Genome-wide footprints in the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) unveil a new domestication pattern of fruit trees in the Mediterranean

Intense research efforts on phylogeography over the last two decades uncovered major biogeographical trends and renewed our understandings of plant domestication in the Mediterranean. We aim to investigate the evolutionary history and the origin of domestication of the carob tree that has been cultivated for millennia for food and fodder. We used >1000 microsatellite genotypes to identify carob evolutionary units (CEUs) based on genetic diversity structure and geography. We investigated genome-wide diversity and evolutionary patterns of the CEUs with 3557 SNPs generated by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). The 56 populations sampled across the Mediterranean basin, classified as natural, semi-natural or cultivated, were examined. Although, RADseq data are consistent with previous studies identifying a strong West-to-East genetic structure and considerable admixture in some geographic parts, we reconstructed a new phylogeographic scenario with two migration routes occurring from a single refugium likely located in South-Western Morocco. Our results do not favour the regionally bound or single origin of domestication. Indeed, our findings support a cultivation model of locally selected wild genotypes, albeit punctuated by long-distance westward dispersals of domesticated varieties by humans, concomitant with major cultural waves by Romans and Arabs in the regions of dispersal. Ex-situ efforts to preserve carob genetic resources should prioritize accessions from both western and eastern populations, with emphasis on the most differentiated CEUs situated in South-Western Morocco, South Spain and Eastern Mediterranean. Our study underscores the relevance of natural and seminatural habitats of Mediterranean forests and their refugia in the conservation efforts of tree crops.

Impact of Climate Change on the Argan Biosphere Reserve (ABR) in Morocco

This paper explores the effect of climate change on the regression of the Argan tree (Argania spinosa L. Skeels) woodland, focusing on the Argan Biosphere Reserve and especially in the Souss plain (Western Morocco). Rainfall and temperature data of four sites within the Argan Biosphere Reserve were analyzed over the last 60 years to assess any climatic change. Regression curves applied to the dataset showed an important decrease in rainfall (18 to 26 %) in the four locations as well as an increase in temperature (1 to 2 °C). These changes may have a detrimental effect on the Argan woodland although human factors have been reported to be the main factor of its regression. It can therefore be concluded that the reduction in rainfall and the increase in temperature should now be considered as factors of Argan woodland regression.

Toxicological analysis of acute pesticides poisoning among Moroccan population

The aim of this study is to evaluate the importance of toxicological analysis in acute intoxications by pesticides through the experience of the laboratory of the Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Center of Morocco (CAPM). This is a retrospective study from January 2014 to September 2020, concerning suspected pesticides poisoning cases. The cholinesterase activity was measured in whole blood and the chromatographic analyzes (GC-MS and LC-MS-MS) were conducted in blood, urine and gastric lavage fluid. In this study, 398 tests were involved. The median age of the patients was 14 with an interquartile range of [4-26 years]. The sex ratio (F / M) was 1.5. The requests were from the region of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra in 82.8% of cases (north-western Morocco). The cholinesterase activity measurement was performed for 295 patients with low values in 3.7% of cases. The toxicological screening by GC-MS and LC-MS-MS detected the pesticide responsible of poisoning in 62 cases as insecticides in 38% of cases, redenticides (33% of cases) and herbicides (5% of cases). Toxicological analysis plays an essential role in the diagnosis and the management of acute pesticides poisoning. Interpretation of results is carried over by analyst with close cooperation with clinical toxicologist.

A New Species of Terellia (Diptera, Tephritidae) from Morocco

Terellia ptilostemi sp. n., a previously unknown peculiar species of the genus Terellia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 is described based on the holotype and a large series of paratypes reared from Ptilostemon rhiphaeus (Pau & Font Quer) Greuter (Asteraceae, Cardueae) in Tetouan and Chefchaouen Provinces of Western Morocco. The new species has the phallus glans typical for species of the Terellia serratulae group, but has an extremely uncommon wing pattern of four black crossbands, whereas the other species of the group have entirely hyaline or slightly infuscated wings.