Lebanon, nestled within the Fertile Crescent, is a hotspot of agricultural biodiversity, boasting a rich variety of cultivated plants and crop wild relatives (CWRs). These wild relatives, which are genetically linked to domesticated crops, hold immense potential for improving food security by offering resilience to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. However, with climate change threatening biodiversity worldwide, preserving these vital genetic resources has become a pressing concern.
A recent study, Crop wild relatives in Lebanon: mapping the distribution of Poaceae and Fabaceae priority taxa for conservation planning, conducted by Eliane Sayde, Lorenzo Raggi, Mariana Yazbek, Valeria Negri, and Lamis Chalak, and published in Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution (2023), provides a detailed assessment of Lebanon’s CWR distribution. The research aims to prioritize key taxa from Poaceae (grasses) and Fabaceae (legumes), highlighting their importance for global food security and the Lebanese economy. Using geospatial mapping, the study identifies conservation gaps and proposes strategies for safeguarding these invaluable genetic resources.
The Importance of Crop Wild Relatives
CWRs are wild plant species closely related to cultivated crops. Their genetic diversity makes them crucial for breeding climate-resilient and disease-resistant crops. Historically, many modern crops have been improved through gene transfer from wild relatives, enhancing drought tolerance, pest resistance, and yield stability. For example, 80% of disease resistance traits in cultivated crops originate from CWRs.
In Lebanon, CWRs of wheat (Triticum), barley (Hordeum), lentil (Lens), chickpea (Cicer), and pea (Pisum) are particularly significant. These crops form the backbone of the region’s agricultural and dietary systems, making the conservation of their wild relatives critical for ensuring long-term food security.
Mapping and Prioritizing Lebanon’s Crop Wild Relatives
To guide conservation efforts, the study first compiled a comprehensive checklist of 40 CWR taxa found in Lebanon, focusing on species that contribute to global food security and the local economy. From this list, 16 priority taxa were identified based on their genetic importance, breeding potential, and economic value. These included:
- Wheat relatives (Triticum dicoccoides, T. urartu)
- Barley relative (Hordeum spontaneum)
- Chickpea relatives (Cicer judaicum, C. pinnatifidum)
- Lentil relatives (Lens culinaris subsp. orientalis, L. ervoides)
- Pea relative (Pisum sativum subsp. elatius)
Using georeferenced data from various sources, including ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas), GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), and GENESYS, the study mapped these taxa’s distribution across Lebanon using QGIS software.
Key Findings: Areas of High Biodiversity and Conservation Gaps
The mapping analysis revealed two major biodiversity hotspots for CWR conservation:
- Bekaa Valley and Baalbak – Home to five priority species, this region exhibited the highest species richness, making it a crucial area for in-situ (on-site) conservation.
- Mount Hermon and Rashaya – Identified as another key site with six priority species, this mountainous region is particularly significant for cereal conservation.
Despite the presence of these rich biodiversity zones, the study also highlighted conservation gaps, particularly in the southwest of Lebanon, where further surveying is needed. The coastal regions, heavily impacted by urbanization and industrial activity, were found to have low CWR populations, likely due to habitat destruction.
Conservation Strategies: In-Situ vs. Ex-Situ Approaches
To protect CWRs effectively, the study advocates for a dual conservation strategy:
1. In-Situ Conservation (Protecting CWRs in Natural Habitats)
- Designating genetic reserves in biodiversity-rich areas such as Bekaa Valley and Mount Hermon.
- Encouraging traditional farming systems that support wild relatives alongside cultivated crops.
- Implementing monitoring programs to track population changes and environmental threats.
2. Ex-Situ Conservation (Storing Genetic Material in Gene Banks)
- Collecting and preserving seeds in gene banks, particularly for underrepresented species like Cicer judaicum and Triticum boeoticum.
- Enhancing seed banks and botanical gardens in Lebanon to store diverse genetic material.
- Promoting international collaboration with institutions like ICARDA to expand ex-situ conservation efforts.
Implications for Food Security and Climate Adaptation
The conservation of CWRs is not just about preserving biodiversity—it is directly linked to food security and agricultural resilience. Climate change is causing shifts in temperature, rainfall, and pest patterns, making crop improvement through wild gene integration essential.
For example, CWRs of wheat have already contributed genes for drought tolerance, while wild relatives of lentils and chickpeas have been used to improve disease resistance and enhance nutritional value. The potential of CWRs in biofortification—improving the nutritional content of crops—is particularly valuable in regions facing malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
The study by Sayde et al. provides a foundation for Lebanon’s conservation planning, emphasizing the urgent need to protect CWRs from habitat destruction and climate change. By prioritizing conservation actions in Bekaa, Baalbak, and Mount Hermon, Lebanon can ensure that its rich agrobiodiversity continues to support food security, climate resilience, and future crop breeding programs.
However, effective conservation requires collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and local communities. Increased investment in conservation initiatives, enhanced data collection, and sustainable agricultural policies will be essential for safeguarding these critical genetic resources for generations to come.
