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The present study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of methanol fraction from Cassia angustifolia leaf extract (MECA), associated with its phytochemical content, on CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity in adult rats. In the controls, CCl4 induced an increase of serum biochemical parameters and triggered oxidative stress in the liver. MECA caused significant reductions in CCl4-elevated levels of hepatic markers, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein compared to the CCl4 group. Moreover, pretreatment with the MECA produced significant reductions in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and protein carbonyl level in liver tissues as compared with the untreated group. The formation of pathological hepatic lesions was strongly prevented by MECA. Overall, this study suggests that administration of MECA has a high potential to quench free radicals and alleviate CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The inner bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is widely used as a spice. Cinnamon plants are also a valuable source of essential oil used for medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil of C. verum bark (CvEO) and its protective effects in vivo on CCl4-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats. Groups of animals were pretreated for 7 days with CvEO (70 or 100 mg/kg body weight) or received no treatment and on day 7 a single dose of CCl4 was used to induce oxidative stress. Twenty-four hours after CCl4 administration, the animals were euthanized. In the untreated group, CCl4 induced an increase in serum biochemical parameters and triggered oxidative stress in both liver and kidneys. CvEO (100 mg/kg) caused significant reductions in CCl4-elevated levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, urea, and creatinine and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein compared with the untreated group. Moreover, pretreatment with CvEO at doses of 70 and 100 mg/kg before administration of CCl4 produced significant reductions in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyl levels in liver and kidney tissues compared with the untreated group. The formation of pathological hepatic and kidney lesions induced by the administration of CCl4 was strongly prevented by CvEO at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Overall, this study suggests that administration of CvEO has high potential to quench free radicals and alleviate CCl4-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats.

Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) has a worldwide distribution and is especially prevalent in North African countries. With a mean annual surgical incidence (ASI) of CE of 12.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, Tunisia is one of the most CE endemic countries in the Mediterranean area. Tataouine governorate is considered to be the most CE hypoendemic region in Tunisia (ASI = 0.92) despite favourable socioeconomic conditions that enable maintenance of the Echinococcus granulosussensu lato (s.l.) life-cycle and a significant environmental contamination with E. granulosuss.l. eggs. The aim of this study was to assess human CE seroprevalence, prevalence of CE in food animals and environmental contamination by E. granulosus s.l. eggs in different districts of Tataouine governorate. Methods This study was conducted from January to December 2018. A total of 374 human sera samples were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against E. granulosus using a commercial ELISA kit. Specimens were also collected from animals slaughtered at the Tataouine abattoir (n = 8609) and examined for the presence of hydatid cysts; 111 hydatid cysts were genotyped. Eggs of E. granulosuss.l. were identified by PCR and DNA sequencing from dog faecal samples (n = 288). Results Serological tests showed that 8.5% of the sera samples tested were positive for E. granulosus-specific antibodies. The average prevalence of hydatidosis in livestock was 1.6%, and CE infection was more prevalent in cattle than in sheep, goats and dromedaries. The contamination rate of dog faeces by E. granulosus sensu stricto eggs varied significantly from 0 to 23.5% depending on the collection area. Molecular analyses only revealed the presence of the G1 genotype for cysts and eggs. Conclusions Based on our findings, CE is likely to be more endemic in the Tataouine governorate than previously described. Thus, to implement an effective control programme against CE, a national survey should be carried out to determine human CE prevalence in the different Tunisian governorates. Graphical Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance effect of aqueous extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (AERO) against the kidney toxicity induced by CCl4 in mice. The results showed that the renal...

28 Pags.- 1 Fig.- 3 Tabls. The definitive version is available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/lpla20/current, Recent trends in peach orchards have focused on intensification and high density plantings using different Prunus rootstock species with different vigor traits. This investigation aims to study the physiological behavior of different Prunus rootstocks in order to identify the most suitable rootstock under warm Mediterranean conditions. Field agronomic performance and foliar nutrient content of the flat peach cultivar ‘Subirana’ grafted on ten different Prunus rootstocks were studied on calcareous soil typical of the Mediterranean area. Ten rootstocks: ‘ADAGAF 04-03’, ‘AGAF 0301-04’, ‘Garnem’, ‘Krymsk® 1’, ‘Krymsk® 86’, ‘PAC 847’, ‘PADAC 04-01’, ‘PADAC 150’, ‘PM 105 AD’, and ‘Rootpac® 70’, were considered. Vegetative growth, chlorophyll SPAD index, leaf mineral status and deviation from the optimum percentage (DOP) index were determined. Leaf chlorophyll content varied depending on the rootstock. ‘PADAC 04-01’ and ‘ADAGAF 04-03’ showed higher chlorophyll index. The lowest SPAD values were observed for the most dwarfing rootstock ‘Krymsk® 1’, which showed visual chlorosis symptoms, and lower leaf mineral contents compared to the other rootstocks. Peach trees on Prunus rootstocks showed differences in leaf macronutrient and micronutrient content. ‘Rootpac® 70’, ‘ADAGAF 04-03’ and ‘PADAC 04-01’ had better adaptation under warm Tunisian conditions but high ΣDOP index. The most invigorating ‘Garnem’ had the highest imbalanced nutritional status, but continues to perform well under warm conditions. Interesting results were obtained with ‘Rootpac® 70’ showing one of the best balanced nutritional values (average ΣDOP index). However, the most dwarfing rootstock ‘Krymsk® 1’ presented the worst adaptation to the studied warm Mediterranean conditions., This research was supported by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (LR17AGR01, LR16IO02) and by the Bi-lateral Cooperation Project between Tunisia and Spain ‘Compatibilité des porte-greffes Prunus avec les espèces fruitières à noyau’ (Ref. A/5525/06) funded by the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional (AECI).

Lavandula aspic L. is a strongly aromatic shrub plant of the Lamiaceae family and traditionally used in herbal medicine for the treatment of several skin disorders, including wounds, burns, and ulcers. The present study aimed to investigate the composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of lavender essential oil. In addition, it aimed to evaluate the excision wound healing activity and antioxidant property of a Lavandula aspic L. essential oil formulated in ointment using a rat model. The rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. The test groups were topically treated with the vehicle, lavender ointment (4%) and a reference drug, while the control group was left untreated. Wound healing efficiency was determined by monitoring morphological and biochemical parameters and skin histological analysis. Wound contraction and protein synthesis were also determined. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the determination of MDA rates and antioxidant enzymes (GPx, catalase and superoxide dismutase). The treatment with lavender ointment was noted to significantly enhance wound contraction rate (98%) and protein synthesis. Overall, the results provided strong support for the effective wound healing activity of lavender ointment, making it a promising candidate for future application as a therapeutic agent in tissue repairing processes associated with skin injuries.

The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region under warm climates. Fig yield is governed by the previous crop load and is strongly dependent on shoot length. Speci...

36 Pags.- 4 Figs.- 5 Tabls. The definitive version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03044238, The agronomic performance and fruit quality traits were evaluated for ten Prunus rootstocks: Garnem, PADAC 150, PADAC 04-03, PADAC 04-01, Rootpac® 70, PM 105 AD, AGAF 0301-04, Krymsk® 1, Krymsk® 86 and PAC 847. These rootstocks were budded with ‘Subirana’ flat peach cultivar in September 2007 and planted in two adjacent plots in northern Tunisia (36°41′N, 10°15′E) on a heavy and calcareous soil typical of the Mediterranean area. Tree mortality, vegetative growth, rate of bud failure and fruit quality were assessed. Significant differences were found among rootstocks for the agronomic and fruit quality traits. Growing conditions generated varying levels of tree mortality, the highest with Krymsk® 1 rootstock. In contrast, all trees on PADAC 04-03 and PADAC 04-01 survived well. The lowest vigor was induced by Krymsk® 1 with a reduction of 90% in trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) and canopy volume as compared to Garnem. PADAC 150 also expressed a low vigor. The highest canopy volume was found on Rootpac® 70 as similarly for Garnem. The remaining rootstocks induced a medium vigor level. Trees on vigorous rootstocks as Rootpac® 70 showed the lowest rate of bud failure, while dwarfing rootstocks induced the highest buds abscission. Yield was higher for AGAF 0301-04 in 2011 and 2012 as compared to the rest of rootstocks. The highest yield efficiency was recorded on PM 105 AD and AGAF 0301-04 rootstocks. Rootpac® 70 presented the highest fruit weight and fruit diameter. The highest level of soluble solids content (SSC) was recorded on Krymsk® 1, and the lowest on Garnem, although differences were not significant when compared to the other rootstocks. The less vigorous rootstocks seem to induce a better fruit quality of peach based on fruit sugar content. This study provides information that new Prunus rootstocks for peach can lead to a better agronomic performance than Garnem, mainly in vigor and in productive parameters. The peach-plum hybrid PADAC 04-03 induced good yield, with large fruit size and acceptable efficiency with significant smaller trees than Garnem., This research was partially supported by the Bi-lateral Cooperation Project between Tunisia and Spain ‘Compatibilité des portes greffes Prunus avec les espèces fruitières à noyau’ (Ref. A/5525/06) and funded by the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional (AECI).

Levels of the oxidative stress-related minerals selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) that should be supplied in microdiets for marine fish larvae depend on the availability of the molecular form of these minerals. The objective of this study was to determine how effectively Se, Zn and Mn in organic, inorganic and nanoparticle forms promote larval performance and bone development. Microdiets supplemented with Se, Zn and Mn were fed for 24 days to 20 dah seabream larvae. Microdiets without Se, Zn and Mn supplementation were associated with poor growth, low bone mineralization and a high incidence of anomalies in the branchial arches. Including Zn, Mn and Se in an amino acid chelate organic form promoted maximum larval growth, increased body lipid reserves, enhanced early mineralization and prevented branchial arches anomalies. In contrast, feeding with inorganic forms of these minerals was less effective than organic minerals in improving larval weight or bone mineralization in comparison to the non-supplemented diet. Moreover, the larvae were less resistant to stress, and fish showed higher bone anomalies in the pre-hemal region. Adding Zn, Mn and Se in the form of nanometals did not enhance growth, but improved stress resistance and bone mineralization. The study showed the need to supplement seabream with early weaning diets based on squid meal and krill oil with one or more of the antioxidant minerals, to promote larval growth, bone mineralization and prevention of skeleton anomalies, organic minerals being more effective than inorganic forms and nanometals in promoting mineralization and stress resistance.

Introduction. Recent management trends in almond orchards have focused on intensification and high-density plantings using Prunus rootstock cultivars with different vigor traits. This investigation aims to prospect precocious detection of adequate scion-rootstock combination for almond. Materials and methods. Five almond cultivars (‘Tuono’, ‘Lauranne’, ‘Soleta’, ‘Belona’ and ‘Guara’) grafted on three peach and plum based rootstocks of different degrees of vigor (‘Garnem’, ‘Rootpac-40’ and ‘Rootpac-20’) were trained in super high-density planting in an experimental orchard. Tree vigor, tree water status, leaf chlorophyll content and quantum yield of photosynthesis system II (PSII) were monitored over two budding seasons. Results and discussion. ‘Garnem’ and ‘Rootpac-40’ were respectively the most and the medium vigorous rootstocks and induced the best tree water status, chlorophyll content and quantum yield of PSII for the tested almond cultivars. Scions grafted on ‘Garnem’ had the highest values of trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), and almond scions were higher on ‘Garnem’, intermediate on ‘Rootpac-40’ and lower on ‘Rootpac-20’. Scions grafted on ‘Rootpac-20’ seemed to be the most dwarf phenotype. Moreover, ‘Rootpac-20’ performed the lowest values of stem water potential and showed various visual symptoms of chlorosis. Conclusion. Overall, ‘Rootpac-40’ exhibited a medium capacity to control tree vigor and well adapted to Mediterranean soil conditions.

Productivity of peach cultivars with different ripening seasons was studied under the growers’ conventional conditions of Tunisia. Experiments were performed in northern Tunisia (36° 41ʹ N, 10° 15ʹ E). Performances of Flordastar, Royal Glory, and Carnival as respectively early, mid-season, and late ripening cultivars were evaluated under the grower’s conventional irrigation programs. Fruit growth, yield, water supply, and water productivity were determined through four years. For the three cultivars, Flordastar, Royal Glory, and Carnival, fruit maturity was achieved at 650, 1100, and 2200 GDD, respectively. Average yields were 17.4, 29.8, and 41.1 t ha–1 and mean values of water productivity were 1.9, 3.1, and 3.6 kg fresh yield m–3 for early, mid-season, and late cultivars, respectively. Results of agronomic performances evaluation at the farm scale provided a reference on the behavior of early, mid-season, and late cultivars of peach in irrigated orchards in semi-arid conditions.

It is approved that the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus has an important insecticidal activity against pests grain stock. This study is interested in ensuring the terpenic compounds with the insecticidal activity on a Tunisian clay support. The aim of this study has developed an insecticide formulation without any negative impact on the environment.

Currently, the larviculture of many marine fish species with small-sized larvae depends for a short time after hatching, on the supply of high-quality live zooplankton to ensure high survival and growth rates. During the last few decades, the research community has made great efforts to develop artificial diets, which can completely substitute live prey. However, studies aimed at determining optimal levels of minerals in marine larvae compound feeds and the potential of novel delivery vectors for mineral acquisition has only very recently begun. Recently, the agro-food industry has developed several nano-delivery systems, which could be used for animal feed, too. Delivery through nano-encapsulation of minerals and feed additives would protect the bioactive molecules during feed manufacturing and fish feeding and allow an efficient acquisition of active substances into biological system. The idea is that dietary minerals in the form of nanoparticles may enter cells more easily than their larger counterparts enter and thus speed up their assimilation in fish. Accordingly, we evaluated the efficacy of early weaning diets fortified with organic, inorganic, or nanoparticle forms of trace minerals (Se, Zn, and Mn) in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) larvae. We tested four experimental diets: a trace mineral-deficient control diet, and three diets supplemented with different forms of trace minerals. At the end of the feeding trial, larvae growth performance and ossification, and the level of expression of six target genes (SLC11A2β, dmt1, BMP2, OC, SOD, GPX), were evaluated. Our data demonstrated that weaning diets supplemented with Mn, Se, and Zn in amino acid-chelated (organic) or nanoparticle form were more effective than diets supplemented with inorganic form of minerals to promote bone mineralization, and prevent skeletal anomalies in seabream larvae. Furthermore, nanometals markedly improved larval stress resistance in comparison to inorganic minerals and upregulated mRNA copy number of OC gene. The expression of this gene was strongly correlated with mineralization degree, thus confirming its potency as a good marker of bone mineralization in gilthead seabream larvae.

Phlebotomus perniciosus is one of the major vectors of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this work was (i) to provide information about abundance and temporal dynamics of this Larroussius species in a hot spot area of visceral leishmaniasis in Tunisia, (ii) to detect L. infantum DNA in wild caught female sandflies and (iii) to measure Phlebotomus perniciosus infection rate throughout the active season. Sandflies were collected monthly during one year using CDC miniature light-traps in house and in animal shelters. Male specimens were identified at species level according to morphological characters. Female specimens were conserved individually for molecular study. Leishmania infection was tested by kinetoplast DNA real-time PCR and ITS-1 PCR-sequencing. Subsequent sandfly species identification of infected specimens was done by mitochondrial cytochrome b sequencing. In one year period, overall 4,441 specimens (2230 males and 2211 females) were collected. Sandfly activity started in end-April and ended in early-November. Mean sandfly density in house was significantly lower than in animal shelters (51 ± 50 versus 504 ± 460 sandflies /CDC night, p

The transmission of Leishmania tropica (Wright) (Protozoa: Sarcomastigophora: Trypanosomatidae) was studied in a historic focus of the cutaneous leishmaniasis disease in southeast Tunisia....

Climate changes are expected to have a great and negative impact on agriculture in Mediterranean region. In this region, olive industry plays a key role at regional and national level as in Tunisia. With expected increasing temperature, the impact of climate change on the phonological behavior of the olive cultivars was evaluated in the main production region in central Tunisia (34°56′08″N, 10°36′54″E) during 2005–2015.The relationships between the budburst and flowering dates and climatic variations were investigated for the main local (Chemlali, Chemchali, Oueslati and Chetoui) and foreign (Koroneiki and Arbequina) olive cultivars to state their adaptability to warm area climate. Chilling was computed as chill portions (CP) from October to budburst using Dynamic Model, whereas heat accumulation was quantified as growing degree hours (GDH) from budburst to the beginning of flowering. As a result, variable budburst and flowering dates of olive cultivars were obtained related to the climatic conditions occurring each year. ‘Chemlali’ and ‘Arbequina’ seemed to be the precocious cultivars with an average budburst date of DOY-71 (March-12), whereas ‘Chemchali’ and ‘Koroneiki’ were the most late with an average budburst dates of DOY-80 and DOY-81 (March21-22). The beginning of flowering occurred from DOY-93 (3-April) to DOY-126 (6-May), where ‘Chemchali’ seemed, also, to be the latest one. Winter chill impacted significantly olive flowering with a positive correlation between flowering date and chill accumulation. A tendency for advancing flowering of local and foreign olive cultivars occurred subsequent a lack of winter chill. Trends for increasing heat accumulation with increasing chilling were observed in exponential manner to achieve flowering of olive cultivars. Moreover, winter temperature, appeared to be one of the most important variables in determining flowering time of olive cultivars mainly when quarterly and monthly mean temperatures were considered. In conclusion, this investigation is the first database concerning olive cultivars originated from different geographical areas and grown in a warm area. It revealed that olive cultivars behaved differently with contrasting chilling and heat accumulations and in years with extreme climatic conditions. It will be more interesting to consider the important genetic diversity of olive tree to mitigate the harmful effect of increasing temperature in the future.

Biological effects of contrasting chill accumulation on scion-rootstock combinations of peach were investigated using field observations during 2006–2010. Early and mid-season ripening peach cultivars (Early May Crest and Royal Glory, respectively) grafted on GF677 and Cadaman rootstocks were monitored over a five year period in the region of Mornag in northern Tunisia (36°41′N, 10°15′E). Flowering date, flowering duration and double fruits rate were observed over the entire experimental period. The phenological behavior, expressed as fruit set and flower buds abscission, was also surveyed. At harvest, yield, fruit size and number of commercial fruits were determined. Trends of chilling accumulation were characterized over twenty years using two chilling hours models (0–7.2 °C model, CH and Crossa-Raynaud model, CH CR ), Utah and Dynamic models. Correlations among chilling models showed that the Dynamic model is more appropriate to estimate chilling accumulation in our warm production area. Climatic conditions during the five experimental years were variable, with chill accumulation in the range 127–421 CH, 82–294 CH CR , 298–860 chill units (CU) and 19–50 chilling portions (CP). Exceptionally warm conditions were observed in winter 2006–2007 and 2009–2010 with significant drop of chill accumulation to levels less than 50% of average chill accumulation. Flowering and fruiting of both early and mid-season maturing commercial cultivars were affected by chill accumulation variability. Warmer winter delayed flowering, extended flowering duration, increased bud abscission and affected fruit set. A chill accumulation less than threshold values of 25 CP, 200 CH, 100 CH CR , and 350 CU resulted in substantial decrease of yield and fruit quality. Cultivar responses to chilling conditions in term of flowering date and yield seemed to be rootstocks dependant. Adoption of appropriate scion-rootstock combination and cultural practices based on chill accumulation could be used in peach industry as means to adapt to increasing frequency of warm winters.

Fruit trees need to store reserves to allow their survival during winter and for bud flush and leaf growth in the following spring. The current study investigated the effects of alternate bearing and flower buds removal on seasonal starch storage and mobilization in leaves, current shoot and one-year-old wood of fruiting and non-fruiting branches of ‘Mateur’ pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) trees in arid land. Four treatments were applied; T0: untreated trees, T1: removal of all flower buds for one year, T2: removal of all flower buds for two successive years and T3: removal of 50% of flower buds for each year. Annual starch storage and mobilization in fruiting and non-fruiting branches of pistachio trees appeared to be driven by crop load, nut development stage and carbohydrate demands. Starch concentrations in leaves, current shoot and one-year-old wood increased slightly in non-fruiting than in fruiting branches of pistachio. In ‘on’ trees (T0 and T3), one-year-old wood starch increased after the initial growth flush, but is mobilized during kernel fill and continued to decrease after nut harvest. Starch mobilization from current shoots of ‘on’ trees during the high demand period of stage III corresponded to the period of flower bud abscission. These results suggested that branch wood starch concentrations represent the overall balance between source and sinks. Subsequent flower buds removal (T1 and T2), leaves accumulated starch during the first and the third stage of nut growth, whereas, gradually increase of starch concentration occurred over the growing season for the current shoots and one-year-old wood. Starch deficiency in current shoots of ‘on’ trees could be responsible for bud drop and finally for alternate bearing. The yield patterns of pistachio trees cv. Mateur have not shown real evidence of alternate bearing in the experimental site. Flower buds removal (T1 and T2) allowed pistachio trees to achieve higher yield potential, while, these two treatments performed the lowest cumulated yield. Removal of 50% of flower buds (T3) did not cause a significant change in yield, compared to untreated trees, in each of the first three years, as well as in the total yield accumulation. When focusing on 2008, this treatment caused a significant increase in yield, compared to other treatments including the control. Current shoot starch status was also higher in 2008 in the 50% fruit removal treatment. If we isolate and focus on the results obtained in 2008, it appears that this treatment can cause more stable yields, possibly through an increase in current shoot starch content. Consequently, under severe climatic conditions of arid land, the annual pruning could be applied to equilibrate flower buds number and to improve the tree starch status.

Key message After applying disbudding treatments, removal of fifty percent of flower bud each year improves dry matter accumulation in fruiting and non-fruiting branches of pistachio trees, which could minimize alternate bearing.

Adequate choice of variety, rootstock and irrigation techniques could be, together, sources of improvement of water use. A field experiment was carried out in northern Tunisia on two drip irrigated peach varieties grafted on two rootstocks. Two deficit levels, mild DI1 and severe DI2, were applied. Phenological survey allowed determination of the crop growth stages: initial, development, mid- and late-season. The average lengths of these crop stages were 32, 43, 49 and 136 days for early variety and 33, 49, 63, and 105 days for mid-season variety, respectively. Mean value of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for the four growth stages was respectively 31, 115, 211 and 420 mm for early variety and 40, 128, 311 and 300 mm for mid-season variety. ETc was restricted with low ground cover to 25, 85, 150 and 280 mm. Tree development, yield and water needs were affected by water status, rootstock and climatic conditions. Threshold values of Ψstem of −1.5 and −2.0 MPa could be considered for mild and severe deficit irrigation. The water use of the soil water seemed to be more efficient with vigorous rootstock under mild deficit. Under extreme watering conditions, rootstock effects were negligible. Lack of chilling affected tree growth inducing reduced water requirements.

SUMMARYClimate change characterized by global warming is expected to have an incidence on fruit trees’ development and production. The severity of these effects depends on lack of chilling. The current study focused on the research of an optimal dose of hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex®) treatment which can advance the bud break of female pistachio trees (Pistacia veraL.) to ensure better blooming synchronization with pollinators. A field experiment was conducted in northern Tunisia (36°49′N, 9°48′E) on mature pistachio trees. Two hydrogen cyanamide treatments at 2% and 4% Dormex® were applied with reference to the control untreated trees. The flowering time, vegetative growth, starch content, productivity and nut characters were followed. Results show that 4% Dormex® advanced the normal bud break by 15 days and flowering by 11 days and improved natural pollination by synchronization of male and female flowers. Consequently, fresh yield and nut quality as split and blank rates and nut weight were improved. However, shoot growth, leaf area and starch content in current shoot seemed unaffected by hydrogen cyanamide applications. In conclusion, hydrogen cyanamide could be used as 4% Dormex® and sprayed 45 days before bud break to improve pistachio productivity and prevent anomalies of lack of chilling due to global warming that could be more frequent in the Mediterranean areas.

a b s t r a c t Pistachios (Pistacia vera L.) are widely grown in the arid rainfed areas of Tunisia. However, pistachio production is still low with important variation between years. This study investigated the responses of pistachio trees to variable winter chilling and annual precipitation. It was carried out in an experimental orchard of Mateur, the most important Tunisian cultivar in central Tunisia (34◦94� 11�� , 10◦60� 82�� ) for a period of twelve years from 1997 to 2008. Yield correlated poorly with precipitation (varying on the range of 80-300 mm/year during the 12 years) and showed a moderate alternate bearing index of 0.63. However, flowering and nut yield of pistachio trees was a function of chill accumulation computed as chilling hours (CH), chill units (CU) or chilling portions (CP) depending on using Crossa-Raynaud, Utah or Dynamic models, respectively. For Mateur cultivar, the threshold chilling accumulation appeared to be 206 CH, 539 CU or 36 CP depending on the model used. Under this level, pistachio production was clearly affected. Warm winters with low chilling caused erratic floral bud break, delayed flowering, sparse foliage and decreased yield. With inadequate winter chilling, chemical treatments with hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) at 2 and 4% increased floral bud break, advanced flowering period and improved vegetative growth of pistachio trees in comparison to the untreated control. As a conclusion, better prediction of chill accumulation must be achieved in the warm production region of Tunisia. To that effect, the Dynamic model showed the lowest coefficient of variation compared to the chilling hours and Utah models and seemed to better reflect what is happening on the field under our warm winter regions. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Woody perennial species from temperate regions fall dormant during the cold winter season to avoid unfavourable conditions. To break out of dormancy and eventually flower, they must fulfil cultivar-specific chilling and heat requirements. Phenology analysis can clarify the climatic requirements of tree cultivars and thus provide critical information to ensure the future viability of orchards in warm growing regions, where warmer winters are expected as a result of climate change. We used Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression to correlate first bloom dates of 4 local and 3 foreign pistachio ( Pistacia vera L.) cultivars with daily chill and heat accumulation (quantified with the Dynamic Model and Growing Degree Hours Model, respectively) for 18-year records (1997–2016) from Sfax, Tunisia. PLS outputs allowed delineation of the chilling phase, during which high chill accumulation was correlated to early bloom, and the forcing phase, when this was true for high heat accumulation. Both phases showed discontinuities. During September and October, high heat accumulation appeared to first have a bloom-delaying effect, followed by a bloom-advancing effect, indicating that temperature during dormancy induction may affect bloom dates. Chilling requirements were estimated between 32.1 ± 2.3 and 33.3 ± 2.2 Chill Portions and heat requirements between 9974 ± 198 and 12,738 ± 235 Growing Degree Hours. This study revealed limitations of the Dynamic Model, which is often considered the most accurate among commonly used models, in the warm Tunisian climate. High temperatures during the chilling phase had a significant bloom-delaying effect on all pistachio cultivars. Low chill accumulation was related to very low yields and associated with zero production in 1995, 2001 and 2007. Low flowering percentage, high bud fall percentage, long and inhomogeneous bloom, and co-occurrence of several phenological stages on the same branch were symptoms of lack of chill in 2016.

From 2009 to 2010, 3129 sandflies were caught in CDC light traps placed in various habitats in Ghomrassen, Tataouine governorate, southeast Tunisia, a mixed focus of human cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major. Species diversity was quantified in anthropogenic, semi-anthropogenic and semi-natural locations. Sandflies were identified according to morphological characters and also by the comparative sequence analysis of a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to distinguish between two putative local vectors of L. tropica, namely Phlebotomus chabaudi and Phlebotomus riouxi. The lowest sandfly diversities were found in L. major sites, where the incriminated vector P. papatasi predominated in the burrows of the rodent reservoir hosts (Meriones) as well as inside and outside houses of human cases. In L. tropica sites, the incriminated peri-domestic vector Phlebotomus sergenti was the most abundant species inside houses, whereas P. riouxi or P. chabaudi was the dominant species in the semi-natural rocky habitats favoured by the putative rodent reservoir, Ctenodactylus gundi. All specimens of P. chabaudi identified molecularly had the diagnostic cytochrome b characters of P. riouxi, indicating either that the latter represents only a geographical variant of P. chabaudi or that these two species may sometimes hybridize.

Pistachio germoplasm cultivated in traditional areas of Tunisia presented an interesting genetic diversity. The study was conducted to assess desirable biochemical characteristics from the rich local germoplasm in pistachio ecotypes. Kernel samples of the widely cultivated Mateur cultivar and 89 ecotypes from Sfax and El Guetar localities were collected during 2 years. Oil content and fatty acid composition were assessed. Fat content and fatty acid composition differed significantly among local ecotypes. The mean fat content of pistachio ecotypes ranged from 56 to 78%. Palmitic acid content varied between 7.1 and 12.9%. In addition, stearic acid was found as a minor saturated fatty acid in pistachio kernels; levels varied from 0.7 to 2.8%. Oleic acid content ranged from 56.1 to 80.7% with a significant difference over the different ecotypes. Linoleic acid varied between 8.2 and 29.7%. Mateur cultivar showed slight variations of fat content and fatty acid composition in the localities investigated. Certain ecotypes, such as Loby7 (fat content 78.5%), Sridique1 (80% Oleic, 9% linoleic), Ibala3 (76.8% oleic, 9.5% linoleic) from Sfax, and EPE2 (80% oleic, 8.2% linoleic), BMS3 (79.4% oleic, 9% linoleic), HAB3 (78.6% oleic, 9.9% linoleic), AMMS4 (78% oleic, 11.2% linoleic), and ABT2 (76.8% oleic, 12.1 linoleic) from El Guetar oasis, were distinguished by the interesting oil quality compared with Mateur and foreign cultivars. These results offer opportunities for further genetic improvement of pistachio oil quality.

Kombucha (KT) is claimed to have various beneficial effects on human health, but there is very little scientific evidence available in the literature.The present study investigates the effects of Camellia sinensis (GT) Linn. (Theaceae) and KT, two natural drinks, on cholesterol and antioxidant status using a hypercholesterolemia rat model.The present study compared the free-radical scavenging abilities and polyphenol levels of GT and KT. Wistar rats fed cholesterol-rich diets were given KT or GT (5 mL/kg body weight per day, po) for 16 weeks, then fasted overnight and sacrificed. The plasma lipid levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) serum levels, antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and creatinine and urea rats were examined.KT had a phenolic compound of 955 ± 0.75 mg GAE/g) followed, by GT (788.92 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g). The free radical scavenging activity of KT was higher than GT. Compared with GT, KT induced lowered serum levels of TC, TG, VLDL-C, and LDL-C by 26, 27, 28, and 36%, respectively, and increased the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). KT induced a 55% decrease of TBARS level in liver and 44% in kidney, compared with those of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet alone. Moreover, CAT and SOD activities were reduced by 29 and 33%, respectively, in liver and 31 and 35%, respectively, in kidney, after oral administration of KT, compared with those of HCD-fed rats.The findings revealed that KT administration induced attractive curative effects on hypercholesterolemic, particularly in terms of liver-kidney functions in rats. Its effect on humans needs to be studied further.

International audience; Twenty cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases were notified from December 2001 to February 2002, in a small village in the district of Oueslatia (governorate of Kairouan, central Tunisia) which is an endemic focus of infantile visceral leishmaniasis due to Leishmania (L.) infantum and that hod never been concerned previously by CL. The parasite typing of two isolates obtained from two children that have never left the region has identified L. killicki. This species hod only been reported previously in a limited focus of Tunisian Southeast. In October 2002, an epidemiological survey with isoenzym characterization of the parasite led in a well-known focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis of South-West Tunisia also revealed the presence of L. killicki. These results suggest the spread of this species and stress the need of further investigations for a better control of CL in Tunisia.

6 Pags.- 3 Tabls.- 2 Figs. From: Proceedings VIIIth Intl. Peach Symposium, Performance of fruit species from Prunus is highly dependent on rootstock. This study focused on evaluating the field performance of several Prunus rootstocks in the main fruit irrigated production area in Tunisia. Nine new rootstocks: PADAC 150 AD, PADAC 04-03, PADAC 04-01, ROOTPAC 70, PAC 941, AP1, Krymsk-1, PAC 0301-04 and PM 105 AD were tested of comparison to the most widely used rootstock (Garnem). The performance of a flat nectarine variety ‘Subirana’ budded onto these rootstocks was evaluated. Phenological stages, rate of bud failure, vegetative growth and chlorophyll index were monitored. The results of the evaluated Prunus rootstocks revealed contrasting effects on the nectarine variety depending on the vigor of the rootstocks. The PADAC 04-03 induced an important vigor identical to that of trees on Garnem, whereas Krymsk-1 produced the lowest tree vigor. Krymsk-1 and PAC 941 induced an early development of floral buds, while the other rootstocks delayed flowering by few days. The nectarine variety ‘Subirana’ showed SPAD chlorophyll index values above the threshold with all rootstocks, which seems to have good nitrogen nutrition. PAC 0301-04 and Garnem obtained the highest yields.

International audience; Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) riouxi Depaquit, Léger & Killick-Kendrick (Diptera: Psychodidae) was described as a typological species based on a few morphological characters distinguishing it from Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) chabaudi Croset, Abonnenc & Rioux. The naming of P. riouxi coincided with its incrimination as a rural vector of Leishmania tropica Wright (junior synonym: Leishmania killicki Rioux, Lanotte & Pratlong) in Tataouine governorate, an arid region of southern Tunisia. The current report finds insufficient evidence to incriminate either phlebotomine sandfly as a vector of L. tropica in North Africa. Phlebotomus riouxi was found not to have the characteristics of a phylogenetic or biological species, and therefore it is synonymized with P. chabaudi. Both taxa were recorded together for the first time in Tunisia, in Tataouine, where three of 12 males showed intermediate morphology and both sexes of each taxon were not characterized by specific lineages of the nuclear gene elongation factor-1α or the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b, for which a long 3' terminal fragment is recommended for phlebotomine phylogenetics. This case study indicates that the eco-epidemiology of leishmaniasis should focus more on identifying key components of vectorial transmission that are susceptible to interventions for disease control, rather than on defining sibling species of vectors.

OBJECTIVE Vitamin D 3 (D 3 ) is not active but must be hydroxylated at C-25 in liver before acquiring its hormonal potential in the kidney. The sterol-27 hydroxylase (gene symbol: CYP27A) catalyses the oxidation of sterol side chain in bile acid synthesis but the enzyme is also known as a D 3 -25 hydroxylase. DESIGN The study examined the expression of the gene encoding CYP27A in adult and fetal human livers and kidneys. SUBJECTS Thirty-nine adults (18 men and 21 women; mean age 58 years in men and 57 years in women) and three normal fetuses gestational age 17-19 weeks were studied. MEASUREMENTS Tissue CYP27A mRNA and serum 250HD concentrations were measured. RESULTS Normal specimens: CYP27A transcript was found to be higher In adult than in fetal livers but its expression was similar in adult and fetal kidneys. In fetuses, no difference was observed between CYP27A levels in livers and kidneys. In adult livers CYP27A levels were higher in women than in men. Hepatic CYP27A mRNA and serum 250HD concentrations were both found to be higher in summer than in winter. Multiple linear regression analyses indicate that the season of the year and the serum 250HD concentrations (but not 1,25(OH) 2 D concentrations) are the best predictors of CYP27A mRNA abundance in normal adult livers. In situ hybridization illustrates a clear label in hepatocytes which increases in intensity in the perivenous region of the hepatic acinus. Pathological specimens: In one man with an hepatic carcinoma there was a very large increase in CYP27A (> 1000 fold) compared to the level found in the normal liver. In that patient, serum 250HD concentrations were found to be high considering the level of CYP27A mRNA in the normal hepatic area suggesting that the neoplastic tissue contributed to the C-25 hydroxylation of vitamin D. Specimens obtained from two patients suffering from focal hepatic hyperplasia indicate that in one case the level of CYP27A mRNA was twice as high in the pathological than in the normal area while in the other its levels were similar in both areas. No difference in the CYP27A transcript was observed between specimens obtained from normal areas and those obtained form either an hepatic adenoma or from two intrahepatic colonic metastases. CONCLUSIONS CYP27A is present not only in the human adult liver but also in the adult kidney, and in the fetal liver and kidney. Our findings illustrate that CYP27A can be significantly upregulated in certain pathological situations such as in hepatic carcinoma and that the neoplastic tissue could contribute to the circulating concentration of 250HD.

Besides hop, Hop stunt viroid (HpSVd) infects many woody species including grapevine, citrus, peach, plum, apricot, almond, pomegranate, mulberry and jujube. Here, we report the first detection of HpSVd in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.). Samples corresponding to 16 pistachio cultivars were obtained from a nearby almond collection. From these samples, low molecular weight RNAs were extracted for double polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, northern-blot analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays. HpSVd was detected in 4 of the 16 pistachio cultivars in the first year and in 6 in the second, being also detected in the almond collection. Examination of the nucleotide sequences of pistachio and almond isolates revealed 13 new sequence variants. Sequences from pistachio shared 92–96 % similarity with the first reported HpSVd sequence (GenBank X00009), and multiple alignment and phylogenetic analyses showed that one pistachio isolate (HpSVdPis67Jabari) clustered with the plum group, whereas all the others clustered with the hop, and the recombinants plum-citrus and plum-Hop/cit3 groups. By identifying pistachio as a new natural host, we confirm that HpSVd is an ubiquitous and genetically variable viroid that infects many different fruit trees cultivated worldwide.

International audience; Multi-locus microsatellite typing (MLMT) has been employed to infer the population structure of Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) (Diptera: Psychodidae) sandflies and assign individuals to populations. Phlebotomus papatasi sandflies were collected from 35 sites in 15 countries. A total of 188 P. papatasi individuals were typed using five microsatellite loci, resulting in 113 different genotypes. Unique microsatellite signatures were observed for some of the populations analysed. Comparable results were obtained when the data were analysed with Bayesian model and distance-based methods. Bayesian statistic-based analyses split the dataset into two distinct genetic clusters, A and B, with further substructuring within each. Population A consisted of five subpopulations representing large numbers of alleles that were correlated with the geographical origins of the sandflies. Cluster B comprised individuals collected in the Middle East and the northern Mediterranean area. The subpopulations B1 and B2 did not, however, show any further correlation to geographical origin. The genetic differentiation between subpopulations was supported by F statistics showing statistically significant (Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.005) values of 0.221 between B2 and B1 and 0.816 between A5 and A4. Identification of the genetic structure of P. papatasi populations is important for understanding the patterns of dispersal of this species and to developing strategies for sandfly control.

International audience; In order to identify the phlebotomine sandfly populations in Tunisian leishmaniosis foci, an entomological survey was carried out through three entomological seasons (2002-2003-2004) in 19 visceral and cutaneous leishmaniosis areas, located in six bioclimatic zones. Sandfly collections were based on light and sticky traps placed around human leishmaniosis cases. 8,722 phlebotomine sandflies belonging to 12 species were collected. The dominance of subgenus Lorroussius species in northern foci, Phlebotomus papatasi in south-western foci and their co-dominance in the centre of the country is in accordance with the distribution of Leishmania infantum and L. major in Tunisia. The low density found in the historical zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniosis focus of Metlaoui in the south-west may indicate the high competence of the local populations. Studied phlebotomine settlements have showed a low specific diversity in most of the studied sites. In L. infantum areas, the dominant species were respectively: P. perfiliewi in the cutaneous leishmaniosis site of the humid bioclimatic stage, P. perniciosus in the cutaneous and visceral leishmaniosis foci of semi-arid and and bioclimatic stages and P. longicuspis in the visceral lershmaniosis focus of Saharan bioclimate. In the zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniosis foci, P. papatosi was a dominant species. In the well-known southeastern foci of cutaneous leishmaniosis due to L. killicki, P. sergenti was a dominant species with P. perniciosus. In the central emerging foci of L. killicki, P. pemiciosus was a dominant species in some sites whereas it was very rare in others. In these sites, the subgenus Paraphlebotomus was always present with a higher abundance of P. alexandri than P. sergenti.

The epidemiological situation of leishmaniasis in Tunisia is characterised by the co-existence in a very limited territory (165,000 km2, Sahara included), of 4 clinical forms: the infantile visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and 3 cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) forms (sporadic, zoonotic and chronic). In addition to the useful epidemiological data, identification of the causative parasitic species is essential to determine the geographic distribution of each form and to select appropriate therapeutic procedure and suitable control measures. 226 Leishmania isolates, 135 human's coming from 59 VL cases and 76 CL cases and 91 canine's were identified by the isoenzyme electrophoresis reference technique. Results confirm the endemicity of the 4 forms mentioned above. The sporadic CL, confined to the North of the country is principally caused by L. infantum MON-24 (72.2%). VL which has reached the southern ridge in the central area of Tunisia, in the governorate of Kairouan (36 typed isolates), presents an unusual high proportion of L. infantum MON-24. In fact, this zymodeme, rather dermotropic is responsible for 47.2% of the cases vs 13% in the other regions of the country where L. infantum MON-1 remains predominant with 78.3% of typed isolates, the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.01). A third zymodeme, L. infantum MON-80 is sporadically pointed out during VL or in sporadic CL. Despite the high number of canine isolates (n=91) coming from 6 governorates, only the zymodeme L. infantum MON-1 was identified, letting hypothetic the reservoir of the 2 other zymodemes of the species identified in humans. Those absences may be related to cross infections, with a low sensitivity to L. infantum MON-24 leading to a selection of MON-1 at the time of culture passages. Hence it is important to develop molecular tools of direct identification on initial biological samples without going through cultures. Zoonotic CL remains the predominant cutaneous form in the central and southern area of Tunisia. However L. killicki, agent of the chronic CL, is confirming its presence out of its original focus of Tataouine in the southern-east of the country in both zoonotic CL and VL areas.