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Taro and new cocoyam are root and leaf crops commonly grown in tropical to warm temperate regions. In Togo, they are neglected and underutilised. Here we report the genetic diversity of 26 accessions of taro and 101 accessions of new cocoyam. Analysis of simple sequence repeats revealed low polymorphic information content of 0.43 and 0.25 in taro and new cocoyam, respectively. PCA scatterplots and Neighbour Joining dendrograms based on the SSR data clustered accessions into groups that more-or-less correspond to morphological diversity in both species. AMOVA within and between morphological groups revealed greater variances within groups than between. This indicates weak genetic differentiation between morphological groups, particularly for taro. Genetic diversity was greater among taro cultivars. Taro has a longer history of introduction and dispersal in Africa, and has had more opportunity for multiple introduction and local cultivar development. Different strategies are suggested for future development of these crops in Togo and Africa. For taro, further studies of existing diversity and recent experimental introduction, has spread widely in Africa with little genetic diversity. For this crop, international collaboration is needed to clarify taxonomy, and to introduced further cultivars for evaluation under local conditions in Africa.

The indigenous chicken production has become an integral part of smallholder farming systems in Africa. Their products are preferred due to their taste and flavor; crossbreeding using exotic breeds can improve the productivity of these chickens without sacrificing their genetic merits. This study was aimed at improving the Wassache chicken. F1 generations of the crosses between the Wassache and Sasso chickens were simultaneously evaluated for growth traits, mortality, and carcass yield in a pure and reciprocal cross design. Data on body weight, performance, and mortality were collected on 451 birds (Sasso × Sasso [SS] = 110; Wassache × Wassache [WW] = 113; Sasso × Wassache [SW] = 113 and Wassache × Sasso [WS] = 115) for 12 weeks. On the 12th week of the study, 20 birds from each genotype were dissected to determine carcass yield. All data collected were analyzed using Minitab 19. The results showed significantly higher (P P P > 0.05) in all parameters measured except for hatch weight where the WS showed a higher (P

BackgroundThe indigenous chicken production has become an integral part of the smallholder farming systems in Africa, this practice helps in diversifying household income and providing food for the rural community. Products from the indigenous chickens are preferred due to its taste and flavour, however, characterized by small body size and slow productive performance, meat production from this chicken has not met the high demand in Togo. Crossbreeding using exotic breeds can improve productivity of the indigenous chickens without sacrificing its genetic potentials. This study was aimed at improving the Wassache chicken, F1 generation of the crosses between the Wassache and Sasso chickens were simultaneously evaluated for growth traits, mortality and carcass yield in a pure and reciprocal crossbreeding experiment. Data on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality were collected on 400 birds for 12 weeks. On the 12th week of study, 20 birds from each genotype were dissected to determine the carcass yield. Feed intake, body weight and carcass weights were measured using a weighing scale while mortality and dressing percentage were calculated in percentages. Data collected was analyzed using Minitab 19.ResultsThe comparison between the crosses revealed significant (p 0.05) except except for hatch weight, gizzard and mortality where the WS genotype performed better than SW.ConclusionThe outcome of this study encourages the crossbreeding of Wassache and Sasso chicken for improved meat production of the local chicken, this will give a greater advantage in breeding programs in this region.

Au Togo, la production du piment (Capsicum spp.), légumineuse prisée, reste encore très faible. Afin d’aider à sa promotion, une enquête a été menée dans 20 localités, pour évaluer les contraintes qui y sont liées, la perception paysanne du déficit hydrique et les pratiques endogènes de gestion de l’eau. Au total, 28 contraintes ont été répertoriées dont la plus citée est le déficit hydrique (94,74%). La corrélation entre les localités et les contraintes citées a permis de définir trois groupes de localités dont deux géographiquement homogènes. La région centrale, avec le plus grand nombre de contraintes, connaît également les plus longues durées de poches de sécheresse en pleine saison pluvieuse (2,4 ± 0,75 semaines). En périodes de manque d’eau, les producteurs adoptent diverses pratiques endogènes consommatrices d’eau (irrigation, arrosage) et/ou conservatrices d’humidité (paillage, agriculture sur berge). Aussi, 34 cultivars, sous réserve de synonymie, ont été identifiés, répartis en six groupes suivant une classification ascendante hiérarchique basée sur la forme des fruits. Le cultivar Gboyébéssé est le plus prisé avec un indice de valeur d’importance de 1,22. Ces résultats pourront permettre de mieux planifier les plans d’action des différents acteurs de la filière piment pour une production optimale.Mots clés : Légumes, stress hydrique, pratiques endogènes, contraintes de culture, Togo. English Title: Endogenous knowledges and perception of water deficit related to chilli (Capsicum spp.) cultivation of in TogoIn Togo, the production of chili pepper (Capsicum spp.), estimated vegetable, is still very low. In order to help its promotion, a survey was conducted in 20 areas, to assess the related constraints, the peasant perception of water deficit and the endogenous practices of water management. A total of 28 constraints were identified and the most cited is water deficit (94.74%). Three groups of areas (of which two are geographically homogeneous) emerged after a correlation between areas and constraints. The central region, with the highest number of constraints cited, also has the longest dry pockets in the wet season (2.4 ± 0.75 weeks). In response to periods of lack of water, producers adopt various endogenous water-consuming practices (irrigation, watering) and/or humidity-conserving practices (mulching, riverbank farming). Also, the study identified 34 cultivars if no synonymy, divided into six groups according to an ascending hierarchical classification and based on the pomological characteristics of the fruit. Cultivar Gboyébéssé is the most popular cultivar with a value index of 1.22. These results can be the basis for better action plan of the various stakeholders in the chilli pepper sector for an optimal production.Keywords: Vegetables, water stress, endogenous practices, cultural constraints, Togo.

Le déficit hydrique est le principal facteur abiotique qui limite la productivité des cultures dans les conditions de l'agriculture pluviale. L’objectif de cette étude a été d’identifier les variétés de cotonnier (Gossypium. hirsutum) tolérantes au déficit hydrique au Togo. Pour cela, 117 accessions et une variété témoin de G. hirsutum ont été caractérisées sous les régimes hydriques optimal et déficitaire. Le dispositif expérimental a été un Alpha lattice avec 120 objets en trois répétitions. Onze caractéristiques agromorphologiques ont été mesurées. Les indices de sensibilité (DSI) et de tolérance (STI) au déficit ont été calculés. Les résultats ont révélé une grande variabilité au déficit hydrique au sein des accessions testées. Le déficit hydrique a entrainé une réduction du rendement en coton graine de 85%. Par ailleurs, nous avons noté qu’en condition de déficit, le rendement a été corrélé négativement avec le DSI et positivement avec les indices STI et GMP. Quatre groupes de variétés ont été distingués. Il s’agit des variétés tolérantes à haut ou faible potentiel de production et des variétés sensibles à haut ou faible potentiel de production. Les variétés tolérantes à haut potentiel de production constituent une source importante de géniteurs, pour l’amélioration de la résistance au déficit hydrique des variétés vulgarisées au Togo. Drought is the major abiotic factor limiting crop productivity in rainfed agriculture conditions. This study aimed to identify cotton varieties (Gossypium hirsutum) tolerant to water deficit in Togo. For this purpose, 117 accessions of G. hirsutum and one check variety were characterized under optimal and deficit water conditions. The check variety was repeated three times to have 120 objects. The experiment was arranged in Alpha lattice design with 120 objects and three replications. Eleven agromorphological traits were measured. The water deficit susceptibility index (DSI) and tolerance index (STI) were calculated. The results revealed a high variability within the tested accessions to water deficit. The water deficit resulted in a 85% reduction in seed cotton yield due to a decrease in the number of capsules per plant and average capsular weight. The results also showed that, under deficit conditions, yield was negatively correlated with DSI and positively correlated with STI. Four groups of varieties were distinguished. These were tolerant varieties with high or low production potential; susceptible varieties with high or low production potential. The tolerant varieties with high production potential constitute an important source of genes for the improvement of the resistance to water deficit of the cotton cultivars of Togo.

Pest management is among the many challenges confronting African farmers today. In Togo, pest attack has been seen as a challenge posed on many vegetable crops producers. In pursuit to contribute to effective vegetables crops protection using local Biopesticide plants, an ethnobotanical survey conducted in the District of Tokpli to collect data from the local population identified five biopesticide plants. Among these plants, Chromolaena odorata, Morinda lucida, Azadirachta indica, and Ludwigia decurrens pure leaves extract significantly reduced the number of Aphtona spp. attacking Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants in the field. Treatment Efficiency of the pure aqueous extract from mixture of leaves of these four plants, applied at the interval of 1 day and 2 days of 14 days were respectively 90% and 81% and were significantly higher than the result obtained with the chemical insecticide LAMBDA POWER applied following the recommendations of the manufacturer which was 79%. © 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Biopesticide, crops protection, Chromolaena odorata, Morinda lucida, Azadirachta indica, Ludwigia decurrens

In sub-Saharan Africa, soil degradation and recurrent droughts are major obstacles to a sustainable agriculture. This study aimed at investigating the effect of compost addition to soil on proline content and activities of the antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX)] in maize plants, under drought stress conditions. The test was carried out in 20L plastic pots containing either sandy soil or sandy soil with the fertilizer, under natural conditions. The water deficit was induced at male blooming and milky grain stages. Plant irrigation was done by successive weighing of the pots during which the control is reduced to the same weight corresponding to 70% of the useful water reserve (UWR), while the stressed treatment maintains the water content at 30% of the UWR for 10 days. At the end of the stress period, the proline content, the CAT and APX activities in the leaves were determined through a spectrophotometry. The results show an important accumulation of proline and increase in enzymatic activity induced by water deficit in plants grown on compost (p = 0.00000 at p < 0.05). This study provides evidence for a beneficial effect of compost application in enhancing drought tolerance of maize.Keywords: Drought stress; compost; proline; antioxidant enzymes; Zea mays L.

Agriculture and forestry resources are central to African development. In this study, Tokpli mining zone (Togo) soils were characterised and the ones appropriate to garden crops and reforested spec...

The role of agriculture in Benin, Western Africa cannot be overemphasized, where livestock production is a major occupation among the rural population as it serves as a means of livelihood and sustenance. This study was carried out to examine the socio-economic correlates of guinea fowl production status in Benin and to characterize their management practices. 165 farmers across 10 regions in Benin were selected using the non-probabilistic snowball sampling method. Information on farmers' socio-economics, management practices and constraints to optimum production were elicited with the aid of a structured questionnaire and subjected to analysis. The results showed that across all the 10 regions surveyed, guinea fowl farming was the dominant occupation, particularly among men (81.0%) irrespective of sociolinguistic groups, religion and level of education. About one-third (34.5%) of the farmers had no formal education. In terms of characterization, four clusters of guinea fowl farmers were identified based on geographical location, educational level, management technique and farming experience. The constraints to guinea fowl production were slow growth and high mortalities as a result of diseases (40.7%) and predators (29.1%). Improvement in feeding (30%) and veterinary care (33.9%) were part of suggestions made by farmers to increase the productivity of the birds. The study concluded that adequate technical support and scientific research are inevitable in this sector as this will considerably improve the rural populations living conditions through enhanced income and therefore constitute a real lever for rural development.

Food security relies mainly on a few major crop such as wheat, maize, rice and yam. Many of the cultivated plant such as Cyperus exculentus are still considered invasive plants and are neglected and underutilized. In the perspective to valorization of the species, this systematic review aimed at identifying the biology, production constraints and uses of tigernut for future research directions. Extensive searches were carried out and studies were screened and extracted using established systematic review methods. A total of 175 papers met the inclusion criteria. Approximately 52% and 21.71% of the studies were undertaken in Europe and Africa respectively. Most of the papers reviewed for the study were published between [2010-2015[. The review highlighted the critical research gaps in genetic diversity using SSR makers and evolutionary biology. Further, production constraints and solution approaches for the promotion of the species were the other gaps identified in the reviewed studies. Production constraints were specifically related to the insufficient mineral fertilizers and difficult in harvesting. Tigernut is used in more fields such as food, medicinal, cosmetic, biofuel and fishing and fish breeding. Such investigations would help in decision-making and elaboration of breeding strategies, and advancing steps towards sustainable use of the species.

Background Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) leaves, flowers, especially seeds are used in traditional medicine to prevent or cure various diseases. Its seed’s market is expanding. However, the other tissues are still underexploited due to the lack of information related to metabolites distribution and variability in the plant. Herein, the metabolite profiles of five sesame tissues (leaves, fresh seeds, white and purple flowers, and fresh carpels) have been investigated using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-based widely targeted metabolomics analysis platform. Results In total, 776 metabolites belonging to diverse classes were qualitatively and quantitatively identified. The different tissues exhibited obvious differences in metabolites composition. The majority of flavonoids predominantly accumulated in flowers. Amino acids and derivatives, and lipids were identified predominantly in fresh seeds followed by flowers. Many metabolites, including quinones, coumarins, tannins, vitamins, terpenoids and some bioactive phenolic acids (acteoside, isoacteoside, verbascoside, plantamajoside, etc.) accumulated mostly in leaves. Lignans were principally detected in seeds. 238 key significantly differential metabolites were filtered out. KEGG annotation and enrichment analyses of the differential metabolites revealed that flavonoid biosynthesis, amino acids biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were the main differently regulated pathways. In addition to the tissue-specific accumulation of metabolites, we noticed a cooperative relationship between leaves, fresh carpels, and developing seeds in terms of metabolites transfer. Delphinidin-3-O-(6ʺ-O-p-coumaroyl)glucoside and most of the flavonols were up-regulated in the purple flowers indicating they might be responsible for the purple coloration. Conclusion This study revealed that the metabolic processes in the sesame tissues are differently regulated. It offers valuable resources for investigating gene-metabolites interactions in sesame tissues and examining metabolic transports during seed development in sesame. Furthermore, our findings provide crucial knowledge that will facilitate sesame biomass valorization.

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a crop with significant agronomic and nutritional potential. I is very appreciate by local people. It is the third food habit in Togo after maize and rice. However, several accessions of cowpea cultivated in Togo are now prone to extinction, creating a risk of genetic erosion. It is therefore urgent to assess the genetic diversity of accessions in order to set up a good conservation program. To achieve this, genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among 70 accessions of cowpea collected in the five (5) administrative regions of Togo were assessed using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers. Twenty-eight out of the thirty-two (32) primer pairs screened for polymorphism were polymorphic, and a total of 164 alleles were detected for the 28 loci with an average of 5.82 alleles per locus. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values ranged from 0.18 to 0.895, with an average value of 0.67. Population structure analysis using model-based revealed that the cowpea germplasm was grouped into two subpopulations. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 85% of genetic variation existed among individuals within regions. The fixation index (Fst) value, which was 0.018, was low, indicating relatively low population differentiation. The Togolese cowpea germplasm collection was grouped into four groups independently of theirs origins. This study provides a foundation for a Togolese cowpea germplasm conservation program and can serve for the selection of parental material for further studies aimed at the genetic improvement of local germplasm.

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a crop with significant agronomic and nutritional value. In Togo, the crop is very appreciated by local people. It is the third food habit in Togo after maize and rice. However, several accessions of cowpea cultivated in Togo are now prone to extinction, creating a risk of genetic erosion. It is therefore urgent to assess the genetic diversity of accessions in order to set up a good conservation program. To achieve this, genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among 70 accessions of cowpea collected in the five (5) administrative regions of Togo were assessed using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers. The twenty-eight SSR primers used in this study generated a total of 164 alleles with an average of 5.82 alleles per locus. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values ranged from 0.20 to 0.89 with an average value of 0.58. Population structure analysis using model-based revealed that the cowpea germplasm was grouped into two subpopulations. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 98% of genetic variation existed among accessions within regions. The fixation index (Fst) value, which was 0.069 was low, indicating relatively low population differentiation. The phylogenetic analysis grouped the 70 accessions into two main groups that can be further divided into four groups independent of their origins. This study provides a foundation for a Togolese cowpea germplasm conservation program and can serve for the selection of parental material for further studies aimed at the genetic improvement of local germplasm.

The investigation of the nutritional value of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species is essential for their valorization. This global systematic review aimed at investigating the nutritional value of tigernut to highlight the importance of the species in the fight against malnutrition. Extensive searches were carried out through three databases (ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and African Journal Online) from March to April 2021, and studies were screened and extracted using the established systematic review methods. A total of 36 papers from Africa, America, Asia, and Europe met the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis was used to synthesize data, and findings were presented under three framework aspects (biochemical, mineral composition, and vitamin content). About 63.88% of the papers included in this global review were published from 2010 to 2020. The highest number of papers ( n = 14) was recorded between 2015 and 2020, and most of the publications were from Europe ( n = 13). The review showed that tigernut contained alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, resins, tannins, sterols, and saponins. It was very rich in potassium (K), followed by phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) sodium (Na), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. The review has also revealed that biochemical composition and vitamin content of tigernut depend on its geographical origin. Overall, the results highlighted the nutritional values of tigernut. Its valorization in foodstuffs could increase the profitability of this crop and contribute to the fight against malnutrition in Africa.

Taro ( Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) and tannia (new cocoyam) ( Xanthosoma mafaffa L. Schott) are food crops cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America. In cultivation, they are always vegetatively propagated and their production faces many constraints. Their corm is an important source of carbohydrates and leaves eaten as vegetable provide important minerals and vitamins. In Togo, although these crops are among the most important food crops in some rural areas, they appear at the country level as neglected and underutilized species (NUS) and should be promoted. However, adequate information related to production, constraints, farmers’ preferred traits and utilisation is lacking for the development of efficient breeding schemes and their sustainable preservation and use in Togo. In this paper, a focus group survey was conducted in all five ecological zones of the country to document farmers’ perceptions regarding constraints for production of these two crops and their preferred traits for production and utilization. Collected data were analysed through descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages and means) using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS 20) and Excel spreadsheets. Rainfall irregularity (or shortage of rainy seasons) (68.4% of responses), soil infertility (61.5% of responses) and inefficient marketing (58.7% of responses) were the most common production constraints reported. Farmers preferred early-maturity (73% of responses) and high-yield (65% of responses) as crop traits. Men are more involved in production of these crops in Togo (79% of respondents). However, the constraints and preferences reported were not gender dependent. This study showed that production of taro and tania faces many challenges in Togo. Morphological and molecular characterization of grown varieties is highly recommended to help select suitable varieties for breeding programmes. Improvements in food processing and accessibility of credit should be prioritized to generate more income for farmers and encourage production in Togo. Keywords: Agriculture, Colocasia esculenta , constraints, farmers, preferences, production, Togo, Xanthosoma mafaffa

Drought and soils poverty considerably decreased agriculture yields in Togo. In this context, the use of wastes' composts as organic amendments presents the advantages to increase crops' yields and improve the fertility of soils while valorizing wastes. However, the effects of wastes' composts on the growth of plants highly depend on their quality, specifically on their chemical properties and the organic matter maturity. In this study, three different wastes' composts were prepared by mixing household wastes and food wastes with admixtures as natural phosphate and manure. The composts produced were analyzed according to agronomic parameters before applying a leaching test to specially assess the organic matter maturity by considering its hydrophobic and aromatic characters. Whatever the compost, the contents in organic matter and nutrients were comparable to composts usually commercialized in Togo. Their characteristics depended on their initial chemical composition. The higher the food wastes percentage, the higher the organic matter content and the addition of admixtures considerably increased the percentages in nutrients in the final product. Besides, a slightly acidic pH, a high redox potential and a low aromatic and hydrophobic organic matter were recorded for compost of food wastes unlike household wastes and mixed composts and the highest concentrations in trace metals were quantified in compost of household wastes. Agronomic tests were performed on maize (Zea mays L.) under two water regimes to evaluate the impact of the characteristics of composts on both maize's nutrition and adaptation to water stress. The chemical characteristics of composts and the maturity of organic matter highly impacted the absorption of macronutrients by plants. A slightly acidic pH and a high redox potential improved the transfer of nutrients from soils to plants under normal irrigation conditions. On the contrary, a higher aromaticity of organic matter promoted the absorption of nutrients under water stress. Wastes' composts can thus be relevantly used to improve the nutrition of plants in function of the irrigation conditions.

Dioscorea praehensilis Benth. constitue une importante igname dans certains pays de l’Afrique de l’ouest et du centre car elle y contribue a la securite alimentaire et a la reduction de la pauvrete. Au Togo, bien que cette espece soit cultivee a des fins de consommation par certaines populations locales depuis longtemps, elle demeure marginale. L’objectif de cette etude est d’inventorier la diversite de D. praehensilis cultive appele bayere dans la zone forestiere du Togo, d’analyser sa distribution, d’en documenter les valeurs socioculturelles, economiques, alimentaires et les pratiques paysannes de gestion. Pour ce faire des enquetes ethnobotaniques semi-structurees a l’echelle individuelle et celles de focus groupes ont ete conduites dans 34 localites aupres des producteurs de D. praehensilis et completees par des observations de terrains. Les donnees recueillies ont ete analysees par la statistique descriptive et les resultats presentes sous forme de tableaux et de figures. Selon la couleur du tubercule, les producteurs distinguent quatre types de bayere cultives a savoir le bayere « blanc », le bayere « noir », le bayere « jaune » et le bayere « rouge ». Ces bayere sont obtenus par transplantation et mise en culture d’individus sauvages dans les agroforets ou dans les jardins de case ou leur preservation lors de l’implantation des agroforets. Le bayere blanc est present chez tous les producteurs enquetes (100%) alors que les trois autres sont signales chez moins de 50% des enquetes. 45% des unites de production de bayere sont des jardins de case et 55% des agroforets. L’heritage (70%), le don (28%) et l’achat (1,2%) des semences assurent le maintien, la transmission et la diffusion des bayere et le bouturage la conservation de leur purete. Les qualites culinaires (100%), la productivite elevee (100%), la bonne regeneration (65%) sont les plus determinants dans le maintien des bayere. La faible valeur commerciale (34%), la recolte difficile (25%), le manque de semenceaux (23%), l’inadaptabilite aux zones seches (25%), le recul de la foret (24%), la perte des valeurs culturelles (20%), la scolarisation des jeunes (21%) sont les principales contraintes a la production des bayere et contribuent a la perte de leur diversite. Cette espece negligee fait partie du patrimoine economique, biologique, sociale, culturelle locale et dispose d’une potentialite non negligeable lui permettant de jouer un role important dans le maintien des moyens de subsistance, le bien-etre humain et l'amelioration de la sante. Mots cles: Igname, bayere, Dioscorea praehensilis , agrodiversite, gestion, valeurs, contraintes, conservation, sud- ouest Togo

Jatropha curcas L. is a plant species from the family of Euphorbiaceae. The extraction of oil from its seeds produces a cake for which its accumulation causes different environmental problems related to solid waste management. The valorization of this cake into compost could be a contribution to solving this problem. Therefore different types of compost were made with J. curcas seed cake associated with animal feces incorporated at 0, 10 and 20% rate. To achieve their combination, 5 composting test and 2 replicates each have been set up. These composts were tested on cabbage yield in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 3 replicates. The different composts have improved significantly the chemical characteristics of the soil and the cabbage biomass yield. Mixing J. curcas seed cake with 10% sheep’s droppings (C10) gave chemical characteristics compost with a high N and K content (Total-N 18.32 g.kg-1; Total-K 17.60 g.kg-1). The compost made with J. curcas seed cake and 20% sheep’s droppings (C20) had the best cabbage total biomass and shoots of cabbage biomass yields respectively 43.11±3.15×103 and 21.56±1.58×103kg.ha-1. That compost C20 could be recommended to farmers for the improvement of crop yield field after trials followed by validation. Key words: Jatropha curcas, seed cake, compost, cabbage shoot yield.

L’exploitation minière contribue à la destruction du sol et de la biodiversité augmentant la pauvreté surtout dans les pays en voie de développement. La restauration d’une mine constitue une obligation pour un développement durable. Dans cette étude des déchets d’un site minier ont été valorisés pour attirer et maintenir certains animaux sur le site et fertiliser le topsol. Il ressort que les insectes sont plus liés aux composts C1 (déchets verts) et C2 (déchets verts et alimentaires) tandis que les composts C3 (déchets verts + calcaires et l’argile) et C4 (déchets verts + alimentaires + calcaires et argiles) attirent plus les amphibiens et les arachnides. Le tas du compost C2 est le plus visité par ces animaux (43 % par rapport aux individus totaux). L’analyse chimique des composts a montré que les composts C2 et C4 présentent les fortes teneurs en matière organique et en azote (1,20 et 0,75 % m.s.), en phosphore (0,45 et 0,38 % m.s.) tandis que les composts C1 et C2 présentent les plus fortes teneurs en potassium (0,48 et 0,60 % m.s.). En ce qui concerne les effets des composts sur la croissance et les paramètres agronomiques du maïs, les plantes cultivées sur les composts C1, C2 et C3 sont celles qui présentent les plus fortes performances. Les composts C1, C2 et C4 seront utilisés dans la restauration de la fertilité du topsol et de la biodiversité de la carrière de Sika-Kondji., Mining activities contribute to soil and biodiversity destruction and Increase poverty especially in developing countries. Restoring a mine in all its aspects after exploitation is a requirement method for sustainable development. The main objective of this study is to restore the fertility of a quarry soil and animals diversity using free wastes. Results indicated that three classes of animals have visited composts piles. They are amphibians, arachnids and insects. Insects are more related to composts C1 (green wastes) and C2 (green wastes + food wastes) while C3 (green wastes + limestone and clay) and C4 (green wastes + food wastes + limestone and clay) attract more amphibians and arachnids. C2 compost pile was most visited by animals (43 % relative to the total individuals). Chemical analysis showed that composts C2 and C4 present the high levels of organic matter, nitrogen (1.20 % and 0.75 ms) and phosphorus (0.45 % and 0.38 ms) contents while composts C1 and C2 have the highest levels of potassium (0.48 % and 0.60 m.s.). Concerning composts effects on agronomics parameters of maize, plants cultivated on composts C1, C2 and C3 are the best. Composts C1, C2 and C4 will be used in restoration programs of Sika-kondji mining site.

Several metallic elements were analyzed by ICP—AES in 10 vegetable species cultivated in market—gardening agriculture in Lome and its suburban, along the highway Lome-Aneho, Togo. The results showed a high accumulation of these metallic elements both in the vegetables and in the soils. Leaf vegetables accumulated higher concentration of these metallic elements than bulb or tuber vegetables. These metals could result from the air pollution due to the intense industrial activity and the high road traffic in this site and from chemical fertilizers and pesticides used by the market-gardeners. This survey stated that the metallic elements from air, could accumulate in the legumes by foliar absorption. Furthermore, this study especially pointed out that legumes cultivated in this area could be improper for human consumption.

L'utilisation des composts de dechets en agriculture est lfune des voies principales dans la restauration de la fertilite des terres degradees. Cependant, les effets dfun compost dependent fortement de sa nature chimique et des conditions environnementales. Afin de mieux comprendre le mecanisme dfaction des composts de dechets sur les proprietes chimiques du sol et la solubilite des ions, cinq types de composts de dechets ont ete testes selon un dispositif en blocs de Fischer repartis en trois repetitions par traitements. Les resultats obtenus revelent que les composts de dechets ont en general eleve le pH du sol de 2,13 unites et la conductivite electrique de 1301,9 µS/cm. Les traitements a engrais synthetique NPK ont par contre reduit le pH de 0,51 unite. A lfexception du traitement a compost de dechets agroalimentaires, les traitements a compost ont en general reduit le potentiel Redox contrairement aux traitements temoin et a engrais synthetiques. Ainsi, les traitements a engrais synthetique et a compost de dechets agroalimentaires sous deficit hydrique presentent respectivement des potentiels de 307,5 mV et 265 mV contre 262,5 mV pour le temoin absolu sous deficit hydrique. Lfetude de la fraction hydrosoluble des elements mineraux montre que la solubilite des cations essentiels (Ca, Mg et K) est liee fortement a leur concentration dans le substrat de culture contrairement aux elements traces metallique dont la solubilite depend essentiellement du pH et du potentiel Redox. Par ailleurs, le deficit hydrique a entraine lfelevation de la conductivite electrique chez les traitements a composts. Ces resultats seront utilises dans la phytoremediation des sols pollues. Mots cles : engrais organiques, amendements, parametres chimiques, ions, biodisponibilite.

In spite of its multiple uses in traditional pharmacopeia, Dodonaea viscosa (Sapindaceae) is known as a rare and threatened species in the Togolese flora. In vitro studies proved its antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study is to identify some factors influencing seed germination for sustainable rehabilitation of this species.

Un deficit hydrique severe a ete impose par suspension de l’arrosage a deux stades de developpement a une variete de niebe Vigna unguiculata L. Walp var. KVX. 61.1 cultivee en pot a l’air libre. Le sol de culture est un Lixisol Ferrique amende par six types de composts fabriques a partir de melanges de dechets urbains solides composes de dechets verts (DV), de dechets d’abattoir (DA), de dechets de cuisine (DC) selon les compositions suivantes: C1=40%DV+60%DA; C2=40%DV+40%DA+20%DC; C3=40%DV+30%DA+30%DC; C4=40%DV+20%DA+40%DC; C5=40%DV+60%DC; C6=100%DV. Les effets de ces six composts sur le potentiel hydrique, la fuite d’electrolyte, la teneur en amidon des feuilles et sur quelques parametres agronomiques ont ete evalues sur les plantes stressees en comparaison avec les plantes temoins. Les resultats indiquent des valeurs du potentiel hydrique foliaire tres faibles et une reduction de la teneur en amidon des feuilles pour les plantes des composts C2, C3, C4, et C5. Ces dernieres presentent des integrites membranaires plus affectees comparativement aux plantes du sol temoin et celles des composts C1 et C6. Les composts C2, C3, C4 et C5 favorisent le developpement des racines et augmentent le rendement en graines du niebe en condition de deficit hydrique. Ce qui justifie l’interet du compostage des dechets de cuisine. Mots cles : niebe, deficit hydrique, compost, dechets urbains solides

Haematostaphis barteri est un fruitier spontane rencontre au nord du Togo sur les cuestas et sur la chaine montagneuse de l’Atakora. L’etude compare les structures de sa population dans ces deux sites (de differents degres de pression humaine) dans le but de proposer une piste pour sa conservation. Les donnees relatives au diametre et a la hauteur d’H. barteri ont ete collectees dans 80 placeaux installes suivant sa densite sur le terrain, pour le calcul des parametres dendrometriques et la construction des courbes de distribution. La densite moyenne d’H. barteri sur les cuestas est 1,6 fois superieure a celle de l’Atakora. Les distributions en cloche assez similaires indiquent que l’espece regresse dans les deux sites. Ceci se confirme par les coefficients d’asymetrie positifs, traduisant un declin des populations. Cela est du notamment au tres faible potentiel de regeneration de l’espece (environ 1 individu/ha). Les cuestas bien que sous forte emprise humaine semblent constituer l’habitat privilegie d’H. barteri au Togo. La protection de tous les individus est necessaire sur les cuestas et sur l’Atakora pour assurer la conservation in situ de l’espece. Mots cles : Haematostaphis barteri, structure des populations, densite, espece menacee, conservation, Togo.

Ozone induces a stimulation of the phenyl- propanoid and lignin biosynthesis pathways in leaves but the response of wood, the main lignin-producing tissue, is not well documented. The purpose of this study was to compare the responses of phenylpropanoid and lignin pathways in leaves and stem wood by a simultaneous analysis of both organs. Young poplars (Populus tremula 9 alba) were subjected either to daylight ozone (200 nL L -1 during light period) or continuous ozone (200 nL L -1 during light and dark periods) in controlled chambers. The trees were tilted so as to limit the formation of tension wood to the upper side of the stem and that of opposite wood to the lower side. Continuous ozone fumigation induced more pronounced effects in leaves than daylight ozone. Tension wood and opposite wood displayed similar responses to ozone. Enzyme activities involved in phe- nylpropanoid and lignin biosynthesis increased in the leaves of ozone-treated poplars and decreased in the wood. All steps involved in phenylpropanoid and monolignol synthesis in leaves and stem wood, were also altered at the transcript level (except coniferyl aldehyde 5-hydroxylase in leaves) suggesting that the responses were tightly coordinated. The response occurred rapidly in the leaves and much later in the wood. Phenylpropanoid and lignin biosynthesis is probably first involved in a defensive role against ozone in the leaves, which would lead to consid- erable rerouting of the carbon skeletons. The later response of phenylpropanoid and lignin metabolism in wood seemed to result from readjustment to the reduced carbon supply.

International audience; Trees will have to cope with increasing levels of CO2 and ozone in the atmosphere. The purpose of this work was to assess whether the lignification process could be altered in the wood of poplars under elevated CO2 and/or ozone. Young poplars were exposed either to charcoal-filtered air (control), to elevated CO2 (800 μl l−1), to ozone (200 nl l−1) or to a combination of elevated CO2 and ozone in controlled chambers. Lignification was analysed at different levels: biosynthesis pathway activities (enzyme and transcript), lignin content, and capacity to incorporate new assimilates by using 13C labelling. Elevated CO2 and ozone had opposite effects on many parameters (growth, biomass, cambial activity, wood cell wall thickness) except on lignin content which was increased by elevated CO2 and/or ozone. However, this increased lignification was due to different response mechanisms. Under elevated CO2, carbon supply to the stem and effective lignin synthesis were enhanced, leading to increased lignin content, although there was a reduction in the level of some enzyme and transcript involved in the lignin pathway. Ozone treatment induced a reduction in carbon supply and effective lignin synthesis as well as transcripts from all steps of the lignin pathway and some corresponding enzyme activities. However, lignin content was increased under ozone probably due to variations in other major components of the cell wall. Both mechanisms seemed to coexist under combined treatment and resulted in a high increase in lignin content.

Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR), which catalyses the first committed step of the lignin-specific branch of monolignol biosynthesis, has been extensively characterized in dicot species, but few data are available in monocots. By screening a Mu insertional mutant collection in maize, a mutant in the CCR1 gene was isolated named Zmccr1(-). In this mutant, CCR1 gene expression is reduced to 31% of the residual wild-type level. Zmccr1(-) exhibited enhanced digestibility without compromising plant growth and development. Lignin analysis revealed a slight decrease in lignin content and significant changes in lignin structure. p-Hydroxyphenyl units were strongly decreased and the syringyl/guaiacyl ratio was slightly increased. At the cellular level, alterations in lignin deposition were mainly observed in the walls of the sclerenchymatic fibre cells surrounding the vascular bundles. These cell walls showed little to no staining with phloroglucinol. These histochemical changes were accompanied by an increase in sclerenchyma surface area and an alteration in cell shape. In keeping with this cell type-specific phenotype, transcriptomics performed at an early stage of plant development revealed the down-regulation of genes specifically associated with fibre wall formation. To the present authors' knowledge, this is the first functional characterization of CCR1 in a grass species.

In order to safeguard pigeonpea Cajanus cajan, a minor and endangered crop in Togo, an in vitro method of regeneration of 2 local varieties has been developed from Callus obtained from leave explants culture. NAA supplemented alone induced 21% and 53% of callogenesis respectively in the early fructification variety and in the late fructification variety. Callogenesis rate rose to 57 and 89% for the 2 varieties when the MS medium was supplemented with 3mg/l NAA+0.5mg/l BAP. Multiple buds were regenerated from calli and the higher rate was obtained with 4mg/l BAP+0.1mg/l ANA for the early fructification variety and 5mg/l BAP+0.1mg/l ANA for the late fructification variety. Finally, studying vitroplantlets from the 2 varieties under various nutritional conditions showed that the late fructification variety grew much more than the late variety. This survey constituted a simplified model for callogenesis studies. It also allowed creation of the both varieties vitrobank for a sustainable conservation of C. cajan in Togo.

Pyruvate carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.1) was obtained from the fungus Leptosphaeria michotu (West) Sacc. and enriched 543-fold by a 5-step purification procedure as an a4-β4 tetramer of Mr 440000, composedof a Mr 60000 α-subunit, containing bound biotin, and a Mr 50000 β-subunit. The enzyme was active from pH 6.5 to 12.0, with a maximum between pH 8.0 and 8.5. Its specific activity was 125nkat (mg protein)−1: it was not affected by acetyl CoA. A rabbit antiserum raised against the yeast pyruvate carboxylase was specifically reactive against the α-subunits of the L. michotu enzyme. The enzyme was localized into the cytosol by gold-labelled streptavidin and immunogold staining of thin sections of Lowicryl-K4M-embedded colonies. Pyruvate carboxylase and acetylCoA carboxylase in L. michotu had synchronous activity rhythms at constant temperature and in darkness; these rhythms were suppressed by cycloheximide or avidin supply. The pyruvate carboxylase level was quantified along the activity rhythm by gel electrophoresis using 35S-streptavidin. and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using serum against the yeast pyruvate carboxylase. The cyclic variations of pyruvate carboxylase activity were correlated with cyclic variations in the enzyme level. Suppression of pyruvate and acetyl CoA carboxylase activities by avidin had a no important effect on the transaminase rhythms of L. michotu.

Le bananier represente l’une des cultures les plus importantes dans le monde. Au Togo, la culture de bananiers plantains se fait surtout dans la Region des Plateaux a l’Ouest dans de petites exploitations agricoles ; ce qui a entraine une faible productivite. Cependant, les varietes de bananiers plantains cultivees ne sont pas bien connues. Un inventaire a ete entrepris dans le but de denombrer les varietes de bananiers plantains cultives grâce a des parametres agromorphologiques et aussi de montrer l’interet que suscite la valorisation de la culture de cette plante. Au terme de cette etude, cinq (5) varietes de bananiers plantains ont ete recensees. La variete ‘Apim’ est la plus productive suivie de la variete ‘Abladzo’. Contrairement aux autres, la variete ‘Taeve’ produit 2 regimes par pied au lieu d’un regime. Le cycle vegetatif des bananiers plantains varie de 11 a 15 mois sauf pour la variete ‘Apim’ qui est de 18 mois. Des etudes de propagation rapide doivent etre envisagees pour la selection des varietes hautement performantes et la production massive du plantain pour les populations locales. © 2013 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Mots cles : Togo, bananier plantain, diversite genetique.