The effect of salinity and water stresses on the essential oil components of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil was investigated. Rosemary plants were submitted to different water treatments: tap water (TW), salt water (SW) and without irrigation (NIR). GC/MS analysis showed that ten and eleven volatile compounds were identified in essential oil of rosemary plants irrigated with tap water (TW) and salt water (SW), respectively. However, thirteen volatile compounds were identified in essential oil of non-irrigated plants (NIR). Moreover, among these compounds, α-Pinene, Eucalyptol (1,8 Cineol), Camphene, Borneol, D-verbenone, Bornyl acetate were the major components of oil. Also, GC/MS results highlighted that non-irrigated rosemary plants showed the highest essential oil yield (Y). Obtained oil yields followed the order Y_NIR > Y_TW > Y_SW. In conclusion, qualitative and quantitative differences in rosemary essential oil components were highlighted in relation to water stress.

Sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.), which belongs to the Rutaceae family, is used around the Mediterranean Sea for ornamental and agronomic purposes as a rootstock for the Citrus species. Peels and flowers, the most-used parts of Citrus aurantium L., have constituted a largely promising area of research for their many medicinal properties. However, the leaves of sour orange have not yet been studied extensively. The present study aimed at investigating the essential oil composition of sour orange leaves grown in Algeria and determining their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oil composition of leaves harvested before flowering was determined by GC-MS. Total phenol content, antioxidant activities (DPPH) and elastase and collagenase inhibition were assessed. Forty-three volatile compounds were detected in essential oil from leaves with a yield of 0.57%. The major compounds were linalool, linalyl acetate and α-Terpineol. Results show that the total phenol content and antioxidant activity of essential oil are low, 3.48 ± 0.10 mg/g (Gallic Acid Equivalent/EO) and IC₅₀ > 10,000 mg·L⁻¹, respectively. In contrast, EO present an interesting level of elastase and collagenase inhibition. This result emphasizes the potential interest of the essential oil of sour orange mainly in relation to its anti-aging mechanism.

Aphids are either monoecious living either on trees or herbaceous plants, or heteroecious, which involves host alternating between a tree (primary host) and a herbaceous plant (secondary host). We described the temporal variations in abundance and richness of aphids in an Algerian orchard, over a 6 month period. We recorded the choice of basin colour, the relative height of traps, and monthly Barycenter of winged populations. We also recorded temporal variations in the structure of ladybird communities. Tree-living species of aphids are the last to be caught with most caught by the yellow traps, possibly because of the predominant greenness of the vegetation in April. Most were also caught by high traps. Their phenology coincides with that of the second peak of ladybirds. In contrast, the phenology of species of aphids living on herbaceous plants differs greatly, which reflects their host plant diversity. In March relatively more of these aphids were caught by the green traps, possibly because at that time the ground was not yet covered by vegetation. Early and late species of aphids are at greater risk of being attacked by ladybirds as they are also most active early and late in the season. The highest catches of the heteroecious species of aphids were recorded in the middle of the trapping period and between those of the two groups of monoecious species of aphids. The adaptive significance of the differences in the behaviour and ecology of the aphids in the three groups is discussed.

To investigate the effects of Dittrichia viscosa L. Greuter 1973 extract as a biopesticide on ben-eficial entomofauna in a greenhouse setting in the Biskra region, our study was conducted at the experimental site (CRSTRA). The aerial parts of D. viscosa were collected, dried, and analyzed in...

Fenugreek is a legume that has been used since ancient times to treat certain conditions. Numerous studies have examined the seed’s composition in terms of trigonelline, diosgenin and galactomannans, and their implications for nutrition and medicine. The oil content, fatty acid profile and antioxidant activity of fenugreek seeds have been less extensively studied, particularly in certain areas of the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this study was to examine the oil content and composition, as well as the antioxidant activity of the seeds, oil and meal from four genotypes originating from Algeria, France, Lebanon and Syria. The trials were conducted over two consecutive years with contrasting climatic conditions, in the open field, at the University of Tiaret (western Algeria). Climatic conditions significantly affected all studied traits. In 2023, a dry and hot year, the plants produced low grain yield and low oil content compared to 2024, a temperate year, regardless of the genotype. The fatty acid composition was dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, between 65.5 and 68.8%). The phenolic and flavonoid contents were higher in 2023 than in 2024, resulting in greater antioxidant activity under hot and dry conditions of 2023. Genotypic differences were also statistically significant. A more varied responses in grain yield were observed for the French genotype. The highest oil content was recorded for the Algerian and Syrian genotypes. The antioxidant activities of the seed and the oil were similar and significantly higher than that of the oilcake. This activity correlated with the levels of phenols and flavonoids. The results observed in this study provide a better understanding of genotypic diversity and the impact of climatic conditions on yield and seeds quality. They also pave the way for the use of these genotypes in larger-scale breeding programs to improve specific traits.