Microwaves have emerged as a promising technology with wide range of applications across various fields, due to inconsistent results across various mutagenicity studies, the research intends to detect the impact of microwave radiation at 2450 MHZ on the morphological traits and molecular characteristics of Vicia faba L. seedlings exposed to different microwave exposure periods. Six treatments in three replicates were performed and the plant seeds were exposed to microwaves radiation at (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 seconds) respectively, and then planted in the greenhouse and the morphological traits were recorded are (plant height, number of pods, number of seeds, weight of seeds, number of leaves and length and width of leaves). RAPD technique was used to evaluate the molecular variations among treatments. The results revealed the morphological traits (plant height, number of pods, leaf length and width) were positively affected and directly correlated with exposure time and were significantly increased compared with control sample while other traits (number of seeds, seeds weight and number of leaves) were negatively affected and inversely correlated with control where the measurements decreased with the increase of exposure time and were insignificant compared with the control sample except number of leaves which was significant. RAPD analysis revealed the occurrence of 67 unique and absent bands which reflected on growth performance. The study revealed the promising effect of microwaves on the vegetative traits at short term exposure, while long term exposure could inhibit the growth performance.

In Mali, the widespread decline in soil fertility and the effects of climate change are major challenges for sustainable agriculture, especially for smallholder farms. The high cost of mineral fertilisers, their limited effects on the taste quality of crops, as well as their environmental and health impacts, underline the need for alternative options. This study aims to promote an agroecological approach through the use of organic composts to improve the production and organoleptic quality (taste and consistency) of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a strategic crop for food and nutrition security in Mali. The study was conducted for three years in two contrasting agroecological zones (Bankass and Bougouni), using two types of composts (pit and heap) applied at two doses (7.5 t/ha and 15 t/ha), compared to 2 controls, one of which was unapplied and another with mineral fertilization, following a randomized Fisher block design in three replicates. The results showed that the application of compost significantly improves the sensory properties of okra, including the taste of fresh okra sauces and the consistency of dried okra-based sauces. The combined treatment (T5), integrating the 2 types of compost at 15 tonnes/ha, obtained the best performance. Conversely, the witnesses recorded the lowest levels of appreciation. The use of compost thus appears to be a local, sustainable and accessible solution to improve soil fertility, yields and the nutritional quality of okra.