Alternative Crops for Adaptation to Climate Change: The Importance of Conserving the Diversity of Lathyrus cicera L. Landraces Adapted to the Morocco Mountains

A Global climate change has raised serious concerns about food security and the sustainability of agriculture, particularly in developing regions world. In response to these concerns, attention should be called global importance conservation some neglected underutilized crops, such as Lathyrus species, which are nutrient-rich already adapted harsh environments low-input agriculture. L. cicera L., known Morocco ‘ikiker’, ‘kiker’ or ‘ichicher’, is marginally cultivated region. Landraces this crop maintained locally by traditional agricultural practices, correspond ecotypes local agroclimatic conditions. We have surveyed cultivation sites identify specific associated agroecosystems Middle High Atlas Mountains Morocco. evaluated diversity a set characters with socioeconomic agromorphological aspects their cultivation. The results confirmed that very old area, its maintenance until today important farmers started master uses for human animal food. addition, from biology point view, we demonstrated existence variability depending on trait considered but demonstrates differentiation between ecotypes. From adaptive potential respect tolerance aridity increased temperatures, studied showed promising prospects selection. Thus, despite limitation territory regression culture, interesting stand. This result can explained cultural practices. These play role conservatory resources. Therefore, genetic resources depends agroecosystem knowledge.