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A case study of seed exchange networks and gene flow for barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare) in Morocco

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Abstract

Local patterns of seed regeneration and trade that occur outside the formal breeding sector (seed exchange networks) can have a strong influence on the genetic diversity and evolution of traditional crop varieties. Despite this, little is known about the extent to which seed exchange networks influence gene flow and genetic structure in traditional crop varieties. Here we study barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare) in rural communes of Northern Morocco in 2008 and 2009. We quantified seed regeneration and exchange by farmers within the seed exchange network using structured interviews. Using SSR markers, we also quantified the neutral genetic diversity and structure of a complex of traditional varieties referred to as Beldi that is managed in this exchange network. The majority of farmers (>88 %) report cultivating Beldi. Most seeds of Beldi (70–90 %) are maintained on-farm, while the remainder of seeds are obtained from local markets within the commune. Beldi has high genetic diversity and there is weak but significant genetic structure between communes (FST = 0.031). From SSR marker data there is evidence of a high level of gene flow between communes not reported in interviews. Seeds purchased in local markets likely represent seeds from a larger geographic region, leading to lower genetic structure among communes than expected based on the reported level of on-farm seed regeneration and local sourcing of seed. We discuss the implications of this seed exchange network for the conservation of traditional barley varieties in the study region.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for this work was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada in the form of a Canada Graduate Scholarship (to H.R.J.) and in the form of a Discovery Grant (to D.J.S.), by the International Development Research Center in the form of a Doctoral Research Award (to H.R.J.), by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation in the form of the Leaders Opportunity Fund (to D.J.S), by Bioversity International, and by IAV Hassan II. Inputs from Moroccan researchers and site level teams and farmers were funded through grants provided by the United Nations Environmental Programme/Global Environmental Facility (UNEP/GEF), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Field collection of barley seeds in Morocco was completed with the help of Maria El Ouatel and Mohammed Abou El Ouafa. Training sessions and farmer interviews were conducted with Maria El Ouatel, Ghita Chleyah, Hafida Hamida, Manana Saïd, Salsabil Taoufiqi, Mariam El Bedraoui, Naoual Touati, Siham Atfaoui, Fatima Boujema and Bouchra Sadiqi. We also thank the local site teams who participated in this research and the farmers who provided the information and seed materials for this study. Characterization of SSR markers was completed with the help of Nella Mauro. Helpful advice was provided by Abderrahman Khila and Adam Herman. Two anonymous reviewers provided helpful comments on the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Doctor Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada

    Helen R. Jensen & Daniel J. Schoen

  2. Département de Production, Protection et Biotechnologies Végétales, Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, B.P. 6202, Rabat-Instituts, Rabat, Morocco

    Loubna Belqadi & Mohammed Sadiki

  3. Bioversity International, 00057, Maccarese, Rome, Italy

    Paola De Santis & Devra I. Jarvis

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  1. Helen R. Jensen
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  2. Loubna Belqadi
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Jensen, H.R., Belqadi, L., De Santis, P. et al. A case study of seed exchange networks and gene flow for barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare) in Morocco. Genet Resour Crop Evol 60, 1119–1138 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-012-9909-4

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