Introduction. Les systèmes de production du manguier en Afrique de l’Ouest sont très variés. Chacun d’eux s’est développé dans un contexte spécifique où l’itinéraire technique et la composition variétale des plantations contribuent à la diversité observée. L’étude entreprise devrait permettre de mieux comprendre l’influence des débouchés potentiels sur l’évolution de cette filière horticole. Les principaux systèmes de plantation. Dans la région étudiée, l’essentiel des vergers de manguiers exploités a moins de 10 ha ; leur production est extensive et utilise peu d’intrants. Ils appartiennent en majorité à des planteurs dont l’activité principale est centrée sur l’agriculture. Certaines plantations proches de 100 ha, trouvées au Sénégal ou en Côte d’Ivoire, appartiennent à des exportateurs et bénéficient d’un encadrement technique. Les itinéraires techniques. L’étude des itinéraires techniques utilisés en vergers de manguiers en Afrique de l’Ouest a permis d’analyser les aspects de production de plants, choix du site, aménagement du verger avant plantation, plantation et entretien des arbres, protection contre les incendies, alimentation hydrique, ainsi que l’effet du marché d’exportation sur le choix variétal et l’offre variétale au cours d’une campagne de récolte. Maladies et ennemis. Un inventaire des problèmes pathologiques et des maladies physiologiques susceptibles de dévaloriser la production a été effectué. Commercialisation. Cette partie a permis de distinguer les exportations intercontinentales, nécessitant une organisation spécifique de la récolte et du conditionnement, et les marchés locaux, nationaux et régionaux. La transformation. Aujourd’hui, la part des mangues transformées en Afrique de l’Ouest n’utilise qu’une proportion infime de la production totale. Conclusion et perspectives. À côté d’une production traditionnelle qui présente des signes de fragilité apparaissent des vergers modernes. Plus qu’une intensification des vergers, par ailleurs nécessaire, une rationalisation des pratiques agronomiques, de la protection phytosanitaire, de la récolte ou de la manipulation des fruits est incontournable. En aval, la filière d’exportation se trouve confrontée à une évolution rapide des réglementations exogènes, basées sur des normes qualitatives et sanitaires de plus en plus strictes.

Introduction. Papaya is grown mainly under tropical conditions due to its requirement of high temperatures year-round. With modern greenhouse technology and production systems, the Mediterranean countries are now able to produce many tropical crops such as banana and papaya. Such technology has also increased the yield and improved fruit quality in comparison with open field production systems. Materials and methods. Our study was conducted in an unheated greenhouse in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Three papaya cultivars (‘SS-45’, ‘BH-65’ and ‘Sel-42’) were evaluated for their physical and physicochemical properties and yield. Results. There were no significant differences in chemical properties related to fruit cultivars. Conversely, certain features of the development cycle of these three cultivars varied: BH-65 flowered at only 65.4 cm compared with SS-45 (133.8 cm) and Sel-42 (135.1 cm). Fruit set was improved for Sel-42 (63.7 fruits) compared with SS-45 (49.3 fruits) and BH-65 (31.3 fruits). The corresponding yields for Sel-42, SS-45 and BH-65 were (28.3, 21.3 and 7.8) kg per plant, respectively. The Sel-42 cultivar presented the largest fruits (weight, 460.0 g; width, 11.7 cm; length, 16.7 cm), closely followed by those of SS-45 (433.3 g, 11.3 cm and 15.3 cm, respectively). In contrast, the cultivar BH-65 produced the smallest fruits (weight, 250.0 g; width, 9.7 cm; length, 13.3 cm). The physical and chemical characteristics did not vary among the cultivars. Conclusion. Our results allow us to recommend the cultivars Sel-42 and SS-45 for greenhouse cultivation under a Mediterranean climate in Turkey.

Introduction. Penicillium digitatum is a commercially important postharvest pathogen of citrus that is responsible for significant annual global losses. Strains of the fungus, which exhibit strong resistance to widely used synthetic fungicides, are of major concern to the industry. The aim of the study was to investigate the antifungal activities of polar extracts and compounds from Lippia species, indigenous to South Africa, against a Guazatine®-resistant strain of P. digitatum.Materials and methods. In vitro tests were done by incorporating the compounds and plant extracts into Malt Extract Agar at concentrations ranging from (0.2 to 1.0) mg·mL–1. An in vivo (curative) assay was conducted using the checkerboard technique on ‘Valencia’ oranges. Results and discussion. A strong correlation between the in vitro and in vivo results was observed. All the compounds and extracts were able to inhibit fungal growth at concentrations above 0.6 mg·mL–1. Verbascoside was the most active compound, while extracts of Lippia javanica and Lippia rehmannii caused significant inhibition of mycelial growth. The observed activity was largely ascribed to the presence of verbascoside in the plant extracts. Conclusion. Polar extracts of Lippia species have potential as environmentally friendly alternatives for the control of P. digitatum on citrus.

Introduction. The use of mycorrhizal fungi as biofertilizers can reduce chemical inputs during the nursery phase, allowing the production of high quality plant material with reduced fertilizer inputs. The lack of complete knowledge of each crop’s responsiveness to mycorrhizal symbiosis, however, is still a handicap to the routine application of this biotechnology for commercial purposes. In our work, the influence of early mycorrhization as an alternative to standard P fertilization programs for two tropical crops, papaya and pineapple, was assessed in a greenhouse experiment. Materials and methods. Papaya seedlings and pineapple planting material were inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus mosseae and cultured on substrates with increasing amounts of soluble P. Data concerning plant development and nutritional status were determined 5 months (papaya) and 7 months (pineapple) after inoculation. Results. For both crops, benefits derived from mycorrhization, expressed in terms of plant development and nutritional status, were significantly higher than those derived from P application. Overall, mycorrhizal papaya plants exhibited significantly higher biomass and macroelement contents in shoots than plants without mycorrhizas at any P level. Mycorrhizal effects on pineapple at the lowest P level were significant in terms of plant development and P shoot contents. Conclusions. Differential benefits derived from mycorrhization seem to be correlated to each crop’s internal P requirements. Our work highlights the potential benefits of integrating early mycorrhization at the nursery stage in order to reduce P fertilizer inputs in sustainable plant production systems.

Introduction. Fruit flies contribute significantly to yield losses experienced by citrus farmers in Nigeria. The majority of farmers have meager resources and limited knowledge of appropriate citrus pest management strategies. The best alternative for them is the application of control methods that are environmentally friendly and affordable. Our work was therefore designed to develop baits from a cheap source for monitoring fruit fly populations and controlling them while minimizing environmental hazards. Materials and methods. Protein bait prepared locally from brewery yeast waste by the process of heat autolysis was compared with the imported protein hydrolysate bait in McPhail traps. These traps were hung on the trees of four sweet orange varieties during the major citrus fruiting seasons of 2003 and 2004. Results. Species of Ceratitis dominated in the fruit fly samples collected. Both the imported and locally made baits caught significantly higher numbers of fruit flies than the non-baited control. There was no significant difference between the populations of fruit flies caught by the two baits during the studies. The decreasing order of varieties according to trapped fruit fly numbers for both the imported and locally made baits were: Washington navel > Parson Brown > Valencia late > Agege-1. The fruit fly numbers observed on Washington navel were significantly higher than those of Agege-1 and Valencia late. Discussion. Our results show the effectiveness of the locally made protein bait in fruit fly monitoring and management. Varietal differences also played a part in determining the extent of fruit fly attacks on sweet oranges.

Introduction. La mineuse des agrumes Phyllocnistis citrella, introduite en 1994 en Tunisie, est un ravageur sténophage n'évoluant que sur jeunes pousses et lorsque les conditions thermiques sont favorables. Afin de pouvoir envisager par la suite une lutte intégrée contre P. citrella, nous avons étudié les relations entre la mineuse, ses ennemis naturels, le climat et la plante hôte. Matériel et méthodes. Le suivi des populations de la mineuse a été effectué sur citronniers et orangers de 1997 à 1999. Des échantillons constitués de pousses de différents âges ont été prélevés chaque semaine, puis examinés sous loupe binoculaire. Tous les stades pré-imaginaux morts ou vivants de la mineuse ont été dénombrés. L'émergence en laboratoire d'adultes de parasitoïdes a permis leur identification. Résultats. L'oranger présente trois poussées de sève : au printemps (février à avril), en été (juin à juillet) et en automne (mi-août à octobre). Les pousses de printemps sont les plus importantes (60 % du feuillage) mais sont peu attaquées par la mineuse ; les deux autres poussées végétatives, qui dépendent de la charge de l'arbre et des conditions climatiques ambiantes, sont à 100 % infestées et permettent le développement de huit générations successives de mineuses. Chez le citronnier, en revanche, des jeunes pousses sont émises presque toute l'année et permettent donc à P. citrella de s'y maintenir constamment et de développer jusqu'à 10 générations annuelles. Le taux de mortalité du ravageur dépend des fortes chaleurs de l'été, des basses températures, de la raréfaction de la ressource alimentaire et des ennemis naturels. Discussion et conclusion. L'impact de ces différents facteurs sur la régulation des populations de P. citrella en Tunisie est analysé et discuté.

Introduction. Au Cameroun, la production du manguier (Mangifera indica) est forte pendant la période de récolte qui dure (2 à 3) mois·an-1 suivant les régions. En zone rurale, il y a alors un problème de surproduction. Des travaux ont montré que le séchage de la mangue serait une voie intéressante pour la conservation de cette surproduction. En zone rurale, les séchoirs électriques qui permettent pourtant un séchage rapide et constant ne peuvent être utilisés du fait de l'absence d'électricité. Afin d'inciter les producteurs à utiliser le séchage comme technique de conservation des mangues excédentaires en certaines saisons, l'aptitude au séchage de quelques variétés de mangues produites au Cameroun a été étudiée en comparant les produits obtenus par séchage électrique ou solaire. Matériel et méthodes. Les fruits de trois variétés de mangue améliorées (Amélie, Zill et Irwin) et d'une variété locale (Horé Wandou) ont été récoltés à deux degrés de maturité : maturité commerciale et maturité avancée. Après préparation des fruits, la pulpe a été découpée en lamelles et séchée soit par séchoir solaire, soit par exposition directe au soleil. La composition physico-chimique des échantillons de pulpe a été étudiée avant et après séchage. Résultats et discussion. Après un séchage à 50 °C pendant 24 h (séchoir électrique), les lamelles de mangue séchée obtenues ont présenté une teneur en eau comprise entre (16 et 24) %. Des différences significatives sont apparues dans les rendements au séchage des variétés étudiées. Les teneurs des différents constituants physico-chimiques analysés ont varié en fonction des variétés et du degré de maturité des fruits récoltés. Les taux moyens de conservation des constituants (vitamine C, sucres réducteurs, extraits secs solubles) après séchage ont été supérieurs à 56 % sauf pour la teneur en fibres dont le taux de conservation a été de 16 %. Les mangues séchées directement au soleil ont été semblables à celles obtenues par passage en séchoir électrique malgré une durée de séchage plus longue et un moindre taux en vitamine C. Conclusion. Les variétés Amélie, Zill, Irwin et la variété locale Horé Wandou se prêtent bien au séchage qui conserve les principaux éléments nutritifs avec des rendements importants.

Introduction. Plants develop mechanisms that allow them to compartmentalize injuries that they suffer during their life. In trees, pruning and injection treatments must be used in accordance with precise rules to reduce risks resulting from the injuries created. Sealing in palms. Palms, contrary to widespread belief, are quite capable of “healing” injuries (sealing); because of an anatomy quite different from trees, the sealing process in palms is much simpler. Compartmentalization of injection wounds. The controversy on the use of injection in trees is due essentially to initial mistakes that have then been rectified. Injection in palms against the red palm weevil. For palms, for decades, this technique has been employed without problems and with great efficiency against various pests, including Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, the red palm weevil (RPW). Its use has been reserved for exceptional situations either to face abnormal pest proliferation, uncontrollable by other techniques, or to implement eradication programs. Integrated eradication program. In such a program, the main aim of injection treatments is preventive. With long-persistence insecticides, the number of treatments could be greatly reduced. The resulting savings in time and money would enable the organization of the treatments of all the palms located in an infested area, and consequently the rapid eradication of the pest. New perspectives. We established that insecticides applied by injection were capable of protecting palms with only two or even one treatment per year. These results suggest a radical improvement in programs to eradicate RPW, while considerably reducing the risks to health and the environment compared with spray treatments.

Introduction. L’objectif de notre étude a été de recenser les différentes espèces de Tephritidae présentes sur arbres fruitiers dans trois régions climatiques différentes de Côte d’Ivoire et d’identifier quelques plantes hôtes auxquelles elles sont associées. Matériel et méthodes. Un dispositif de pièges utilisant différentes phéromones a été mis en place dans les régions agro écologiques du sud (Azaguié, Abidjan) et du centre (Yamoussoukro) de la Côte d’Ivoire entre juin 2005 et septembre 2006. En complément, une collecte de fruits a été effectuée dans ces mêmes régions ainsi qu’au nord du pays (Korhogo). La fluctuation de la population de Bactrocera invadens a été suivie à partir de relevés hebdomadaires des pièges. Les mouches émergées des fruits collectés ont été identifiées et comptées. Résultats et discussion. Au total, 23 espèces de mouches des fruits ont été identifiées dont huit espèces particulières à Azaguié, une espèce à Abidjan et une espèce à Yamoussoukro. Les espèces B. invadens et D. mediovittatus ont été identifiées pour la première fois en Côte d’Ivoire. L’espèce B. invadens s’est révélée majoritaire sur les stations du sud et du centre de la Côte d’Ivoire. Elle est représentée à 85 % à Azaguié, à 99,90 % à Abidjan et à 95,40 % à Yamoussoukro. Le méthyl eugénol et le dorsalure ont été les plus efficaces pour capturer un grand nombre d’individus. Les genres Ceratitis et Dacus, bien que présentant une diversité spécifique, sont faiblement représentés sur les sites expérimentaux étudiés. Selon les zones agro écologiques et la période de fructification des manguiers en Côte d’Ivoire, les populations de B. invadens présentent différents pics de croissance. Conclusion. Des études complémentaires sur la biologie et le comportement de ce ravageur s’avéreront nécessaires pour l’application des méthodes de lutte optimale en vergers en Afrique de l’Ouest et, plus particulièrement, en Côte d’Ivoire.

Introduction. Dried mango slices are a common snack product in Southeast Asian countries. Mashing the carotenoid-containing mango flesh and drying the puree to mango leather is a promising alternative to utilise even over-mature or small fruits and fruits with irregular size as low-cost raw materials. Within the study, the impact of blanching and air temperature (40–90 °C) on drying time and quality was investigated. Materials and methods. Drying tests were conducted using a laboratory dryer, which allowed continuous measurement of the drying rate. The quality of the mango leather was evaluated in terms of colour (CIE-Lab) and β-carotene content (HPLC). The formation of 13-cis-β-carotene isomer was used to indicate thermal β-carotene degradation. Results and discussion. Blanching degraded the β-carotene content, reduced drying time (–20%) and decreased browning reactions. Optimum drying conditions in terms of drying time, colour and β-carotene retention were determined at 80 °C. The all-trans-β-carotene content was maintained at 75% and no decrease in colour saturation (C*) was observed. As a result, it is expected that 80 °C is sufficient to inactivate carotenoid oxidising enzymes without showing significant negative thermal effects on β-carotene degradation. Higher temperatures led to severe β-carotene losses. Lower temperatures increased drying times, caused discolouration and decreased the β-carotene retention. Conclusion. With a provitamin A activity of (600 to 650) retinol equivalents (RE), mango leather is a promising source of provitamin.

Introduction. The technique presented provides molecular markers for DNA methylation studies in the Musa sp. genome. This technique can be used for studying DNA methylation in natural populations, in mapping populations, and also in plant organs or during plant development. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material, time required and expected results are presented. Materials and methods. This part describes the required materials, and the protocols for producing MSAP autoradiography with HpaII / MspI (CCGG methylation) and for EcoRII / PspGI (CCWGG methylation). It mentions the main problems which can occur. Results. The protocol makes it possible to detect CCWGG and CCGG methylated sites.

Introduction. Chestnut represents one of the most important crops for the Portuguese economy. The most common consumption mode of these fruits is roasted or boiled. In this context, the major aim of our study was to evaluate the amino acid contents and the mineral composition of raw and cooked chestnuts. Materials and methods. Amino acids were determined by HPLC and minerals were determined by molecular absorption spectrophotometry, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry or by flame emission photometry. The most important Portuguese cultivars were evaluated: Aveleira, Boaventura, Côta, Judia, Lada, Lamela, Longal Padrela, Longal Soutos da Lapa, Negra and Martaínha. Results and discussion. The cooking method significantly affected the total amino acid composition with contents in roasted samples 13% and 12 % higher than in boiled and raw chestnuts, respectively. Roasted chestnuts presented higher alanine, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, threonine, tyrosine and valine contents than either raw or boiled chestnuts. Moreover, serine presented the highest content in raw or roasted chestnut kernels. Regarding the mineral composition, potassium (K) was the predominant macronutrient in the chestnuts, whereas phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were found in low contents. Cooking significantly affected the mineral composition, except for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) contents. In general, calcium decreased upon cooking. K, Ca, Mg and B decreased with boiling. The present data confirm that cooked chestnuts are a good source of amino acids and minerals, both affected by boiling and roasting, which have been associated with positive health benefits.

Introduction. For some species such as P. armeniaca, overcoming dormancy may be problematic when cold requirements are not satisfied. Moreover, the different positions of flower buds on the tree canopy and on the apical and basal portions of twigs can influence their development. Sampling problems have not been extensively studied. Therefore, the effect of different sectors (west and east), of different heights (top and bottom) of the canopy and of twig portions (medium-apical and medium-basal) on the break of dormancy in the apricot tree was evaluated. Attention was also focused on floral anomalies in relation to the flower bud position on the twig, in order to identify the least variable portion of twigs and thus provide useful information for optimization of periodic bud sampling. Materials and methods. Two cultivars of P. armeniaca with different chilling requirements were chosen: `San Castrese' and `Orange Red'. The end of endo-dormancy was evaluated from December to blooming time by traditional biological approaches, such as increase in flower bud fresh weight and evolution of the bud phenological stage, before and after 7 d under forcing conditions. In addition, the percentage of floral anomalies was considered in relation to the flower bud position on the twig. Results and conclusion. The results showed that canopy and twig positions exerted different effects on the breaking of the flower bud endo-dormancy, and some practical applications can be drawn from them for the best sampling design inside the tree structure: the west orientation of the canopy and the medium-apical portion of the twig were the best positions to obtain an earlier active growth of buds, allowing the prediction of endo-dormancy breaking. The analysis of flower anomalies showed considerable differences depending on the position of the bud on the twig. High percentages of anomalous buds were observed in the medium-basal portion of the twig, which could distort the results on the evaluation of overcoming dormancy, due to a weaker growth trend of flower buds.

Introduction. Chlorophyll fluorescence (chl-fluorescence) has been used in postharvest studies as a non-destructive technique for evaluating fruit ripening. Since there are no available studies using chl-fluorescence in guava fruit, the aim of this work was to verify the relations between chl-fluorescence parameters and fruit quality attributes, such as skin color and fruit firmness, and to measure the chl-fluorescence during ripening of guava fruit. Materials and methods. Firstly, maximal (Fm), minimal (Fo), variable (Fv), and variable to maximal [Fv/Fm] fluorescence yields, skin color (Hº) and fruit firmness were evaluated in guava fruit harvested at three ripeness stages: dark-green (I), light-green (II) and yellowish-green (III). Secondly, changes in the above chl-fluorescence parameters and Hº were measured during 7 days of ripening. Relations between the evaluated parameters were also studied. Results and discussion. The three ripeness stages were well segregated using the Hº, Fm and fruit firmness parameters. Fo was insensible to early changes in fruit ripening, maintaining relatively stable values until fruit firmness of 20 N. When considering changes in chl-fluorescence and Hº during ripening, there were no significant differences between guava fruit harvested at stages II or III. The [Fv/Fm] value decline was only evident on the fifth day of ripening, whereas Fv, Fm and Hº began to decrease on the first day. Regardless of [Fv/Fm], the relations between chl-fluorescence parameters and Hº tended to increase from ripeness stages I to III, with Fm having the highest correlation with Hº. The results show that chl-fluorescence can be used to evaluate the ripening and senescence of guava fruit, with Fm being a good ripening indicator.

Introduction. Fruit production is faced with water shortage, especially in areas with a Mediterranean climate characterized by a very long, dry and hot summer. Thus, the growers under such conditions must manage irrigation carefully by finding new strategies, including water stress management. Materials and methods. Effects of water stress (WS) and crop load (CL) on the carbon assimilation rate, fruit growth, crop yield and fruit quality (size and soluble solids content) were evaluated in a 7-year-old ‘Elegant Lady’ peach orchard (Winters, California, USA). The experimental design consisted of a completely randomized block factorial design with 2 × 3 factors: irrigation with two levels (control and WS trees) and crop load with three levels (light, commercial and heavy). Results and discussion. Both CL and WS affected fruit growth during the last stages but not early on. Crop load did not affect trunk water potential (TrWP) which, however, was significantly reduced by WS throughout the day and the season. The stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E) and CO2 assimilation rate (A) were not affected by CL, but they were reduced by WS. There were poor correlations between TrWP and either gs or A in control trees, indicating relatively poor coordination between leaf functions in peach trees under optimal conditions. Both WS and CL delayed the harvest date through their effect on ripening. Water stress significantly reduced the average crop fresh yield but hardly affected crop dry yield. Both WS and CL affected the distribution of fruit size categories, with the proportion of large fruit decreasing with the increase in crop load and the severity of WS. Conclusion. Water stress reduced fruit fresh weight and fruit fresh yield but not fruit dry weight or dry yield. Crop load reduced fruit fresh and dry weights and yields. Crop load had a negative effect on soluble solids content, while WS had a positive effect. Thus, CL reduced fruit size and soluble solids content, while WS reduced size but improved soluble solids concentration.

Introduction. Studies to determine the pre-requisites for formulating an IPM program for fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) were conducted in the Morogoro region, Central Tanzania, from 2004 to 2006. Specifically, studies aimed at determining the biodiversity of fruit flies, and their incidence and abundance in the surveyed region. Materials and methods. Adult flies were collected using McPhail traps baited with parapheromones (methyl eugenol, trimedlure and cue lure) and synthetic food baits (hydrolyzed yeast and three-component lure). Flies were also collected from infested fruits after incubation in the laboratory. A total of four sites and neighboring areas representing the three agro-ecological zones of Morogoro region were used. Results. Two key fruit fly pests were determined based on incidence in major fruits and their seasonal abundance. The invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta and White, is the key pest in the low and medium altitude areas. On the other hand, the Natal fruit fly, Ceratitis rosa Karsch, is the key frugivorous pest in the high altitude areas. Discussion. Management programs of fruit flies need to focus on key pests, taking into consideration their breeding in the non-agricultural habitats. Components of such a program should include the Male Annihilation Technique (MAT), legislation, use of parapheromones and baits, farm hygiene and sanitation, quarantine, surveillance and postharvest treatment.

Introduction. Although almond (Prunus dulcis L.) is one of the most important cultivated fruit trees in Lebanon, cultivated accessions have not yet been inventoried, and the identity of the varieties is unknown. Our study therefore aimed at assessing the genetic diversity of cultivated almonds in Lebanon using morphological characters. Materials and methods. Field surveys were performed in 2002-2003 with the aim of collecting different accessions of cultivated almond trees throughout the country. Thirty-six accessions were characterized in their cultivated habitats by using 20 qualitative and quantitative traits related mainly to the fruit, according to descriptors previously established by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). Results. A large diversity was revealed among accessions, probably due to genetic differences. Based on the qualitative studied traits, the dendogram indicated that most of the accessions were clearly distinguishable and only two cases of synonymy were observed. They have been clustered into three main groups at 0.37 of Jaccard similarity distance. Conclusion. This study needs to be completed by a DNA analysis, in order to highlight the influence of environmental conditions on the variability in the P. dulcis germplasm and to confirm the genetic distances among accessions.

Introduction. Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is the most important disease of banana worldwide, causing severe yield losses in commercial and local consumption cultivars. Chemical control is currently the most used method to manage the Fusarium wilt of banana, although it is toxic, expensive and dangerous. Therefore, control through genetic improvement is widely encouraged. Hence, breeding was carried out to develop banana hybrids with putative resistance. Materials and methods. Hybridization of identified resistant diploids with commercial triploids and tetraploids was carried out; it resulted in development of 22 hybrids with improved agronomic characters. In a second step, screening of these hybrids for resistance to Foc race 1 was attempted using the double cup method of challenge inoculation with the pathogen in the roots of the hybrids at optimum level. Host responses of the susceptible and resistant hybrids were examined under greenhouse conditions through biochemical and isozyme analysis. Results. Six hybrids among the 22 hybrids with improved agronomic characters were selected based on their yield and they were evaluated for resistance. Three of them were resistant to Foc and the others were susceptible. The resistance mechanism involving the relation of enzymes such as peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine lyase (PAL), and biochemicals such as phenols, proline and lignin showed relatively higher activity in resistant hybrids and parents than susceptible ones. Isozyme analysis of PO and PPO carried out using selected resistant and susceptible hybrids revealed the induction of specific isoforms in the resistant hybrids upon challenge inoculation. Conclusion. Three hybrids were identified as potential hybrids with good yield and resistance to Foc race 1.

Introduction. Un inventaire des espèces de Tephritidae dans des vergers de l’ouest du Burkina Faso a été effectué entre décembre 2007 et décembre 2009. Matériel et méthodes. Un piégeage de détection a été mené dans sept vergers de manguiers en utilisant comme appât de la levure de Torula placée dans des pièges Mac Phail. Résultats et discussion. L’identification et le dénombrement des Tephritidae capturées a permis de recenser 18 espèces : neuf du genre Ceratitis, sept du genre Dacus et deux du genre Bactrocera. Ceratitis cosyra et Bactrocera invadens (respectivement 53,02 % et 36,19 % de l’ensemble des captures) se sont révélées être les espèces dominantes. Nous avons mis en évidence une forte similarité des communautés de Tephritidae au niveau des différents sites étudiés (coefficients de similitude entre 42,86 % et 100 %); cette similarité pourrait être expliquée d’une part par l’homogénéité des conditions climatiques, d’autre part par celle de la végétation de la zone d’étude. La proximité des parcelles de cultures maraîchères et la diversité des fruitiers locaux hôtes des Tephritidae autour des vergers de manguiers pourraient être à l’origine de la richesse spécifique élevée que nous avons constatée. Conclusion. Notre étude a révélé une diversité de Tephritidae dans la zone d’investigation qui présente des communautés d’espèces homogènes. Ces résultats seront complétés par l’identification des espèces associées aux dégâts sur manguier et à l’évaluation de leur importance. Ils suggèrent dès à présent la possibilité de développer, contre ces ravageurs, une stratégie de lutte commune à toutes les localités de la zone d’étude de l’ouest du Burkina Faso.

Lychee on the European markets. With approximately 2.8 Mt of annual global production, lychee constitutes a minor fruit in terms of production. The world production is mainly located in the northern hemisphere (95%). However, most of the quantity exported to the EU comes from the southern hemisphere. In this context, with its 100,000 t of annual production, Madagascar is ranked fourth in the producing world and first in the southern hemisphere producing countries. This rank is due to the fact that supplies in the EU are seasonal and mainly concentrated during the end of the year holiday season. This market can only be supplied in quantity by the Malagasy lychee because of its earlier date of harvest in the Indian Ocean. The lychee industry in Madagascar. Lychee cultivation in Madagascar dates from the early twentieth century. It is primarily grown in wet tropical lowlands of the island with some production in areas with a subtropical climate with dry and cool winters. The stand is not structured into orchards. Therefore, the volumes currently exported are based on a stand established by a multitude of small producers. The characteristics of Malagasy lychee export and the consequences of the production context on export are analyzed. Changes in European legislation on lychee importation. The regulatory changes since 1987 and the commercial developments since 1994 are reviewed by analyzing the resulting effects on the Malagasy lychee exports. Learning experience from fifteen years of Malagasy lychee export campaigns. Data on Malagasy lychee export campaigns from 1996 to 2012 and the history of the changes in volumes exported allow a close analysis of the factors affecting the Malagasy lychee industry. Success factors of the Malagasy lychee exports. These factors are related to securing market position and to the components of a marketing campaign (supply date to the European market, exported volumes and competition from produce from other countries). Conclusions. Lychees from Madagascar, although marketed for a very brief period, currently occupy the first rank on the European markets and have managed, through the development of transport logistics using very large-capacity cargoes, to eliminate all competition. However, this sector is mainly structured downstream and its production, which comprises a network of 30,000 small producers, has been neglected. This lack of intervention (boosting of production, improving crop management, etc.) upstream of the chain does not support sustaining the industry in the medium term.