In Algeria, as in other Mediterranean regions, forage resources, particularly woody forage shrubs, play a crucial role as an alternative and supplementary feed source for ruminants. Their resilience to extreme climatic conditions, their evergreen foliage, and their ability to regrow after grazing make them strategic species in the forage calendar for ruminants in extensive farming systems. It is in this context that we investigated the effect of season on the digestibility of leaves from two forage species in northeastern Algeria: Phylleria media and Rubus fruticosus. Leaves from these species were collected in spring and autumn. Thus, the fermentation kinetics, methane production, and effect of polyethylene glycol on the fermentation of these leaves were investigated. After 72 h of incubation, the average gas production from Phylleria media was higher in autumn than in spring (68.87 vs 61.47 ml/0.2 g DM). In contrast, for Rubus fruticosus, the final gas production remained relatively stable between the two seasons (47.04 ml in spring compared to 46.29 ml in autumn). With regard to methane, production was higher in spring for both substrates. The addition of PEG reduced methane production in both R. fruticosus and P. media during spring. PEG had no significant effect in the autumn. Seasonality modulates fermentation pathways differently: autumn favors CO₂ production, while spring optimizes CH₄ production. These results highlight the importance of seasonal management of woody resources and reinforce the value of woody shrubs in extensive livestock systems, particularly during periods of herbaceous forage scarcity. Their contribution can thus improve food security.

Terminal heat stress, a significant threat to global wheat production, necessitates a comprehensive genetic analysis of morpho-physiological, yield, and grain quality parameters. This investigation was conducted across two distinct environments: a normal-sown trial in Punjab (Rabi 2023-24) and a late-sown, heat stress trial in Andhra Pradesh (Rabi 2024-25). This study employed 43 diverse wheat genotypes, including three checks, laid out in a Randomized Block Design for field experiments and a Completely Randomized Design for laboratory evaluations. The objectives included assessing genetic variability, determining trait associations, estimating genetic divergence, evaluating grain protein content, and identifying heat stress effects. ANOVA revealed highly significant (P<0.01) genetic variability among genotypes for all sixteen field and ten laboratory traits under both conditions, indicating a broad genetic base for selection. Heat stress significantly reduced most traits; the mean grain yield per plant plummeted from 9.02 g to 0.70 g, a decline underscored by a high Drought Intensity Index (DI) of 0.922. Genetic parameter estimates showed high heritability and high genetic advances for key traits. Grain yield per plant (h² > 82%, GAM > 41%), number of grains per spike (h² > 89%, GAM > 42%), and biological yield per plant (h²=93.8%, GAM=73.7% in normal conditions) suggested additive gene action. Grain protein content also exhibited high heritability (91-94%) and significant improvement potential (GAM up to 26.6%), with HD 2307 consistently showing the highest content (15.7-15.9%). Correlation and path analysis identified biological yield per plot as having the strongest positive direct effect on grain yield under optimal conditions (P=0.693). Under heat stress, the direct contribution of number of grains per spike (P=0.821) and grain weight per spike became paramount. Earliness (days to flowering) was consistently negatively correlated with yield, highlighting its importance as a heat escape mechanism under stress (rg = -0.390**). Genetic divergence (D² analysis) grouped the 43 genotypes into six clusters under normal conditions and five under heat stress. Maximum inter-cluster distance occurred between Cluster II and Cluster VI (genotype G40) in the normal environment (D=33.66) and between Cluster II and Cluster V (genotype G40) under heat stress (D=27.70), indicating these as the most divergent parents. The number of grains per spike (contributing 11.2-19.8%) and test weight (9.3-12.3%) were the largest contributors to divergence. Based on stress tolerance indices, PBW 677 (HSI=1.28), HD 2307 (YSI=0.25), and HD 3386 (HTI=25.13) were identified as superior for heat resilience. This investigation successfully identified significant genetic variability and key traits for targeted selection. This study pinpointed genetically diverse and heat-tolerant parents and identified traits like grain number, grain weight, and biological yield as critical selection criteria, providing a robust framework for developing high-yielding, climate-resilient wheat cultivars.

Sugarcane grown in sandy soils (≤10% clay) is prone to drought stress and pest infestations, including nematodes, yellow sugarcane aphids (YSAs), and thrips. A granular soil-applied product containing oxamyl and imidacloprid is commonly used for pest control, with imidacloprid also reported to alleviate stress responses in various crops. This study by the South African Sugarcane Research Institute aimed to evaluate the yield response of different sugarcane varieties to this product across ratoon crops and to assess its cost-effectiveness under varying stress indices. Varieties were grown under treated and untreated conditions, and their performance was assessed relative to a calculated stress index (defined as the average yield of untreated controls as a percentage of the modelled yield potential). There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between the percentage yield increase (tch) and the crop stress index (Pearson’s r = –0.273; p < 0.01; n = 131), suggesting greater yield gains in more stressed environments. Ratoon crops with stress indices below 75% showed the most notable yield improvements. For example, N60 (North Coast, Blythedale) recorded a 109% increase and N51 (North Coast, Umhlali) 61%, and N62 (Midlands South) showed an increase of 71%. Additionally, gross margin differences (calculated using the July 2024 RV price) were generally positive in treated crops with <75% stress index, and most varieties under marginal and unstressed conditions also saw economic benefits. Negative gross margins observed in some crops may reflect unmeasured stressors affecting the yield response. These findings highlight the value of the strategic application of oxamyl/imidacloprid, particularly in stressed environments, and offer practical guidelines for variety selection and pest management in sandy soils.

Background: Free-range small ruminant production has gained increasing attention for its perceived benefits on animal welfare and meat quality. Despite goats ranking as the third most productive small ruminants farmed globally, little research explores how different rearing systems affect their health, behavior, muscle characteristics, and welfare. This study investigates the impact of a long-distance pasture system (LDPS) versus conventional indoor rearing in Sierra Leone.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate how free-range grazing, particularly LDPS, influences goats’ and sheep’s health, feeding behavior, muscle fiber structure, and welfare indicators, such as locomotion and behavioral patterns, in comparison to an indoor confinement system.

Methods: Twenty animals (10 goats and 10 sheep) were randomly divided into two groups: LDPS (grazing up to 200 meters within the farm) and an indoor system (IS) with regulated feeding. From May to July 10, 2025, researchers monitored health conditions, feeding habits, muscle fiber composition, and welfare indicators, including mobility and behavioral responses from 8 am to 6 pm daily.

Results: The LDPS group showed enhanced walking ability and more natural foraging behavior than their IS counterparts. Free-range goats exhibited fewer stress-related symptoms, and muscle analysis revealed fiber type variations potentially linked to meat quality. However, the IS group achieved more consistent weight gain, likely due to structured feeding.

Conclusion: Free-range systems like LDPS can improve welfare indicators, especially in goats, by encouraging natural behavior and reducing stress. Indoor systems, however, may be more effective for rapid weight gain. These findings support ongoing discourse on sustainable small ruminant farming and offer context-specific insights for improving goat and sheep rearing practices in Sierra Leone.

The increasing demand for nutrient-rich and visually appealing vegetables has driven efforts to develop innovative carrot (Daucus carota) genotypes. This study focuses on the biochemical profiling of rainbow carrots, with a specific emphasis on black with red, black-yellow, and black-orange carrots, aiming to enhance pigmentation diversity and improve nutritional value. These unique carrot varieties were screened and hybridised under open-field conditions using drip irrigation to optimise growth. The carrot genotypes were analyzed for their biochemical composition, including anthocyanins (280-420mg/100g FW), beta-carotene (3.5-7.5mg/100g FW), lycopene (0.2-4.5mg/100g FW), and lutein (2.5-6.8mg/100g FW) content. The presence of anthocyanins in the black carrots, particularly those with red (328–420 mg/100 g FW), yellow (280–310 mg/100 g FW), and orange (300–330 mg/100 g FW) pigmentation, was explored to understand the diversity in pigment profiles. Selection criteria prioritized pigment intensity, root morphology, and yield potential (18–25 t/ha, 15–20% higher than orange controls), while high-throughput nutritional profiling was used to assess the metabolic composition and nutritional enrichment of the carrots across multiple generations . Advanced lines of these black-coloured carrot varieties were evaluated for stability and adaptability across diverse growing conditions. The trials confirmed superior performance in pigmentation, root quality, and nutritional enrichment, making them viable candidates for commercial production. This study highlights the potential of black with red, black-yellow, and black-orange carrots to meet growing consumer demands for both health-promoting and aesthetically appealing vegetables, thereby contributing to market diversification and improved dietary health.

Genetic improvement of the Brahman breed is critical for increasing meat production and optimizing farming practices, thereby contributing to sustainable and efficient livestock development. This study evaluates two protocols for bovine semen cryopreservation by analysing post-thaw sperm quality using Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) technology. Six bulls, with an average age of 48.6 ± 11.5 months, were used. Two ejaculates were collected from each bull, and semen was diluted with three extenders: Andromed^®, BioXcell^®, and OptiXcell^®. The samples were equilibrated for either four or six hours and frozen using static/manual or controlled programable methods. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in sperm motility and kinematics based on the extender used. The highest sperm motility was obtained with OptiXcell^® (31.61 ± 0.61%). Semen diluted with BioXcell^® exhibited a more linear and progressive kinematic pattern, whereas Andromed^® resulted in the lowest motility and kinematic values. Bull age had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the percentage of fast and medium sperm. Bulls over 48 months showed higher progressive motility, while bulls under 48 months had higher curvilinear velocity (VCL = 80.15 ± 0.43 µm·s^-1). Cooling time did not affect motility variables (p>0.05), but significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in progressive motility variables. No differences were found in total motility rate between freezing methods, but significant differences (p<0.05) were noted in sperm kinematic variables. The findings suggest that male age, extender type, cooling time, and freezing method significantly influence post-thaw sperm quality in the Brahman breed, with implications for optimizing cryopreservation protocols.

Inga edulis Mart. (Fabaceae) is a culturally and economically important fruit tree in Ecuador, valued for its fast growth, nitrogen-fixing capacity, and large, edible pods. Despite its widespread use in traditional agroforestry systems, little is known about how cultivation practices influence its morphological and genetic diversity. In this study, we assessed fruit traits of and genetic variation in I. edulis across natural, agroforestry, and home garden populations in southern Ecuador. Trees cultivated in agroforestry systems produced significantly longer (mean = 79.3 cm) and heavier pods (mean = 0.62 g), reflecting a focus on fruit yield. However, these populations exhibited reduced genetic diversity (for instance, the mean number of alleles = 10.1). In contrast, home garden trees retained higher levels of genetic variation (the mean number of alleles = 15.2), despite producing shorter (mean = 39.3 cm) and smaller fruits (mean = 0.51 g). These findings highlight a trade-off between productivity and genetic diversity: while agroforestry promotes pod yield, home gardens function as reservoirs of intraspecific variation. Integrating both systems can enhance sustainable management, conservation, and breeding strategies, ensuring the resilience of crops under changing socio-environmental conditions.

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor remains the principal threat to honeybees worldwide. Many control measures, including the use of both soft and strong acaricides to eradicate or limit the spread of the parasite, are still very unsuccessful. Although some behavioral traits of honeybees are of great concern, understanding their mode of action is a priority. Therefore, it is necessary to put in place possible measures and outline sustainable approaches against the V. destructor. A total of 50 honeybee colonies were kept in the experimental apiary prior to evaluating their different behavioral outputs. The colony survival rate and infestation rate were determined. The results demonstrated a significant variation between the evaluated traits (hygiene, grooming, postcapping brood period, and Varroa-sensitive hygiene) and shaped it into three main categories based on hygiene and grooming. Hygienic colonies recorded low grooming activity (biting observed after more than 42 seconds) while non-hygienic colonies recorded high grooming activity (biting observed in less than 35 seconds). Colony mortality differed significantly among groups (p < 0.0001). The infestation rate differed significantly among colonies (p < 0.0001). Among the detected diseases, high levels of expression of deformed wing virus, acute bee paralysis virus, and Israeli acute paralysis virus were recorded compared to the prevalence of chronic bee paralysis virus. Though selective breeding of honeybee colonies with V. destructor immune-related traits may be hard to achieve, results have demonstrated that association of multiple traits can yield better outputs. As colonies with some behavioral traits (hygiene and grooming) showed some level of resistance, it is recommended to associate this approach with various soft chemicals and evaluate the efficacy.

This study evaluated how the aerial root maturity and different growing media influence root conversion and growth performance in Philodendron lemon lime stem cuttings. Conducted from February to April 2025 in the Department of Horticulture, Visayas State University, the research aimed to determine the most suitable root maturity level and substrate type for efficient propagation. The treatment groups included young and mature aerial roots planted in five growing media: pure coco peat, pure coco cubes, and combinations of coco peat or coco cubes with rice hull and vermicast.

Our findings showed that the aerial root maturity had no significant effect on the plant survival, root conversion rate, or overall growth. In contrast, the growing medium had a significant influence on all the measured parameters. Pure coco peat consistently supported better root development, including a higher root length gain, number of root tips, and root surface area, while pure coco cubes performed poorly, likely due to limited moisture retention.

These results highlight the importance of choosing appropriate growing media to enhance the rooting success and plant vigor in Philodendron lemon lime propagation.

Crown rot caused by Fusarium culmorum is a major fungal disease in cereal crops, particularly wheat and barley, with widespread occurrence in cereal-growing regions worldwide. Its prevalence is increasing in arid and semi-arid zones, where it leads to significant yield and quality losses, threatening food security and the economy. The objectives of this study were twofold: first, to identify a precise, rapid, and practical method for evaluating crown rot severity, and second, to assess the genetic resistance levels in a collection of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) accessions using the selected method. A total of 100 barley accessions from the GeneBank of INRA Morocco were sown and inoculated with an organic inoculum of F. culmorum in a completely randomized block with four replications. Several variables were measured, including root severity index, internode severity, total number of spikes, number of sterile spikes, plant height, dry biomass weight at flowering, and biological yield. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that internode severity and the percentage of sterile spikes are the most reliable indicators, as they reflect both the pathogen's progression within the plant and its direct impact on yield loss. Crown inoculation was also validated as a reliable screening method. Six accessions were identified as resistant and ranged from high to moderate performance levels. In addition, nine accessions were classified as tolerant, and one displayed resistance but had a low agronomic performance. These indicators and accessions provide practical tools for breeders, as they can be directly integrated into selection programs to develop barley varieties resistant or tolerant to crown rot, thereby supporting sustainable cereal production. These selected accessions represent valuable genetic material that could be used by breeders to develop varieties resistant or tolerant to crown rot caused by Fusarium culmorum.