Introduction. Still practically unknown in the mid-1990s in Europe, pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) is now a full member of the ‘small exotic fruits’ category in shops. Nevertheless, these species are not very well known. The aims of our work were first to evaluate thoroughly the literature currently available on Hylocereus and secondly to supplement this review by agronomic works not yet published. Knowledge of Hylocereus. The study includes a presentation of the origin, botany, morphology and floral biology of the principal species cultivated within the Hylocereus genus and suggests a key for determination. Cultivation techniques. The agronomical practices used in Hylocereus orchards are broached: multiplication, cultivation practices (supports, density, pruning, mineral nutrition, irrigation, etc.), pollination and harvest. Pests and diseases are cited too. Physico-chemical composition of fruits. This work draws up a review of different studies regarding pitahaya composition, micronutrients and pigments. Post-harvest and processing. The life of the fruit after harvest (conservation and storage life) is approached as well as the various possibilities of processing. European market. The European market is analyzed for the various cultivated species of Hylocereus (imported quantity, market segment, origin of production, etc.) and its evolution prospects are evoked. Conclusion. Our review highlights the fact that the interest shown in these pitahayas is recent and, for these reasons, more detailed knowledge on these species is required (agronomic, genetic and technological).

The product. Coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) is an ancient tropical beverage whose popularity on the international market hasbeen continuously increasing in recent years. Uses. Besides itsvarious traditional uses, this refreshing liqu id extracted from thecoconut fruit has recently been described as a “sport beverage” andhas drawn the attention of manufacturers as a natural functionaldrink. Composition. Coconut water has a low mattercontent (2% to 5% wet basis), mainly comprising sugars and minerals.Quality criteria, such as the water per nut ratio, Total SolubleSolids (TSS), total sugar per nut, and [reducing sugars / totalsugars] ratio, are good indicators for estimating the suitability ofcoconut cultivars for the production of coconut water. Regarding thesecriteria, dwarf varieties are the most suitable cultivars to obtain atasty product. Properties. The quality of coconut watercan not only be attributed to sugars and minerals because it also hasa typical flavour and some original properties. Although many authorshave cited medicinal uses or growth-promoting activities, only a fewpublications have clearly identified the components responsible forthese properties. Discussion. Results of former andrecent investigations are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made forfurther research to increase our knowledge of this original tropicaljuice.

Introduction. Food processing significantly lowers the quality of fruits and vegetables, which is a major concern for the food industry. Micronutrients are particularly affected, and among them β-carotene, which exhibits very interesting sensory, nutritional and biological properties. The literature concerning β-carotene degradation is extensive, but the conclusions are very different as a function of the biological, chemical and food transformation points of view. This paper proposes a synthesis of complementary approaches in the study of β-carotene during food transformation and storage. Degradation reactions. Degradation compounds are numerous, including isomers, epoxides, apocarotenones, apocarotenals and short-chain cleavage products, among them some flavour compounds. A detailed reaction scheme of isomerisation and autoxidation of β-carotene could be deduced from the literature data. The main pathways are well documented, but the global reaction scheme is still incomplete. Furthermore, most of the mechanistic studies are carried out in model systems, thus data may misrepresent β-carotene behaviour in real food products. Kinetics during processing and storage The determination of degradation kinetics permits the identification of the fastest reactions, i.e., generally those with the greatest impact, and also the quantification of the effect of the factors which can lower β-carotene content. Temperature, occurrence of oxygen, food composition and food structure are shown to affect the β-carotene loss rate significantly. However, the methodologies used to obtain the kinetic parameters are of major importance, and finally, most of the results found in the literature are specific to a study and difficult to generalise. Discussion and conclusion. Mechanistic and kinetic approaches each provide interesting data to improve understanding and monitoring of β-carotene. The combination of all this data, together with thermodynamic and analytical considerations, permits the building of observable reaction schemes which can further be transcribed through mathematical models. By this multidisciplinary approach, scarcely used for the time being, knowledge could be capitalised and useful tools could be developed to improve β-carotene retention during food processing and storage.

Introduction. Tephritidae have a major economic importance in the tropical areas. In Benin, we had only very little information available on the mango fruit fly species, except the demonstration of their damage. We therefore carried out the first investigations in Northern Benin during the mango season in 2005. Our objectives were to study fluctuations of tephritid populations in orchards and to assess mango fruit fly infestations and mango losses due to tephritid species. Materials and methods. Experiments were carried out in the Parakou area (Borgou department, Northern Benin). Fruit fly males were captured on mango trees, in two different orchards, with parapheromone traps. To sample and characterize fruit fly species involved in mango infestations, fruits of 17 cultivars were collected in mango orchards from February to June 2005; then, they were brought to the laboratory for emerging species identification. To assess the loss of fruits, sampling of different mango cultivars was achieved in the same orchards. Infested fruits were counted and eliminated; potentially infested fruits were dissected. Results and discussion. Among eight mango fruit fly species found in Benin, four can be considered as species of economic significance: Ceratitis cosyra, C. quinaria, C. silvestrii and Bactrocera invadens. During the dry season, C. cosyra was the most abundant, whereas B. invadens was the most numerous during the rainy season (abiotic factor), in phenological accordance with the ripening of the different mango varieties (biotic factor). From and after mid-May, B. invadens was found more frequently than C. cosyra in the traps and from emergence of infested mangos. Loss averages varied globally from 12% at the beginning of April to 50% in June. Conclusions. Most of the tephritid species found on mangos during our experiments had already been observed previously in other West African countries except B. invadens, an invasive species lately described. Ecological and behavioral studies will be necessary in order to plan and to apply optimal methods for controlling this new pest of major economic importance in West Africa.

Introduction. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is particularly harmful tocitrus plantations as it is one of the two psyllid vectors of the citrus greening disease or Huanglongbing. Thisdisease, which limits the longevity of trees, is due to an intracellular bacterium which mainly affects the phloem.Past experience of biological control of D. citri in Reunion Island. In Reunion Island, this disease,detected in 1967, was the main obstacle to the development of the cultivation of citrus fruit. Control of the vectorD. citri, by introducing from India and multiplying on site the specific parasitoid Tamarixia radiata(Waterston), was carried out during 1978 when nearly 4600 adult parasitoids were released. The success of T.radiata combined with the distribution of healthy plant material was at the origin of the revival of the cultivation ofcitrus fruit in Reunion Island. Programme for a biological control of D. citri in Guadeloupe. In Guadeloupe,D. citri was reported in January 1998. No trace of insect parasitism was found and only one fungus, Hirsutella citriformis Speare, proved, under certain conditions, capable of regulating the populations of thispsyllid. Taking into account the experience in Reunion Island and that the greening disease has not shown up inGuadeloupe, the introduction of T. radiata from Reunion Island was made in January 1999. About 1000 T.radiata were released all over the Guadeloupe islands. At present, just a little more than 1 year after the lastreleases, the parasitoid is established and present in almost all the citrus orchards where psyllid populations havedecreased considerably. Quite favorable biological characteristics play a great part in explaining the excellenteffectiveness of T. radiata in biological control programmes against D. citri.

Introduction. Red and black currants are a valuable component of a healthy diet because they are an excellent source of ascorbic acid, anthocyanins and minerals. Materials and methods. Three red currant cultivars and eight black currant cultivars were evaluated in terms of fruit quality. Some selected physicochemical characteristics such as berry weight, dry matter, soluble solids, total sugars, titratable acidity and total anthocyanins were investigated. Total anthocyanin content was measured with the pH differential absorbance method while citric, malic, tartaric and ascorbic acid were quantified by a reversed-phase HPLC method. Sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, chromium and zinc were determined by ICP-MS following a microwave digestion, while potassium content was determined by FAAS. Results. Significant differences in the physicochemical and mineral content were detected among the cultivars. The range of total anthocyanins of the tested samples was 12.14–22.06 mg·100 g-1 (red currants) and 116.17–287.78 mg·100 g-1 (black currants). Ascorbic acid content varied between 23.23–44.62 mg·100 g-1 (red currants) and 161.58–284.46 mg·100 g-1 (black currants). Citric acid was predominant in all studied black and red currant cultivars, followed by malic and tartaric acids. Black and red currants have rich mineral composition, especially potassium, calcium and magnesium. Black currant fruits were superior to red currants with regard to calcium and magnesium content.

Introduction. Black Leaf Streak Disease (BLSD) is regarded as the most economically important threat that the banana industry has to face. Effectively, this foliar disease affects leaf photosynthesis but, above all, reduces the greenlife of fruits, that cannot be exported in cases of severe infestation. Main characteristics of Black Leaf Streak Disease. More than 20 Mycosphaerella species have been described on bananas. Leaf spot diseases of bananas are caused by some species of this complex, of which M. fijiensis (BLSD) and M. musicola (Sigatoka disease) are the most important. M. fijiensis is an invasive species that has totally replaced M. musicola in most banana-exporting countries, which was conducive to increasing difficulties in banana leaf spot control. BLSD causes increasing difficulties for control. Since all banana cultivars grown in the banana industry are highly susceptible to BLSD, the control of this disease relies on aerial applications of fungicides according to either systematic frameworks (mostly contact fungicides) or forecasting strategies (mostly systemic fungicides). In a banana-exporting country where M. fijiensis has been reported, BLSD control becomes increasingly more difficult. This evolution is essentially due to the rapid emergence of fungicide resistance, and is conducive to a significant increase in the cost of disease control but, above all, to increasing negative environmental effects. Challenges for the banana industry. Because of the rapid adaptation of M. fijiensis, the banana industry must be prepared for significant evolution. We propose various parameters that should be monitored at different levels (disease assessment parameters, evaluation of chemical control efficiency, global evaluation of BLSD economic incidence) to rationalize such evolution. The modelization of BLSD effects on bunch mass and greenlife should enable defining acceptable disease thresholds and optimizing bunch weight and harvest stage according to agronomic practices. On the other hand, fungicide use is conducive to significant environmental impact and must be limited. Forecasting strategies should be used wherever systemic fungicides are still efficient. Finally, the predominance of a unique type of susceptible cultivar is unsustainable and the recourse to resistant varieties in an integrated strategy is undoubtedly the future of BLSD control.

Introduction. Pomegranate fruit is a good source of bioactive compounds. Although data about the importance of pomegranates in human nutrition has increased extensively in the last years, the fruit physical and chemical characteristics of some Iranian pomegranate cultivars during fruit ripening have not been investigated in detail yet. Therefore, the evaluation of physicochemical characteristics of pomegranate fruit cv. ‘Rabbab-e-Fars’ at three different stages, from fruit set to ripening, was the aim of the present study. Materials and methods. Fruit fresh weight and volume, and peel, aril, juice and seed percentage were measured as physical features and total soluble solids, pH, titrable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, anthocyanins, phenolics and tannins, condensed tannins, and antioxidant activity in the juice were evaluated as the chemical properties. Results. The highest percentage of aril (57.86%) and juice (48.01%) and lowest percentage of peel (42.13%) and seed (10.49%) were observed in 140-day-old fruits. A significant increase in concentrations of total soluble solids and total sugars were recorded during fruit ripening. The ascorbic acid content decreased significantly, while the amount of total anthocyanins increased significantly with fruit maturity. Ripe fruit, which had a low titratable acidity (1.35 g·100 g-1 of fruit juice), showed a correspondingly high pH (3.23). The levels of total phenolics, total tannins, condensed tannins and antioxidant activity declined significantly during fruit ripening. Conclusion. Our results provide important information on the changes in physical and chemical properties of pomegranate fruit during ripening, which is very useful for determination of the fruit quality.

Introduction. Fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) are among the major constraints in commercial horticulture in many African developing countries. Knowledge of the tephritid spectrum in any given area is a prerequisite for the development of an IPM program to alleviate the pest problem. We studied the fruit fly diversity in four main agro-ecological zones which are significant fruit-producing areas in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Materials and methods. Fruit fly diversity was investigated for one year (October 2004 – October 2005). Parapheromones, synthetic food attractant and protein-bait traps were used to trap the flies at the different locations in Morogoro region, Tanzania. One mixed orchard was selected at each of four locations representing the different agro-ecological zones of the region. Results. The recently introduced alien species, Bactrocera invadens, and three indigenous pest species, Ceratitis rosa, Dacus bivittatus and D. punctatifrons, were found at all the four sites, while Bactrocera cucurbitae, Ceratitis cosyra, Dacus chiwira and D. humeralis were found in three out of the four sites. The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Horticulture Unit and Mikese sites had the highest species diversity while the Mkindo and Nyandira sites had the lowest diversity. The between-habitats diversity (Beta diversity) was similar among the SUA, Mkindo and Mikese sites. Only the Nyandira site had a higher dissimilarity in comparison with the other three sites. Discussion. The most abundant species at low- and mid-elevation sites was Bactrocera invadens while, at high elevation, Ceratitis rosa was the dominant species. Protein-baited traps attracted the highest diversity of fruit flies in comparison with the more specific parapheromones. The synthetic food attractant (three-component lure) was less efficient compared with the protein bait. The large dissimilarity at the Nyandira site is probably due to the different types of host fruits found and grown in high altitude areas (mainly temperate fruits). Fruit fly species associated with these types of fruits, e.g., Ceratitis rubivora and Trirhithrum coffeae, were found only at this site.

Introduction. Très caractéristique des zones sahéliennes, Adansonia digitata L. appartient à la famille des Bombacacées. Essentiellement exploité à l’état spontané pour ses fruits ou ses feuilles, le baobab est ancré dans les cultures traditionnelles locales. La plante. Cet arbre imposant se distingue des autres espèces d’Adansonia endémiques à Madagascar et à l’Australie par son tronc très massif (10 m de diamètre), ses fleurs à port pendulaire et sa cime arrondie. Il produit des baies sèches de (150 à 300) g, à épicarpe très lignifié, le plus souvent ovoïdes et dénommées pain de singe. Les nombreuses graines sont noyées dans une pulpe blanchâtre et farineuse. Les feuilles composées comportent cinq à sept folioles digitées. L’aire de répartition du baobab est vaste. Très rustique, il est rencontré dans la plupart des régions semi-arides et subhumides du sud du Sahara ainsi que dans l’ouest de Madagascar. La phénologie de la plante est liée à la pluviométrie, la floraison et la feuillaison se déroulant pendant la saison humide. La pollinisation est assurée par des chauves-souris frugivores. La plante peut être propagée par semis ou multiplication végétative. Le fruit. Il se compose de (14 à 28) % d’une pulpe à faible teneur en eau, acide, amylacée, riche en vitamine C, en calcium et magnésium. Après séparation des graines par voie sèche ou humide, cette pulpe entre traditionnellement dans diverses préparations ou permet d’élaborer des boissons. Malgré une déficience en lysine et la présence de quelques facteurs antinutritionnels, les graines sont une source intéressante de protéines. Elles contiennent environ 15 % de lipides. Après cuisson ou grillage, elles sont consommées directement ou utilisées comme épaississant sous forme de poudre. Les feuilles. Elles sont riches en vitamines (notamment C et A), en fer et contiennent des mucilages (10 % ms). Les plus jeunes peuvent être consommées comme légume mais le plus fréquemment elles sont séchées puis réduites en poudre. Conclusion. La pulpe du fruit semble être le produit alimentaire issu du baobab qui présente le plus fort potentiel économique. Néanmoins, les marchés locaux restent à évaluer. Pour envisager le développement de la production, la culture contrôlée de la plante mériterait d’être envisagée.

Introduction. Red-purple pitahaya (Hylocereus sp.) is a promising crop grown commercially in dry regions of Central America. Both its skin and flesh are characterized by being a glowing, deeply red-purple color. Materials and methods. The main physicochemical characteristics of three commercial cultivars of red pitahaya were assessed, including total phenolic compounds contents, total betacyanins, vitamin C and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Thermal stability of betacyanins at different temperature and pH was also assessed. Results and discussion. Pitahaya fruit has a low vitamin C content ranging from (116 to 171) µg·g–1 of fresh pulp without seeds, but it is rich in betacyanins [(0.32 to 0.41) mg·g–1] and phenolic compounds [(5.6 to 6.8) µmol Eq gallic acid·g–1]; it has a high antioxidant ORAC value of (8.8 to 11.3) µmol Eq Trolox·g–1. Visible spectra of aqueous fruit extracts were very similar to that of pure betacyanin. Indeed, the characteristic color of juice diluted to 1% presents a high hue angle (H° = 350º ± 3) and high chroma values (C* = 79 ± 2). Thermal stability of pitahaya betacyanin decreases with pH, but it remains compatible with industrial utilization as a colorant (half-time = 22.6 min at 90 °C at pH = 5 of the fruit) and was found to be very similar to that previously reported for beetroot. Conclusions. Pitahaya juice combines the functional properties of a natural food colorant with high antioxidant potency.

Introduction. Many underutilized wild fruits have great nutritional and functional potential, providing chemical compounds with biological properties. Materials and methods. In the present work we quantified bioactive compounds such as vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids), and total phenolic compounds composed mainly of phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins, as well as evaluating the antioxidant capacity through different in vitro tests (Folin-Ciocalteu, ABTS·+, DPPH· and FRAP) in wild blackthorn (P. spinosa L.) and hawthorn (C. monogyna Jacq.) fruits of Spanish origin, including samples from different seasons and locations. Results and discussion. As expected, wide variability was found in the composition of fruits of the same species, which justifies the necessity of analyzing several batches of wild fruits, in order to have representative results taking into account the natural variability. Fruits of P. spinosa showed vitamin C content ranging between (5.14 and 15.35) mg·100 g–1 fw (mainly dehydroascorbic acid); total phenolic compounds ranged from (1851 to 3825) mg·100 g–1 fw, characterized by a high content of anthocyanins and phenolic acids. Fruits of C. monogyna presented (16 to 39) mg vitamin C·100 g–1 fw and (449 to 1438) mg total phenolic compounds·100 g–1 fw, characterized by a high content of phenolic acids and flavonols. Antioxidant capacity was higher for P. spinosa fruits than for C. monogyna fruits; DPPH· values showed a strong correlation with vitamin C, while phenolic compounds were a major contributor to the antioxidant activity of these fruit extracts. Fruits of P. spinosa and C. monogyna should be reconsidered as new valuable sources of safe and inexpensive antioxidants.

The product. Coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) is an ancient tropical beverage whose original properties have drawn the attention of manufacturers as a natural functional drink. Preservation. This refreshing liquid comes mainly from immature coconuts which are difficult to collect, store and thus to commercialise. Nevertheless, some studies, mostly from Asian countries, tend to prove that the shelf life of immature coconut fruits could be prolonged thanks to post-harvest treatments. Processing. Coconut water itself, extracted from the nut, is obviously easier to handle but is also very sensitive to biological and chemical injuries. Thermal treatment combined with chemical additives are already used by the industry but other technologies such as micro- and ultrafiltration are not yet available on an industrial scale. Whatever the process, taste, aroma and colour (linked to enzymatic activities) are still difficult to control. Discussion. Results of former and recent investigations are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made for further research to increase our knowledge of this original tropical juice.

Introduction. Drought stress is the major factor affecting growth, development and production of walnut trees. In Iran, approximately 33 Mha of land is affected by salinization and drought stress. Finding genetic resources tolerant to drought stress at different growth stages is important for such semi-arid regions. Our aim was to understand better the adaptive mechanisms that enable different genotypes of walnut population to survive under drought stress, and to provide some useful clues for walnut tree breeding toward improved drought tolerance with utilization of existing drought-tolerant genetic resources. Materials and methods. To study the mechanism(s) involved in drought tolerance of some Persian walnut genotypes, drought stress was induced using polyethylene glycol-6000 to produce water potentials of 0 Mpa (control), –0.10 MPa, –0.50 MPa, –0.75 MPa, –1.00 MPa, –1.50 MPa and –2.00 MPa. The amount of proline and soluble sugar accumulation in four walnut genotypes (‘Panegine20’, ‘Lara’, ‘Serr’ and ‘Chandler’) were determined after being exposed to the various water potential levels. Results. The rates of seed germination in all genotypes were significantly reduced by low external water potentials. Plants exposed to water stress had a higher amount of soluble sugars in roots and shoots of tolerant genotypes (‘Panegine20’ and ‘Chandler’) and a lower amount of starch in their tissues. These results imply the important roles of soluble sugars as solutes conferring resistance to drought in these genotypes. The free proline levels were also increased in response to drought stress. They were higher in drought-tolerant genotypes than in sensitive ones (‘Lara’ and ‘Serr’). Proline increased more in shoots than in roots. However, the soluble sugar and starch fluctuations were higher in the roots. Conclusion. Our results support a direct correlation between the degree of drought stress and proline content. As a consequence, proline concentrations could be used as a biochemical marker of drought stress level in walnut plants.

Introduction. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. est une plante herbacée, vivace, localisée dans les zones tropicales et subtropicales des deux hémisphères. L’espèce est exploitée pour sa fibre et principalement pour ses calices qui sont de trois types : vert, rouge et rouge foncé. Composition. Les calices de type rouge sont les plus utilisés et se caractérisent par leur concentration élevée en anthocyanes qui peut atteindre 1,5 g·kg–1. La delphinidine 3-sambubioside et la cyanidine 3-sambubioside sont les anthocyanes majoritaires avec, respectivement, (71 et 29) % des anthocyanes totaux. Les acides organiques, minéraux et acides aminés sont présents dans les calices, feuilles et graines d’H. sabdariffa à des teneurs variables suivant la variété et la zone géographique. Utilisations. Les utilisations des différentes parties de l’H. sabdariffa sont nombreuses et variées aussi bien dans l’alimentation que dans la médecine traditionnelle. Les calices, du fait de leur concentration élevée en acides, vitamine C et surtout en anthocyanes, constituent la partie de la plante la plus valorisée. Ils sont surtout utilisés pour la production de boissons désaltérantes et tonifiantes sans alcool. Les graines d’H. sabdariffa de par leur richesse en protéine (26 %), lipides (20 %) et sucres totaux (40 %) sont très utilisées dans l’alimentation dans de nombreux pays africains. Les feuilles constituent une bonne source de nutriments et sont utilisées en Afrique pour la préparation de sauces.

Introduction. Consumers and processors value tomatoes with high fruit sugarcontent; however, most breeding and cultural practices negatively impact this trait. Wildtomato species can accumulate two- to three-fold more fruit sugar than cultivars and areproving to be valuable both as a source of high-sugar loci to broaden thegenetic base of currently produced cultivars, and as research material to understand thistrait. Synthesis. While cutting-edge genomic approaches have taught us muchabout fruit phenotypes, it is still important to assess fruit enzyme activities andmetabolic fluxes in lines with contrasting fruit sugar accumulation. These metabolicfunctions are closest to the ripe fruit sugar trait. In this review, we focus ourattention on the biochemical pathways, especially starch biosynthesis, that may influencetomato fruit sugars. We try where possible to put this information into a physiologicalcontext because together they influence yield. We compare and contrast sugar metabolism incultivars and wild tomato species and identify factors that may influence differences intheir fruit size. Conclusion. Although difficult, we show that it is possibleto develop fruit with high horticultural yield and use the breeding line ‘Solara’ as anexample. In addition, we suggest avenues of further investigation to understand theregulation and control of fruit carbohydrate content.

Introduction. The mango tree is of prime importance to the rural economy of central and northern Benin since it provides food and crucial nutriments at the end of the dry season. However, mango producers in Benin are confronted with two problems that are closely connected: deterioration of fruit quality by fruit flies and the inadequacy of postharvest methods. In the Sudanian zone of Benin, fruit flies (Diptera Tephritidae) are highly responsible for major production losses. Materials and methods. An inventory of all present cultivars and yields of main mango cvs. (Gouverneur, Eldon, Dabshar, Kent, Smith, Keitt and Brooks) was carried out in Benin on 7 000 fruits near Parakou (Borgou) during the years 2005 and 2006. Sampling of 3 000 young fruits (length range 13–26 mm) was carried out in 2006 in order to detect some very early tephritid attacks. A loss assessment of pre-ripening and ripening fruits was also carried out on 7 750 fruits in 2006. Results and discussion. We identified 29 cultivars in the district of Borgou where 75% of the mango orchards of Benin are situated. Most of these use the ‘gatherer’ production system. The early Gouverneur cultivar had the lowest yield (1.8 t·ha–1), and the late Brooks cultivar had the highest yield (10.4 t·ha–1). Small and immature young fruits allowed development of both C. cosyra and B. invadens in February and March, i.e., before the mango season itself: this result could be a useful result for pest control. For the pre-ripening and ripening stages, average losses due to tephritid varied from 0.34 t·ha–1 to 6.5 t·ha–1 depending on cultivar type, resulting in considerable loss of income for small planters. Taking all cultivars together, losses stood at 17% in early April and exceeded 70% at mid-June. By the middle of the crop year, over 50% losses were recorded. The seasonal cultivar Eldon and late cultivars (Keitt and Brooks) were the most infested. Conclusion. In the Sudanian zone of Benin, the two main species of Tephritidae that have a high economic impact on mango trees are B. invadens and C. cosyra. Our preliminary observations and calculations will be used in a forthcoming article to calculate the economic injury level of these fruit flies.

Introduction. The data on Bactrocera cucurbitae collected over a large area of West Africa for around the past ten years enables us to make a synthesis, since this economically significant species is now widespread. Fruit samples were collected in the course of various trips to Africa; we focused on looking for the melon fly, B. cucurbitae (Coquillett). Equipment and methods. The Tephritidae were captured by means of trapping the adults and collecting holed fruit containing larvae. The fruit samples were taken from Cucurbitaceae found in the sub-region, and from other plant families hosting melon fly larvae. Fruit holed by flies were collected from untreated orchards and taken to the laboratory to be weighed, counted and classified by species, variety, date and location. The larvae collected metamorphosed into pupae. After hatching from the pupae, the adults were recovered. Results and discussion. The samples taken enabled us to determine the distribution of B. cucurbitae in West Africa; this species was found in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Senegal. The fruit collected in these countries enabled us to draw up a list of B. cucurbitae host plants in these regions; besides Cucurbitaceae, there were two Anacardiaceae species, two Rutaceae species, one Annonaceae species, one Solanaceae species and one Oxalidaceae species. There were four economically important fruit species among them. Unlike Reunion, where the dietary pattern of the melon fly is oligophagous, in West Africa it appears to be polyphagous instead. Conclusion. The data collected from B. cucurbitae host plants is subsequently to be validated, and then refined by quantitative analyses for the different West African countries.

Introduction. Adansonia digitata L., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. et Tamarindus indica L. figurent parmi les espèces fruitières de cueillette les plus appréciées par les populations sahélo soudaniennes. Leur rôle sur le plan nutritionnel et sur la génération de revenus est important. La dégradation des écosystèmes constitue une menace sur la ressource en fruits de cueillette et sur la diversité génétique de ces espèces. La première étape du programme de domestication mis en œuvre au Sénégal consiste à en caractériser la variabilité naturelle, dans le cadre d’une démarche participative visant la sélection d’accessions intéressantes pour la qualité des fruits. L’objet de cette étude a été de comparer, pour chacune des espèces, les fruits de différentes accessions. Matériel et méthodes. Les analyses ont porté sur une caractérisation biométrique des fruits, complétée par une analyse chimique sommaire (eau, sucres solubles totaux, acidité libre totale). Résultats et discussion. Pour la totalité des critères étudiés, l’exploitation des données a montré des différences significatives entre les accessions au sein de chaque espèce. Pour les caractères biométriques, un gradient décroissant de variabilité apparaît selon la séquence : Adansonia vers Tamarindus vers Balanites. Le critère de « valeur réelle de la pulpe » a permis de cibler des accessions plus intéressantes que d’autres. Les caractères chimiques ont présenté une moindre variabilité. Conclusions. Les différentes accessions étudiées présentent une variabilité exploitable pour la diffusion aux populations locales de variétés performantes d’espèces fruitières répondant à leurs besoins et à leurs moyens.

The plant. The aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) is an Amazonian palm which grows naturally on flooded soils, forming dense gatherings called aguajales in Peru. It can reach a height of 35–40 m. Each tree has an average of 8 inflorescences per year and each inflorescence produces about 900 fruits. This palm is in the domestication process. A dwarf form, recently discovered, could permit the improvement of the methods of production. The fruit. The fruit is an ellipsoid oval-shaped drupe, covered by red or dark red-coloured cornea scales. It measures (5 to 7) cm long and (4 to 5) cm in diameter. The pulp has a high content of β-carotene (260 mg·100 g–1 of pulp). Marketing. Marketing is carried out for fruits coming from the natural environment. There is a local consumption of approximately 150 t·month–1 and it can be of raw or processed fruit. For this fruit’s demand, it is necessary to cut down approximately 24 000 palms a year. Discussion. The aguaje has big social and economical importance to these regions' inhabitants. It represents great potential for the national as well as the international market. The Research Institute of the Peruvian Amazon (IIAP) is devel-oping technologies for agronomical management of the species, and for production and proc-essing of the fruit. Studies on aguaje growth and genetic diversity in the natural conditions also have to be carried out.