Ziziphus lotus L. (Lam.) and Z. mauritiana Lam., as a widespread species in Tunisia, are well known for their medicinal and food uses. The aim of the present study was to screen the content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins together with the radical scavenging capacity and the antimicrobial activity of leaves, fruits and seeds extracts of Z. lotus and Z. mauritiana from different localities. Results showed that leaves extracts presented the highest phenolic compounds content for both species. Furthermore, LC-ESI-MS analysis allowed the identification of 28 bioactive compounds regardless of species and organs, with the predominance of quinic acid and rutin. Leaves extract of Z. mauritiana possessed the highest total antioxidant capacity. The antimicrobial tests showed that leaves extracts of Z. mauritiana and Z. lotus from Oued Esseder exhibited the highest activity against four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli). The main results showed that the studied species of Ziziphus genus are an excellent source of natural bioactive molecules that could be an interesting material for industrial and food purposes.

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Purpose Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the predominant fruit trees grown in oases ecosystems (Southern Mediterranean regions) and produces several wastes during practicing cultivation since fruit and bunch thinning is frequently applied. Yet, the valorization of date palm wastes as bioresources has received little attention. The main objective for the present research is to assess palm trees compost (P-compost) as organic fertilizer for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Methods The experiment was carried out in an experimental field involving four replicates and three soil amendment treatments (1) control, conventional mineral fertilizer diammonium phosphate, (2) 30 t ha -1 of cow manure, and (3) 30 t ha -1 of palm tree compost (P-compost). Plots were planted on with alfalfa and the measurements of studied traits (growth, yield, seed yield and minerals uptake) were determined for two crop seasons (2010 and 2011). Results Compared with untreated soil, the palm compost application at 30 t ha -1 improved significantly both organic matter and water retention capacity of the soil and decreased the electrical conductivity (-70%).Furthermore, palm compost supply significantly increased fresh biomass production of alfalfa by 21 and 28%, respectively, during the first and second seasons. Also, it enhanced the grain yield and growth rate (stem length and leafs expansion) of this species. At the first crop season, the palm compost application had a positive impact on minerals nutrition compared to the control treatment, with improving rates of ? 32% for phosphorus, ? 25% for potassium and ? 6% for nitrogen. In addition, these contents were higher than in plants grown under cow manure amendment. However, at the second season, the palm compost improved only P and N contents. Conclusions This preliminary finding suggests that palm compost at moderate dose (30 t ha -1 ) could be highly beneficial for forage plant yield.

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