École Nationale d'Agriculture de Meknès

Mycotoxins, secondary metabolites produced by pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria pose a significant threat to global food safety and agricultural productivity. These toxins often arise concurrently with plant diseases, particularly under favorable environmental conditions that enhance fungal infection and colonization. Climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, is amplifying the occurrence and severity of both plant diseases and mycotoxin contamination. This research provides a comprehensive overview of the ecological, physiological, and molecular interplay between mycotoxigenic fungi and their host plants. We investigate how climate variables impact mycotoxin biosynthesis and pathogen virulence, as well as how host responses can be compromised under abiotic stress. Advanced omics technologies, smart diagnostics, and artificial intelligence are presented as transformative tools for early detection, risk prediction, and integrated management. Emphasis is also placed on biological control strategies, resistance breeding, and postharvest innovations for mycotoxin mitigation. Finally, we discuss the importance of regulatory frameworks and region-specific surveillance systems, particularly in vulnerable agroecosystems of the Global South. Bridging plant pathology, toxicology, and climate science, this work highlights the urgent need for holistic, climate-resilient solutions to protect crop health and ensure food security in a changing world.

The optimization of Cannabis sativa L. germination is vital for achieving controlled and uniform cultivation, especially given its growing significance as a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds. Since germination strongly impacts subsequent agronomic performance, it requires specific environmental conditions. This study assessed several treatments to improve the in vitro germination of two Moroccan varieties, Beldia and Khardala, including gibberellic acid, hydrogen peroxide, temperature, photoperiod exposure, total darkness, mechanical scarification and salt stress induced by increasing concentrations of NaCl (0, 42.8, 85.5, 171.1, 256.6 and 513.3 mM). Each treatment was performed on a large number of seeds per variety and results were analysed using two-way ANOVA followed by Duncans’ test with P < 0.05. Results revealed that photoperiod exposure moderately stimulated germination (50 %), while hydrogen peroxide (1.5 %) increased it to 77.7 % by reducing the level of abscisic acid, which is responsible for germination inhibition. Gibberellic acid (1.2–1.4 mg/L) further enhanced germination to over 80 % by inhibiting embryonic dormancy and stimulating hormonal pathways. Low-temperature treatment (5 °C) yielded an 83 % germination rate. Mechanical scarification was the most effective method, achieving approximately 90 % germination. In contrast, salinity stress progressively inhibited germination: at 513.3 mM NaCl, germination dropped to 20 % in Khardala and 0 % in Beldia. Seedling growth, including shoot and root length, leaf number and fresh and dry biomass, was also significantly reduced, with root development particularly affected. At 85.5 mM NaCl, root growth declined by 62 % in Beldia and 88.7 % in Khardala, indicating greater salinity sensitivity in Khardala. In conclusion, optimising germination conditions and selecting salt-tolerant varieties are essential for improving the in vitro culture of C. sativa and producing plants better adapted to saline stress.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa) is a destructive soil-borne fungal pathogen responsible for bayoud disease, which threatens date palm cultivation in North Africa. This disease has caused significant agricultural losses, particularly in Morocco, where the Zagora oasis is a key region for date palm production. Within this oasis, two cultivars—Black Bousthammi and Jihel—are mainly cultivated and exhibit complete resistance and high susceptibility to Foa, respectively. Thus, this study aimed to identify and compare the bacterial and fungal communities associated with the two cultivars and understand their assemblage regarding the disease resistance or susceptibility. Moreover, we explored the influence of each cultivar on the composition and structure of its root-associated microbiome and examined its relationship with the microbial populations present in the surrounding bulk soil, to better understand the recruitment dynamics that shape the microbiome in the roots. The results revealed significant differences in microbiome composition between the bulk soil and roots of the two date palm cultivars, and between the microbiome of the resistant and susceptible cultivars as well. Moreover, we observed that date palm cultivars had a greater effect on bacterial community composition than on fungal population. Interestingly, the susceptible cultivar exhibited a higher enrichment of several beneficial genera, such as Pseudomonas, Lysinibacillus, Actinomadura, Halomonas, Kocuria, Serratia, Phyllobacterium, Bacillus, Streptomyces, and Trichoderma. The presence of these beneficial genera, known for their antagonistic activity against phytopathogens, may reflect a recruitment pattern associated with pathogen pressure in the susceptible cultivar. This study is the first to compare the microbial communities between a bayoud-resistant and susceptible cultivar and provides insights into the potential role of the root microbiome when plants are under pathogen pressure. This reinforces the need to further elucidate the genetic and biological mechanisms that trigger microbiome assembly, which could be a key step in developing effective methods to manage the bayoud disease.

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, threatens global wheat production, with climate change intensifying its spread. This meta-analysis, following PRISMA protocol, evaluated chemical and biological control methods through a systematic review of literature (2005-2025), identifying 12 peer-reviewed studies with 156 experimental comparisons under various conditions. Random effects models assessed treatment impacts on disease severity and grain productivity using standardized mean differences (SMDs). Chemical control significantly reduced stripe rust severity (SMD = -1.04) and improved productivity (SMD = 1.30), with low to moderate variability and consistent yield responses. Effectiveness varied by active ingredients and wheat types, with the greatest benefits in highly susceptible varieties. Biological control agents, particularly Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Trichoderma species, also reduced disease severity (SMD = -2.19) and increased yield (SMD = 2.39), though with greater heterogeneity reflecting strain-specific and environmental effects. Chemical fungicides provided more predictable disease control, while biological agents offered significant yield increases with agroecological benefits. This meta-analysis demonstrates complementary roles for both approaches, strongly supporting integrated disease management combining plant resistance, optimal fungicide use, and strategic biological control to enhance resilience and sustainability of global cereal production systems.

<title>Abstract</title> Background <italic>Fusarium oxysporum</italic> f. sp. <italic>albedinis</italic> (Foa) is a highly aggressive soilborne pathogen that poses a serious threat to date palm cultivation. Causal agent of the devastating palm dieback, also known as Bayoud disease, Foa remains one of the most destructive fungal pathogens threatening date palm sector across North Africa. Despite its economic and ecological impact, the molecular determinants underlying its virulence and host adaptation remain poorly understood. Results To address this gap, a comparative genomic and secretome analyses of four Foa strains was conducted, three newly sequenced Moroccan strains (ZG10, ER10, and ER20) and one publicly available reference genome (Foa133). The assembled genomes ranged from 58.81 to 61.24 Mb and encoded between 17,016 and 18,318 predicted protein-coding genes, of which approximately 27–30% were associated with pathogenicity. Functional annotation revealed an extensive repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), particularly glycoside hydrolases, that facilitate host cell wall degradation and tissue colonization. Several key virulence effectors were identified, including Secreted in Xylem (SIX) proteins, necrosis-inducing proteins (NPP1s), and Hce2-like effectors, each potentially contributing to virulence, necrosis, and phytotoxicity. Additionally, genome mining uncovered multiple secondary metabolite biosynthetic clusters encoding polyketides and mycotoxins, suggesting a complementary toxin-mediated infection strategy. Conclusion These findings provide a solid genomic insight into Foa’s pathogenic potential and molecular complexity. By delineating the genetic basis of virulence and metabolic diversity, this study establishes a foundation for the development of molecular diagnostics, targeted disease management strategies, and breeding programs aimed at enhancing date palm resistance to Bayoud disease.

The one health approach recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, emphasizing that human health should never be threatened in the pursuit of agricultural productivity. Indeed, within agricultural systems, this approach is particularly relevant, as the overuse of chemical inputs and the mismanagement of organic wastes can directly threaten human health. Overuse of chemical inputs can result in various health disturbances and contribute to the development of acute or chronic human diseases. Likewise, organic wastes constitute potential human health risks due to the presence of pathogens in these wastes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Despite increasing research, many studies often lack integrated risk assessments of agrochemicals and organic waste within a “One Health” framework, leaving gaps in practical guidance for safe agricultural management. This review was conducted to address these gaps and answer the following questions: What are the human health risks associated with agrochemicals and mismanaged organic wastes? How can composting/compost mitigate these risks and support sustainable agricultural production? It examines the role of composting in managing organic wastes, producing high-quality compost, and reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals and pathogens. Furthermore, it outlines key characteristics of compost required to ensure safety for humans, plants, soil, and ecosystems. By integrating evidence on human health and crop productivity, this review provides insights for safe, sustainable agricultural practices within a unified One Health framework.

Strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa ) cultivation is increasingly threatened by root rot caused by Pythium irregulare , an aggressive soilborne pathogen with limited sustainable control options. This study aimed to explore the potential of native rhizobacteria from strawberry soils as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and biocontrol agents against P. irregulare . A total of 150 bacterial isolates were screened in vitro , from which eleven exhibited strong antagonism, with inhibition rates exceeding 80 % in some cases. Microscopic examination revealed pathogen hyphal deformation, swelling, and cytoplasmic leakage when co-cultivated with selected isolates. Indirect mechanisms, including volatile organic compounds and cell-free filtrates, further suppressed mycelial growth, with isolates FR18, V3, and EH36 showing inhibition above 70 %. Biochemical assays confirmed multiple PGPR traits, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, ammonia secretion, IAA and siderophore production and synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes. Molecular screening detected genes associated with lipopeptide biosynthesis (iturin, surfactin, bacillomycin), providing a genetic basis for biocontrol potential. Greenhouse trials validated the protective role of six isolates, with EH36, FR18, CM16, and SB6 significantly reducing disease severity to levels comparable to the non-inoculated control. Field experiments confirmed that bacterial inoculation enhanced canopy development, biomass accumulation, and chlorophyll content, while stabilizing growth responses across replicates. Overall, this work provides the first evidence that strawberry-native rhizobacteria can effectively suppress P. irregulare while enhancing plant growth under both controlled and field conditions. These findings highlight the promise of locally adapted bacterial isolates as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides and open pathways for developing bioinoculants to support sustainable strawberry production. • Eleven rhizobacterial isolates showed strong in vitro antagonism against P. irregulare. • The most effective isolates (FR18, V3, V4) inhibited pathogen growth by over 80 %. • Microscopy revealed hyphal deformation, vacuolization, and cytoplasmic leakage. • Greenhouse assays confirmed reduced root rot severity, with protection up to 65 %. • Field trials demonstrated enhanced strawberry growth and yield after inoculation.