Genomic Insights Into Enterococcus mundtii 203: A Promising Probiotic Candidate Isolated From Camel Feces.

Enterococcus, a common commensal organism in the human gut, exhibits a dual nature with certain strains offering probiotic benefits, while others are associated with nosocomial infections. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of the genome of Enterococcus mundtii strain 203 to assess its probiotic potential and safety profile. The complete genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation were performed, followed by bioinformatics analysis. Our investigation reveals a detailed characterization of the Enterococcus mundtii 203 genome, originally isolated from camel feces, with a size of 3,053,234 bases and a GC content of 38.4%. Importantly, our analysis suggests that this strain poses no risk as a human pathogen due to the absence of antibiotic resistance determinants and virulence factors. The genome harbors a multitude of genes responsible for lactic acid production, bioactive peptide synthesis, adhesion molecule expression, resistance to harsh gut conditions, and enhancement of host metabolism. These findings underline the potential probiotic functionality of Enterococcus mundtii 203, positioning it as a promising candidate. Notably, our study did not identify any sequences related to insertion elements or CRISPR-Cas fragments.

Metabolic Mechanisms Underlying Heat and Drought Tolerance in Lentil Accessions: Implications for Stress Tolerance Breeding.

Climate change has significantly exacerbated the effects of abiotic stresses, particularly high temperatures and drought stresses. This study aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying heat and drought tolerance in lentil accessions. To achieve this objective, twelve accessions were subjected to high-temperature stress (32/20 °C), while seven accessions underwent assessment under drought stress conditions (50% of field capacity) during the reproductive stage. Our findings revealed a significant increase in catalase activity across all accessions under both stress conditions, with ILL7814 and ILL7835 recording the highest accumulations of 10.18 and 9.33 under drought stress, respectively, and 14 µmol H2O2 mg protein-1 min-1 under high temperature. Similarly, ascorbate peroxidase significantly increased in all tolerant accessions due to high temperatures, with ILL6359, ILL7835, and ILL8029 accumulating the highest values with up 50 µmol ascorbate mg protein-1 min-1. In contrast, no significant increase was obtained for all accessions subjected to water stress, although the drought-tolerant accessions accumulated more APX activity (16.59 t to 25.08 µmol ascorbate mg protein-1 min-1) than the sensitive accessions. The accessions ILL6075, ILL7814, and ILL8029 significantly had the highest superoxide dismutase activity under high temperature, while ILL6363, ILL7814, and ILL7835 accumulated the highest values under drought stress, each with 22 to 25 units mg protein-1. Under both stress conditions, ILL7814 and ILL7835 recorded the highest contents in proline (38 to 45 µmol proline/g FW), total flavonoids (0.22 to 0.77 mg QE g-1 FW), total phenolics (7.50 to 8.79 mg GAE g-1 FW), total tannins (5.07 to 20 µg CE g-1 FW), and total antioxidant activity (60 to 70%). Further, ILL7814 and ILL6338 significantly recorded the highest total soluble sugar content under high temperature (71.57 and 74.24 mg g-1, respectively), while ILL7835 achieved the maximum concentration (125 mg g-1) under drought stress. The accessions ILL8029, ILL6104, and ILL7814 had the highest values of reducing sugar under high temperature with 0.62 to 0.79 mg g-1, whereas ILL6075, ILL6363, and ILL6362 accumulated the highest levels of this component under drought stress with 0.54 to 0.66 mg g-1. Overall, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the metabolomic responses of lentil to drought and heat stresses, serving as a valuable reference for lentil stress tolerance breeding.

Chromosome-scale assembly uncovers genomic compartmentation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, the causal agent of Bayoud disease in date palm.

Date palm (Phoenixdactylifera) is the most significant crop across North Africa and the Middle East. However, the crop faces a severe threat from Bayoud disease caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (FOA). FOA is a soil-borne fungus that infects the roots and vascular system of date palms, leading to widespread destruction of date palm plantations in North Africa over the last century. This is considered the most devastating pathogen of oasis agriculture in North Africa and responsible for loss of 13 million trees in Algeria and Morocco alone. In this study, we present a chromosome-scale high-quality genome assembly of the virulent isolate Foa 44, which provides valuable insights into understanding the genetic basis of Bayoud disease. The genome assembly consists of 11 chromosomes and 40 unplaced contigs, totalling 65,971,825 base pairs in size. It exhibits a GC ratio of 47.77% and a TE (transposable element) content of 17.30%. Through prediction and annotation, we identified 20,416 protein-coding genes. By combining gene and repeat densities analysis with alignment to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) 4287 isolate genome sequence, we determined the core and lineage-specific compartments in Foa 44, shedding light on the genome structure of this pathogen. Furthermore, a phylogenomic analysis based on the 3,292 BUSCOs core genome revealed a distinct clade of FOA isolates within the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC). Notably, the genealogies of the five identified Secreted In Xylem (SIX) genes (1, 6, 9, 11 and 14) in FOA displayed a polyphyletic pattern, suggesting a horizontal inheritance of these effectors. These findings provide a valuable genomics toolbox for further research aimed at combatting the serious biotic constraints posed by FOA to date palm. This will pave the way for a deeper understanding of Bayoud disease and facilitate the development of effective diagnostic tools and control measures.

Large Field Screening for Resistance to Broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) in a Global Lentil Diversity Panel (GLDP) (Lens culinaris Medik.).

Broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) is a serious problem causing important losses to lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) production and productivity in Mediterranean countries. Despite intensive breeding activities, no resistance sources against O. crenata have been identified so far. In this study, a Global Lentil Diversity Panel (GLDP) of 1315 genotypes including local populations, landraces, accessions, improved lines and released varieties were evaluated for their resistance to O. crenata under highly infested field conditions at ICARDA Marchouch research station, Morocco. The trial was conducted according to an augmented design with repeated susceptible checks. The best-performing genotypes were selected based on the correlations between Orobanche infestation parameters and agronomic performance. Results showed significant variation (p < 0.005) among the studied genotypes and between the tested genotypes and checks for BY, D2F, D2M, PH, EODW and NEO. Out of the 1315 tested genotypes, only (1%) showed high to moderate resistance levels to O. crenata. Most of these genotypes are improved lines originating from different breeding programs. the PCA analysis clustered all the tested genotypes into four different groups. Good resistance levels were recorded for the genotypes ILL7723, ILL 7982, ILL 6912, ILL 6415, ILL 9850, ILL 605, ILL 7915, ILL 1861 and ILL 9888 showing a parasitism index and grain yield ranging from 1.69 to 5.99 and 10.97 to 60.19 g m-2, respectively. Person's correlation showed significant negative correlations between agronomic traits and infestation parameters. Both the path and spatial analysis showed that the D2F, NEO, D2OE, SEV and parasitism index (PI) were the strongest driver traits that influenced the seed yield (SY).

Genetic diversity of Moroccan date palm revealed by microsatellite markers.

The genetic diversity between 23 Moroccan date palm cultivars collected from the National Palm Collection at the INRA (National Agricultural Research Institute) experimental field in Zagora was assessed using SSR markers that are specifically designed for date palm. Among the 16 tested SSR, 13 were successfully amplified, and were selected to carry out this study. 208 bands were amplified, ranging from 10 to 25 bands per cultivar with an average of 16 alleles per cultivar. The value of heterozygosity of the studied markers ranged from 0.11 to 0.30. The pairwise genetic distances between those cultivars ranged from 0.06 to 0.46. The hierarchical cluster analysis distributed the 23 genotypes into four different groups of one to ten cultivars.

Orobanche crenata: A Bibliometric Analysis of a Noxious Parasitic Plant.

Orobanche crenata is a parasitic weed representing a serious constraint to crop production in the Mediterranean basin. Here, we aim to evaluate the global scientific research status and trends of O. crenata through a bibliometric analysis to identify prominent research themes, development trends, and major contributors in terms of authors, institutions, countries, and journals. In the span of 53 years, from 1968 to 2021, 274 articles related to this field were retrieved from Scopus database and were analyzed using VOSviewer and BiblioShiny software. Results showed that 70.4% of all articles on O. crenata have been published in the last two decades. "Control methods" was the most prevalent research theme with 55.9% of all articles. Weed Research is the most influential journal. The countries with the highest number of articles were Spain, Egypt, and Italy. The Institute for Sustainable Agriculture is the most involved institution, contributing to 31.7% of all articles, and authors from Spain were the most productive. The latest research literature (5 years) was performed mainly by authors from Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia, emphasizing the persistence of this constraint in these countries. Keyword analysis revealed that "Vicia faba", "germination", and "legumes" are the most researched hotspots. Despite the growing collaborative behavior in this area, cooperation between countries is still deficient and should be extended to countries that are recently affected by this scourge to exchange expertise already acquired by experienced researchers, thus allowing better worldwide control of this parasitic weed.

Indispensable Amino Acid Digestibility of Moroccan Fava Bean Using the Dual Isotope Method in Healthy Adults.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of protein quality is necessary to satisfy the nutritional needs of populations across the world. In addition to indispensable amino acid (IAAs) composition, protein digestibility is a major component of IAA bioavailability, playing a crucial role in human health and affecting the linear growth of children. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate IAA digestibility of fava beans, a legume widely consumed in Morocco using the dual-tracer method. METHODS: 2H-intrinsically labeled Fava beans supplemented with 12 mg/kg BW of 13C spirulina were given to 5 healthy volunteers (3 men and 2 women), aged 25.8 ± 3.3 y, with a mean BMI of 20.0 kg/m2. The meal was spread in small portions and was given hourly throughout 7 h. Blood was sampled at baseline and hourly from 5 to 8 h after meal ingestion. IAA digestibility was evaluated by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry using the 2H/13C ratio in plasma IAA. Digestible indispensable amino acid ratios (DIAAR) were calculated using the scoring pattern for people older than 3 y. RESULTS: Fava beans had an adequate level of lysine but were limiting in several IAAs, especially methionine. Under our experimental conditions, the average IAA digestibility of fava bean was 61.1% ± 5.2%. Valine had the highest digestibility (68.9% ± 4.3%) and threonine had the lowest (43.7% ± 8.2%). In consequence, the lowest DIAAR was 67% for threonine and only 47% for sulfur amino acids (SAA). CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first to determine the digestibility of fava bean amino acids in humans. The mean IAA digestibility was moderate, and consequently, we conclude that fava bean provides a limited amount of several IAAs, especially SAA, but adequately for lysine. Preparation and cooking methods of fava beans should be improved to increase digestibility. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT04866927.

BuscoPhylo: a webserver for Busco-based phylogenomic analysis for non-specialists.

Here we present the BuscoPhylo tool that enables both students and established scientists to easily perform Busco-based phylogenomic analysis starting from a set of genomes sequences. BuscoPhylo is an efficient and user-friendly web server freely accessible at https://buscophylo.inra.org.ma/ . The source code, along with documentation, is freely available under an MIT license at https://github.com/alaesahbou/BuscoPhylo .

Antagonistic potential of Moroccan entomopathogenic nematodes against root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne javanica on tomato under greenhouse conditions.

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica is a devastating pest affecting tomato production worldwide. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are considered very promising biocontrol agents that could be used to effectively manage plant-parasitic nematode. The antagonistic activity of five EPN strains isolated from different fields in Morocco was evaluated against juvenile (J2s) antagonism in soil, the number of egg masses, and the galling index of M. javanica and J2s reproduction in the root. In greenhouse experiments, Steinernema feltiae strains (EL45 and SF-MOR9), Steinernema sp. (EL30), and those of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HB-MOR7 and EL27) were applied to the soil alongside RKN J2s. There was a significant reduction in M. javanica densities in the soil and roots by EPNs treatments when compared to the positive control. The EPNs decreased both egg masses formation and galling index by 80% compared to the positive control. The application of EPNs at a rate of 50 and 75 infective juveniles (IJs) cm-2 gave significant control of all studied nematological parameters compared to the positive control, which confirmed the importance of the doses applied. The applied dose was significantly correlated with M. javanica parameters according to polynomial regression models. The results also showed that S. feltiae strain (EL45) significantly increased plant height and root length, while H. bacteriophora strain (HB-MOR7) only enhanced root fresh weight. Therefore, both indigenous EPN strains; EL45 and SF-MOR9 have eco-friendly biological potential against M. javanica in vegetable crops.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Moroccan Isolates Belong to Alternaria spp. Causing Black Rot and Brown Spot in Citrus.

Alternaria alternata is one of the most important fungi causing various diseases on citrus worldwide. In Morocco, Alternaria black rot (ABR) and Alternaria brown spot (ABS) are two major diseases causing serious losses in commercial cultivars of citrus. The aim of the present work was to study the genetic diversity and the population structure of isolates belonging to sect. Alternaria obtained from infected citrus fruits, collected from seven provinces at different locations in Morocco (markets, packinghouses, and orchards). Forty-five isolates were analyzed by sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, and cluster analysis of DNA fragments was performed using UPGMA method and Jaccard coefficient. Cluster analysis revealed that isolates were classified in four distinct groups. AMOVA revealed also a large extent of variation within sect. Alternaria isolates (99%). The results demonstrate that no correlation was found among SRAP pattern, host, and geographical origin of these isolates. Population structure analyses showed that the Alternaria isolates from the same collection origin had almost a similar level of admixture.

Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogeny of the causal agent of Bayoud disease on date palm, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis.

The complete mitogenome of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (FOA), the causal agent of the destructive fusarium wilt in date palm, is sequenced and assembled. The circular mitogenome of isolate Foa44 is 51,601 bp in length and contains 26 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, one ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and 28 protein-coding genes. A mitogenome-based phylogenetic analysis of Fusarium revealed that FOA is congruent with previous nuclear-gene phylogenetic results.

Chlorophyll content and fluorescence as physiological parameters for monitoring Orobanche foetida Poir. infection in faba bean.

Orobanche spp. are root parasitic plants that cause yield losses in faba bean (Vicia faba L.). In Tunisia, O. crenata and O. foetida are among the major problems limiting faba bean production and productivity. Breeding for resistance and development of resistant varieties remain the most efficient control strategy to combat these parasites. In our study, field trials were conducted over two consecutive cropping seasons. A set of 42 genotypes were used in this study; 39 advanced lines and three checks; Najeh and Baraca (resistant) and Badi (susceptible). The trials were conducted in highly infested O. foetida plot at Oued-Beja Research Station in Tunisia. Results showed that advanced lines XAR-VF00.13-1-2-1-2-1 and XBJ90.04-2-3-1-1-1-2A expressed high resistance level exceeding those recorded for resistance checks Najeh and Baraca. O. foetida significantly affected the biomass, grain yield, chlorophyll content index (CCI) and the maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm ratio). No significant effect was observed on host plant water content (WC). CCI decreases varied from 46.4% for the susceptible check Badi and 4.2% and 9.3%, respectively, for Baraca and XBJ90.04-2-3-1-1-1-2A. Orobanche parasitism resulted in a slight decreases of Fv/Fm ratio for the advanced lines XBJ90.04-2-3-1-1-1-2A and XAR-VF00.13-1-2-1-2-1 against important decreases observed for Badi and Baraca. Correlation between resistance to O. foetida and CCI and Fv/Fm makes this, easy-to-measure, parameter very useful as a practical screening tool for early parasitism detection, diagnosis and identification and selection of high resistant plants against this parasite.

High-Temperature and Drought Stress Effects on Growth, Yield and Nutritional Quality with Transpiration Response to Vapor Pressure Deficit in Lentil.

High temperature and water deficit are among the major limitations reducing lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) yield in many growing regions. In addition, increasing atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) due to global warming causes a severe challenge by influencing the water balance of the plants, thus also affecting growth and yield. In the present study, we evaluated 20 lentil genotypes under field conditions and controlled environments with the following objectives: (i) to investigate the impact of temperature stress and combined temperature-drought stress on traits related to phenology, grain yield, nutritional quality, and canopy temperature under field conditions, and (ii) to examine the genotypic variability for limited transpiration (TRlim) trait in response to increased VPD under controlled conditions. The field experiment results revealed that high-temperature stress significantly affected all parameters compared to normal conditions. The protein content ranged from 23.4 to 31.9%, while the range of grain zinc and iron content varied from 33.1 to 64.4 and 62.3 to 99.3 mg kg-1, respectively, under normal conditions. The grain protein content, zinc and iron decreased significantly by 15, 14 and 15% under high-temperature stress, respectively. However, the impact was more severe under combined temperature-drought stress with a reduction of 53% in protein content, 18% in zinc and 20% in iron. Grain yield declined significantly by 43% in temperature stress and by 49% in the combined temperature-drought stress. The results from the controlled conditions showed a wide variation in TR among studied lentil genotypes. Nine genotypes displayed TRlim at 2.76 to 3.51 kPa, with the genotypes ILL 7833 and ILL 7835 exhibiting the lowest breakpoint. Genotypes with low breakpoints had the ability to conserve water, allowing it to be used at later stages for increased yield. Our results identified promising genotypes including ILL 7835, ILL 7814 and ILL 4605 (Bakria) that could be of great interest in breeding for high yields, protein and micronutrient contents under high-temperature and drought stress. In addition, it was found that the TRlim trait has the potential to select for increased lentil yields under field water-deficit environments.

Complete Chloroplast Genome of Argania spinosa: Structural Organization and Phylogenetic Relationships in Sapotaceae.

Argania spinosa (Sapotaceae), an important endemic Moroccan oil tree, is a primary source of argan oil, which has numerous dietary and medicinal proprieties. The plant species occupies the mid-western part of Morocco and provides great environmental and socioeconomic benefits. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of A. spinosa was sequenced, assembled, and analyzed in comparison with those of two Sapotaceae members. The A. spinosa cp genome is 158,848 bp long, with an average GC content of 36.8%. The cp genome exhibits a typical quadripartite and circular structure consisting of a pair of inverted regions (IR) of 25,945 bp in length separating small single-copy (SSC) and large single-copy (LSC) regions of 18,591 and 88,367 bp, respectively. The annotation of A. spinosa cp genome predicted 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (CDS), 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. A total of 44 long repeats and 88 simple sequence repeats (SSR) divided into mononucleotides (76), dinucleotides (7), trinucleotides (3), tetranucleotides (1), and hexanucleotides (1) were identified in the A. spinosa cp genome. Phylogenetic analyses using the maximum likelihood (ML) method were performed based on 69 protein-coding genes from 11 species of Ericales. The results confirmed the close position of A. spinosa to the Sideroxylon genus, supporting the revisiting of its taxonomic status. The complete chloroplast genome sequence will be valuable for further studies on the conservation and breeding of this medicinally and culinary important species and also contribute to clarifying the phylogenetic position of the species within Sapotaceae.

Genomic Diversity and Hotspot Mutations in 30,983 SARS-CoV-2 Genomes: Moving Toward a Universal Vaccine for the "Confined Virus"?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been ongoing since its onset in late November 2019 in Wuhan, China. Understanding and monitoring the genetic evolution of the virus, its geographical characteristics, and its stability are particularly important for controlling the spread of the disease and especially for the development of a universal vaccine covering all circulating strains. From this perspective, we analyzed 30,983 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 79 countries located in the six continents and collected from 24 December 2019, to 13 May 2020, according to the GISAID database. Our analysis revealed the presence of 3206 variant sites, with a uniform distribution of mutation types in different geographic areas. Remarkably, a low frequency of recurrent mutations has been observed; only 169 mutations (5.27%) had a prevalence greater than 1% of genomes. Nevertheless, fourteen non-synonymous hotspot mutations (>10%) have been identified at different locations along the viral genome; eight in ORF1ab polyprotein (in nsp2, nsp3, transmembrane domain, RdRp, helicase, exonuclease, and endoribonuclease), three in nucleocapsid protein, and one in each of three proteins: Spike, ORF3a, and ORF8. Moreover, 36 non-synonymous mutations were identified in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein with a low prevalence (<1%) across all genomes, of which only four could potentially enhance the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the human ACE2 receptor. These results along with intra-genomic divergence of SARS-CoV-2 could indicate that unlike the influenza virus or HIV viruses, SARS-CoV-2 has a low mutation rate which makes the development of an effective global vaccine very likely.

Effects of Salicylic Acid and Indole Acetic Acid Exogenous Applications on Induction of Faba Bean Resistance against Orobanche crenata.

The parasitic weed, Orobanche crenata, is one of the most devastating constraint for faba bean production in Mediterranean regions. Plant host defense induction was reported as one of the most appropriate control methods in many crops. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of salicylic acid (SA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) on the induction of faba bean resistance to O. crenata under the field and controlled experimental conditions. Both hormones were tested on two contrasting faba bean genotypes: Giza 843 (partially resistant to O. crenata) and Lobab (susceptible) at three different application methods (seed soaking, foliar spray, and the combination of both seed soaking and foliar spray). Soaking seeds in SA or IAA provided the highest protection levels reaching ~75% compared to the untreated control plants. Both elicitors limited the chlorophyll content decrease caused by O. crenata infestation and increased phenolic compound production in host plants. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase activities were stimulated in the host plant roots especially in the susceptible genotype Lobab. The magnitude of induction was more obvious in infested than in non-infested plants. Histological study revealed that both SA and IAA decreased the number of attached O. crenata spikes which could be related to specific defense responses in the host plant roots.

Genome Sequences of Six SARS-CoV-2 Strains Isolated in Morocco, Obtained Using Oxford Nanopore MinION Technology.

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of six severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains. SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, which started at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China. The isolates were obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs from Moroccan patients with COVID-19. Mutation analysis revealed the presence of the spike D614G mutation in all six genomes, which is widely present in several genomes around the world.

Draft Genome Sequence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis Strain Foa 133, the Causal Agent of Bayoud Disease on Date Palm.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis is the causal agent of vascular wilt of date palm. Here, we report the genome assembly of the Foa 133 strain, which consists of 3,325 contigs with a total length of 56,228,901 bp, a GC content of 47.42%, an N 50 value of 131,587 bp, and 3,684 predicted genes.

Draft Genome Sequence of Biological N2-Fixing Bacterium Rhizobium tropici A12, Isolated from Root Nodule of Tropical Soybean (Glycine max), TGx-1148 Variety.

Here, we present the genome sequence and annotated features of Rhizobium tropici strain A12, which is able to nodulate tropical Glycine max (soybean). The draft genome of the strain consists of 107 contigs totaling 6.5 Mbp in size. The annotation revealed 6,204 protein-coding genes, 52 tRNAs, and 7 rRNAs.

Complete genome analysis and time scale evolution of very virulent infectious bursal disease viruses isolated from recent outbreaks in Morocco.

Emerging of very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) genotype in poultry flocks in Morocco were characterized. VP2 sequence analysis showed that the strains of Moroccan vvIBDV genotypes clustered separately from classic and vaccine strains reference of IBDV. The full-length genome of four Moroccan vvIBDV strains was determined, in order to get a more exhaustive molecular characterization allowing to conduct the evolution time scale and speculations on their origin. In a phylogenetic tree, nucleotide sequences of segment A and B formed a common branch with those vvIBDV references strains published in GenBank, but they clearly grouped into a distinct subcluster. An alignment of deduced amino acid sequences segment B, confirmed the presence of the conserved TDN tripeptide found in all of the vvIBDV genotype and revealed the presence of 2 substitutions I472L and E688D specific for the vvIBDV Moroccan isolates. The deduced amino acid sequences of segment A genes showed the presence of the "signature" typical of the vvIBDV genotype and revealed the presence of 7 aa substitutions specific for the vvIBDV Moroccan strains. The evolution rate for IBDV VP2 gene was estimated at 5.875 × 10-4 substitutions/site/year. The estimation of the time to most common recent ancestor of Moroccan vvIBDV based on the VP2 sequences available was 31 years, corresponding to 3 years earlier than the first vvIBDV case detection in layers in the country.