Abstract:A study was undertaken in 2010 to identify Important Plant Areas (Key Biodiversity Areas for Plants) in the south and east Mediterranean region, in order to prioritise the best sites for plant conservation action. It follows a first work of identification of Important Plant Areas (IPAs) initiated for Algeria and relates exclusively to the flora of northern Algeria. These IPAs were delineated in northern Algeria for those sites harbouring a number of "IPA selection species" (threatened species and locally endemic or restricted range). Recent taxonomic revisions estimate the number of national endemics for the north of Algeria (excluding the Sahara) to be over 300 taxa. In the present study, data were extracted from the global list of 22 IPAs identified for the north of Algeria. The species considered are i) threatened species as defined by the 1997 IUCN global red list of plants, ii) locally endemic species, iii) nationally threatened species. Trigger species, identified by combining the criteria of endemism and rarity, are mainly Algerian national endemics but also include some AlgerianMoroccan and Algerian-Tunisian endemics. One hundred and fifty two (152) trigger species were identified and these species, which have high ecological value, can be used to characterize the particular floristic interest of a site and can therefore be a useful tool for conservation purposes. Important gaps in knowledge have been highlighted, in particular those relating to taxonomy and the lack of up-to-date field data. It is therefore essential to undertake in situ research in order to better understand the distribution and status of these species. A flexible approach to identifying and recognising priority sites for plants using surrogate criteria, supplemented by expert opinion, alongside existing globally standardised criteria, is therefore essential if the most important sites for plant diversity are to receive the conservation attention they deserve.

Abstract:On the high plains of Setif, the old inhabitants have built a real knowledge of medicinal plants properties. Traditional knowledge about plants and their properties are still fairly common. Our scientific motivation stems from the absence of any flora and ethnobotanical study in this area. During different field campaigns, we identified 93 medicinal species belonging to 32 botanical families. This number reflects the wealth of medicinal plants that are still traditionally used. To gather as much information on the use of plants, a series of ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in the field during periods of picking from villagers, herbalists and traditional healers. According to those surveyed, the fresh leaves and seeds are considered the most popular and common parts that can address several diseases where oral and dermal administration are recommended. The most used plants are: Artemisia herba-alba, Argyrolobium saharae, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Ormenis africana, Pallenis spinosa, Thymus ciliatus, Pistacia atlantica, Paronychia arabica, Globularia alypum, Ajuga iva, Peganum harmala, Ruta chalepensis, Tapsia garganica, Pituranthos scoparius. Djebel Zdimm offers floristic diversity and a sizeable traditional therapeutic knowledge. The safeguarding and preservation of this ancestral heritage is one of our objectives in this semi-arid steppe.

Le massif d'Ouanougha abrite une végétation forestière à plus de m d'altitude. Le cortège floristique de cette forêt à Cedrus atlantica et Quercus rotundifolia est très riche et comporte beaucoup d'espèces présentant un intérêt économique indéniable. La préservation et la valorisation de ce patrimoine naturel nécessitent un inventaire de la flore existante et des enquêtes ethnobotaniques. Mots clés : Plantes médicinales -Enquête ethnobotaniquePréservation et valorisation -Ouanougha (M'Sila, Algérie) Plants of medicinal and ecological interest in the Ouanougha's region (M'Sila, Algeria)Abstract: The Ouanougha's massif houses a forest vegetation beyond , m of altitude. The floristic procession, of this forest of Cedrus atlantica and Quercus rotundifolia, is very rich and includes many species of undeniable economic interest. The preservation and enhancement of this natural heritage requires an inventory of the existing flora and ethnobotanic surveys.

bSpecific and complex interactions between soil bacteria, known as rhizobia, and their leguminous host plants result in the development of root nodules. This process implies a complex dialogue between the partners. Rhizobia synthesize different classes of polysaccharides: exopolysaccharides (EPS), Kdo-rich capsular polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, and cyclic ␤-(1,2)-glucans. These polymers are actors of a successful symbiosis with legumes. We focus here on studying the EPS produced by Rhizobium sullae bacteria that nodulate Hedysarum coronarium L., largely distributed in Algeria. We describe the influence of the carbon source on the production and on the composition of EPS produced by R. sullae A6 and RHF strains. High-molecular-weight EPS preserve the bacteria from desiccation. The structural characterization of the EPS produced by R. sullae strains has been performed through sugar analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The low-molecular-weight EPS of one strain (RHF) has been totally elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance and quantitative time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry analyses. An unusual fucose-rich EPS has been characterized. The presence of this deoxy sugar seems to be related to nodulation capacity.

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