 3 differed significantly from the values obtained in other cultivars. Both BITA 3 and Agbagba are significantly different from other cultivars in phenolic content, while PITA 24 and Agbagba differed significantly from other cultivars in lead. PITA 24 peels differed significantly from other cultivars in cadmium, but no significant difference was found among the different Musa varieties in mercury. Conclusion. In spite of the antinutritional properties ascribed to the various constituents investigated, the levels found in the peels of new Musa hybrids suggest that new varieties might not constitute a health hazard when ingested. Plantain and banana peels may be converted into livestock feeds, which will eventually provide protein and other nutrients to humans from consumption of meat and other products derived from the animals.

Introduction. The mango tree is one of the most widespread fruit trees in West Africa. A history of its introduction into that area was recently published. To follow upon this document, the presented analysis was devoted to the principal varieties that are cultivated there today and to the impact of the historical and commercial factors on the varietal composition of the orchards. Some definitions. In precondition to an inventory of the varieties, certain terms making it possible to characterise them were specified (precocity, monoembryony and polyembryony) and some information on the origin of the Floridian varieties was provided. Principal varieties cultivated in West Africa. Four mango variety categories were distinguished: varieties of local or polyembryonic mangos (mangots and Number One), first monoembryonic varieties propagated by grafting (Amélie, Julie, Sabot, Djibelor and Cuisse Madame), and the Floridian varieties, also monoembryonic and propagated by grafting, introduced later and used either for export (Kent, Keitt, Palmer, Zill, Valencia, Smith, Irwin and Haden), or for the regional markets (Brooks, Davis-Haden, Miami Late, Springfels, Beverly, Eldon and Ruby). Each variety was described, like its farming characteristics and its outlets. The composition of the grafted mango tree orchards. This composition is influenced by the historical evolution and the purpose of the fruits that can be eaten, sold on the local, national or subregional market, exported toward the international market or processed in artisanal or industrial units. This orchard composition was specified for Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo.

Introduction. The genus Phoenix has 13 species. Dates from P. dactylifera and P. theophrasti are the only ones that have been characterised so far. The aim of our study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and functional characteristics of date fruits in the Khalal and Rutab stages of P. loureiroi, P. canariensis, P. reclinata and P. roebelenii, and compare them with P. dactylifera. Materials and methods. Two samples of 15 date fruits in the Khalal stage and another 15 date fruits in the Rutab stage were chosen from each species for analyses and quality parameters. Results and discussion. Significant differences in the measured parameters were observed among the different species. Dates of P. dactylifera were larger than those of the other species and had the lowest [seed weight/fruit weight] proportion. In the Khalal stage, dates from P. canariensis and P. dactylifera were yellow, P. loureiroi and P. reclinata were dark yellow to orange, and those of P. roebelenii were brown purple. Dates of P. dactylifera (Rutab stage) showed higher sugar and lower organic acid contents than those of the other dates. Dates of P. reclinata, P. roebelenii and P. canariensis presented values of antioxidant activity and total phenols in the Khalal stage that were very high compared with those of P. dactylifera. These species are used as ornamental palms but their fruits are consumed locally as food. These dates presented high nutritional quality and can be used as novel foods for different purposes, such as snacks or food fortification, especially due to their high value in functional properties.

Introduction. Many fruit trees with a hard seed coat exhibit seed dormancy, posing problems for their regeneration. Vitex doniana, an indigenous multipurpose but threatened fruit and vegetable tree that supports the livelihoods of many households in West Africa, is a typical example. Materials and methods. In our research, we evaluated five dormancy-breaking treatments. We tested the effects of sulphuric acid at 95% concentration (T1); 3 d sun-drying + 48 h soaking in tap water (T2); 3 d alternation of 8 h sun-drying + 1 h soaking in tap water (T3); 2 weeks sun-drying with regular watering in the daytime (T4); and physical shock (T5). These treatments were compared with two controls (T0 and Tc), with seeds from two different sources. The germination percentage, mean germination time, time to first germination and time to threshold germination (20%) were compared; the seedling height, diameter and biomass produced were monitored for 15 weeks. We used generalised linear models and correlation tests to compare the effects of the various treatments on germination and seedling growth. Results and discussion. T3 significantly enhanced seed germination in V. doniana (72% after 12 months). T4 best promoted homogeneity in germination (p < 0.01), followed by T3. The best seedling growth was obtained with T4 and T3. Alternation of sun-drying followed by soaking of seeds, a technique with almost no cost, improved seed germination in V. doniana and, in 33 d, just over 1 month, 20% germination can be achieved. Vitex doniana is a fast-growing species (at the nursery stage), in contrast to the common opinion. Conclusion. Our method should be further investigated to assess the adequate soaking and drying length so as to speed up germination and reach homogenous cohorts.

Introduction. Nos travaux ont eu pour objectif de comparer les performances agronomiques des plants d’un hybride de bananier plantain (CRBP-39, Musa cv. AAAB) obtenus par utilisation de deux méthodes de multiplication végétative : la culture de tissus in vitro (CIV) et une technique de propagation par multiplication de plants à partir de fragments de tiges (dite technique des PIF) développée récemment. L'étude, effectuée au Cameroun, a été menée en altitude (1250 m) ; elle a porté sur un cycle de culture. L'hybride CRBP-39 a été choisi en raison de sa résistance à la maladie des raies noires et de ses performances agronomiques. Matériel et méthodes. Des vitroplants et des plants obtenus par la technique des PIF, technique de propagation horticole développée au CARBAP (Cameroun), ont été plantés séparément en blocs, dans des parcelles de terrain élémentaires de 16 plants. Aucun traitement chimique n'a été appliqué contre la maladie des raies noires. Les observations ont été faites essentiellement sur des caractéristiques agronomiques. Résultats et discussion. Pour le pied-mère, il n'y a eu aucune différence significative entre les plantes obtenues à partir de l'une ou de l’autre méthode de multiplication végétative quant à la taille et au périmètre de la pseudo-tige ; le nombre de feuilles fonctionnelles à la floraison ; la durée du cycle de production ; le poids de régime ; le nombre de mains et de fruits du régime ; la longueur et la circonférence du fruit. Pour le rejet successeur, il y a eu des différences significatives de taille et de périmètre de la pseudo-tige, ainsi que du nombre de feuilles émises et fonctionnelles à la récolte. Ces résultats montrent globalement une grande similitude des caractéristiques agronomiques des plants issus des deux méthodes de multiplication végétative. La technique des PIF, de plus en plus utilisée compte tenu de sa simplicité, son faible coût de production et sa rapidité de mise en œuvre, est donc une technique horticole qui permet de produire des plants de qualité agronomique comparable aux vitroplants.

Introduction. L’acarien Oligonychus afrasiaticus, localement appelé « Boufaroua », est un ravageur des palmeraies algériennes. Pour se nourrir, il pique les dattes qui se dessèchent ensuite en fin de maturité et deviennent impropres à la commercialisation et à la consommation humaine. Des pertes économiques importantes sont alors enregistrées. Les dégâts les plus spectaculaires ont été notés sur la variété Deglet-Nour à haute valeur marchande. Matériel et méthodes. Le taux d’infestation des arbres d’une palmeraie de la région d’Ouargla a été évalué. Quatre stades phénologiques ont été considérés. Une coccinelle très vorace, Stethorus punctillum, a été récoltée dans six palmeraies puis lâchée sur des arbres expérimentaux afin de vérifier son efficacité prédatrice sur le « Boufaroua ». Résultats. L’infestation des arbres a été très variable et a augmenté au fur et à mesure de la maturité des dattes. L’efficacité de la coccinelle lâchée a été significative, et cela a été d’autant plus constaté que les arbres étaient fortement infestés. Discussion et conclusion. Stethorus punctillum joue un rôle important dans le contrôle de l’acarien O. afrasiaticus. D’autres prédateurs seraient toutefois présents en Algérie ; ils devront être testés afin d’établir une méthode de lutte biologique apte à protéger suffisamment les palmeraies contre O. afrasiaticus.