Aphids cause biotic stress and vector diseases. However, wheat’s morphological and biochemical responses to aphid infestation are poorly studied. Our study evaluated the varietal behavior of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf) against Rhopalosiphum maidis (Homoptera: Aphididae) in laboratory conditions. We studied morphological trait variation (plant height [HP], flag leaf area [SFDF], leaf area [SF], spike length [LE], and beard length [LB]) and biochemical characteristics (chlorophyll, soluble sugars, and proline contents) of three varieties in Algeria: MBB, BOU, and GTA. MBB is the least affected, with a 13.34 % infestation rate. The heaviest infestation occurs during the heading stage. All morphological factors decreased in length or surface between control and infested samples. ANOVA showed significant variations for HP, LE, SFDF, and SF but not LB. Biochemical parameters decrease in GTA. In MBB, chlorophyll and soluble sugars decrease while proline increases. For BOU, soluble sugars decrease while chlorophyll and proline increase. Only soluble sugars showed a significant statistical variation between control and infested plants. HP is affected by aphid infestation, which is of higher significance for MBB. Proline content is affected in BOU and GTA. There is no significant variation between aphid infestation and chlorophyll, soluble sugars, and proline levels for MBB. The effect of R. maidis infestation is less important on MBB. HP, SFDF, SF, and LE are morphological selection criteria for R. maidis infestation resistance. Proline is a biochemical selection criterion. Genetic and molecular analyses are required to identify genes for programs that enhance durum wheat’s resistance to R. maidis infestations.

The present study records the first observation of a female Delta dimidiatipenne constructing its nest in Oran (NW-Algeria). The nest construction and developments thereafter were monitored every three days from July to September 2022 (70 days). Ultimately four female wasps were successfully emerged. This first record will be useful for future studies on the distribution, behaviour, ecology and conservation in this semi-arid region.

The present study evaluated the potential of Salvia balansae from the Aures Mountains as a source of natural bioactive compounds. Leaves, flowers, and stems were extracted separately using methanol, ethanol, and acetone. Phenolic compounds were quantified colorimetrically and identified using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant capacity was assessed using six different in vitro assays, 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, ferrous ion chelating, and phenanthroline assay, while the photo-protective capacity was evaluated using the sun protective factor. The methanolic flower extracts revealed the highest O-diphenol and phenolic levels (287.9 ± 0.50 and 147.87 ± 0.21 µg GAE/mg, respectively), whereas the acetonic and ethanolic leaf extracts contained the highest flavonoid (72.17 ± 0.12 μg QE/mg) and flavonol (35.28 ± 0.05 μg QE/mg) levels, respectively. LC-MS was used to identify 18 phenolics, including quinic acid (5.051–69.69 ppm), luteolin-7-o-glucoside (7.802–44.917 ppm), apigenin-7-o-glucoside (3.751–68.507 ppm), and cirsiliol (2.081–15.608 ppm), distinguishing this Aures taxon. Principal component analysis and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean revealed variability in phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and photo-protective activity influenced by biological activities and the compound content. Overall, S. balansae demonstrated promising photo-protective capacity, the presence of key bioactive compounds, and wide-ranging antioxidant potential, presenting this endemic plant as a valuable source of natural antioxidants and photo-protective agents with pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

In August 2021, very intense fires swept through various forested areas in northern Algeria, particularly in Kabylia. The population dynamics of Cistus salviifolius and Cistus monspeliensis were studied along a post-fire successional gradient during the first nine months (September 2021 – May 2022), in two forest communities: the Cork oak (Quercus suber) and the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) forests in the coastal zone of Bejaia province. The Cistus spp. germinations were counted monthly in each forest on 10 plots of 1 m2, evenly distributed along 2 transects of 45 m each. The results showed that the majority of germinations occur in December with 207.5 ± 24.2 seedlings in the Cork oak forest and 171.3 ± 18.0 seedlings in the Aleppo pine forest. Student’s t-test does not reveal significant differences for December between the two communities. During the first months following the fire (September and October 2021), germinations were almost absent. The monthly rainfall in September 2021 was estimated at 16.25 mm, an insufficient amount for effective germination. Late germination results in an extension of its period, showed a high rate in January 2022 with 42.2 ± 2.1 and 11.5 ± 0.8 seedlings, respectively, in the Cork oak forest and the pine forest. Beyond January, germination was practically nonexistent in both communities. Therefore, the majority of the seed germination was concentrated in November, December, and January with a unimodal germination pattern.

Salt resistance studies have, unfortunately, mainly been focused on conventional crops, with very few studies being conducted on the potential of available halophytes as new crops in the future. Portulaca oleracea L. has been listed as one of the most used medicinal plants by the World Health Organization as an edible halophyte. It is a fast-growing herbaceous annual with high nutritional relevance. The present work was designed to determine the effect of six soluble salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, KCl, CaCl2, CaCO3, and MgCl2) on germination of P. oleracea seeds. The effect of salinity was tested on final germination percentage (FGP%), and germination tolerance index (GTI%) using five concentrations (0, 200, 300, 400, and 600 mM) of each salt. In addition, laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the effects of salinity on germination recovery from high saline conditions (600 mM). Salinity level and salt composition significantly influenced germination attributes. P. oleracea seeds were non-dormant, exhibited approximately 100% germination in distilled water. Both FGP and GTI gradually decreased with increasing salinity. This study showed that seeds of P. oleracea can germinate under 300 mM in all tested salts. The salts causing germination inhibition exhibited specificity, with an increasing trend observed in the following sequence: MgCl2 > Na2SO4 > NaCl > KCl > CaCl2 > CaCO3. Transferring ungerminated seeds from 600 mM to distilled water recovered their germination ability. Based on these results, we can conclude that P. oleracea is a high salt-tolerant species that can tolerate a variety of salts found in soil. Therefore, P. oleracea may be considered a promising species for improving ecological balance in saline soils.

This study aims to update the list of Nitidulidae species observed on date palms in Algeria (Ziban region), their spatial dynamics according to the development stages (larva, pupa, adult), and the effectiveness of the bagging operation. In 2020, we sampled and examined 1800 dates of the Deglet Nour variety from three palm groves managed with different protection modes: yellow bagging, white bagging, and no bagging. The results obtained mention the presence of nine species of Nitidulidae with five species reported for the first time on dates in Algeria. The highest relative abundance (RA) of Nitidulidae beetles was noted in the southern (28%) direction. However, the variation of infestation rate (IR) according to the direction was not very accentuated. The GLM analysis showed that, except for the adult stage, the direction presented a highly significant effect on the RA variation of the total Nitudilidae, the larva and pupa stages (p < 0.0001), but there was no significant effect of direction on the IR in all studied cases. The highest RA of total Nitidulidae was found on the white plastic-protected dates (RA = 42%), the IR of the total Nitidulidae was higher on dates protected by yellow plastic (IR = 38%). The unprotected dates recorded the lowest RA and IR for all studied cases and the effect of bagging type on the RA variation of Nitidulidae, in all studied cases, was statistically highly significant (p < 0.0001). This effect on the IR was very highly significant only for total Nitudilidae, larvae, and adults (p < 0.0001). So, the southern direction presents the best conditions for sheltering the largest numbers of Nitidulidae. The latter also has a marked preference for bunches covered by plastic bags rather than for those left uncovered. This implies the ineffectiveness of the operation of protecting dates with plastic bags, especially the yellow-coloured ones.

Wetlands are present within intricate ecological settings, exhibiting dynamic changes over time and across different areas with regard to their functional and structural diversity. Several approaches have been introduced for ecosystem analysis and management since 1990s, where Driver – Pressure – State – Impact – Response (DPSIR) framework is one of the widely used approaches for assessing and managing environmental problems. In this study, we proposed a DPSIR framework as a model in the Sebkhates of Aures wetland complex (SAWC, Northeast of Algeria), in order to create a regional wetland observatory to deliver ecosystem services within current state of changes resulted from socioeconomic drivers. DPSIR facilitates the identification of essential indicators to detect threats to the Sebkahtes of Aures wetlands complex (SAWC), influencing policymakers to enhance the protection and management of these wetlands. In line with the established DPSIR framework. This same approach and methodology could be applied to the other 15 wetlands complexes known in Algeria, culminating in the creation of a national wetland observatory. Furthermore, DPSIR can be employed as an analytical tool for policy making in the context of sustainable management of wetland ecosystems and can serve as a model in the establishment and development of various observatory programs in Algeria.

Wetlands are present within intricate ecological settings, exhibiting dynamic changes over time and across different areas with regard to their functional and structural diversity. Several approaches have been introduced for ecosystem analysis and management since 1990s, where Driver – Pressure – State – Impact – Response (DPSIR) framework is one of the widely used approaches for assessing and managing environmental problems. In this study, we proposed a DPSIR framework as a model in the Sebkhates of Aures wetland complex (SAWC, Northeast of Algeria), in order to create a regional wetland observatory to deliver ecosystem services within current state of changes resulted from socioeconomic drivers. DPSIR facilitates the identification of essential indicators to detect threats to the Sebkahtes of Aures wetlands complex (SAWC), influencing policymakers to enhance the protection and management of these wetlands. In line with the established DPSIR framework. This same approach and methodology could be applied to the other 15 wetlands complexes known in Algeria, culminating in the creation of a national wetland observatory. Furthermore, DPSIR can be employed as an analytical tool for policy making in the context of sustainable management of wetland ecosystems and can serve as a model in the establishment and development of various observatory programs in Algeria.