Une forme spontanée de figuier (Ficus carica L.), le nābūt

Le figuier est un arbre fruitier emblématique de la Méditerranée au même titre que l’olivier, la vigne ou l’amandier. Sa culture est très répandue dans les montagnes du Rif où elle représente un élément caractéristique des agroécosystèmes traditionnels. La diversité variétale est exceptionnelle, elle est estimée à plus de 100 variétés locales. D'un point de vue socio-économique, le figuier est très apprécié par les populations locales. En effet, au-delà de son importance alimentaire et économique, le figuier a une valeur patrimoniale importante. L’approche ethnobiologique a permis d’apporter des éléments d’explication aux différentes questions liées aux processus sociaux conduisant à la sélection et à la conservation de cette diversité variétale.Dans le cadre de cette diversité on relève la coexistence de formes cultivées (variétés nommées) et spontanées (nābūt) dans les vergers traditionnels. Ce qui nous amène à nous interroger sur l'origine et la conservation de la diversité chez le figuier en relation avec la présence des formes spontanées qui se multiplient par voie sexuée par opposition au figuier cultivé qui est multiplié par les hommes par boutures. En effet, nābūt, arbre type du figuier spontané, présente un statut controversé en fonction des zones, des usages et des pratiques. Ces aspects feront l’objet de notre communication.The fig tree is an emblematic fruit tree of the Mediterranean region as much as olive, grapevine or almond. Its cultivation is widespread in the Rif Mountains where it has a characteristic feature of traditional agroecosystems. Varietal diversity is exceptionally high, estimated at over 100 local varieties. From a socio-economic perspective, the fig tree is highly appreciated by the local populations. Indeed, beyond its food and economic importance, the fig tree has an important heritage value. The ethnobiological approach has provided explanatory elements to the various issues related to the social processes leading to the selection and conservation of this varietal diversity.Within this diversity, the coexistence of cultivated (named varieties) and spontaneous (nābūt) forms in traditional orchards is noted. This leads us to explore the origin and conservation of the diversity of the fig tree in relation to the presence of spontaneous forms. Indeed, nābūt, typical variety of the spontaneous fig tree which propagates sexually though seedlings as opposed to cultivated varieties – which are propagated clonally by men through cuttings - is controversial depending on the zones, the uses and the practices. These aspects will be the subject of our communication

Les sociétés jbala et la nature

Ce numéro spécial situé à la croisée d’approches interdisciplinaires ethnobotanique, linguistique et anthropologique, révèle les modalités d’interactions entre les hommes, la nature et autrui chez les Jbala et dans le Rif, au Maroc. Nous observons une diversité linguistique élevée, des pratiques anciennes et très résilientes sur la nature ainsi qu’une agrobiodiversité associée exceptionnelle. Nous suggérons que l’organisation sociale rifaine ainsi que la diversité des parlers constituent des éléments identitaires stables créant des frontières entre les différents groupes sociaux arabophones et berbérophones d’origines variées du Rif, et du Pré-Rif. Des échanges aux frontières dans les souks ou lors de mariages, contribuent à la richesse linguistique ainsi qu’à l’agrobiodiversité. Celle-ci repose, en outre, sur la biodiversité naturelle et sur des échanges historiques avec la Méditerranée. Ces travaux montrent également une grande proximité entre les habitants du Rif et la nature, y compris des relations sociales complexes avec des êtres intangibles. Ces collectifs hybrides, les dynamiques langagières, et la richesse des techniques et de l’agrobiodiversité associée subissent aujourd’hui des processus de nivellement liés à la globalisation des échanges.This special issue, at the crossroads of ethnobotanical, linguistic and anthropological interdisciplinary approaches, reveals the modalities of interactions between men, nature and ‘otherness’ in the Jbala and the Rif regions, in Morocco. We observe great linguistic diversity, ancient and very resilient practices on nature, as well as exceptional agrobiodiversity. We suggest that the social organization in the Rif, as well as the diversity of dialects and languages, constitute stable identity elements of identity creating boundaries between the various Arabic and Berber-speaking social groups of various origins in the Rif and the Pre-Rif regions. Exchanges at the borders, in souks and through marriages, enhance linguistic richness as well as agrobiodiversity. The latter is also based on natural biodiversity and on historical exchanges with the Mediterranean area. The present issue also shows great proximity between the inhabitants of the Rif region and nature, including complex social relations with intangible beings. These hybrid collectives, the language dynamics, and the richness of techniques and of agrobiodiversity are now undergoing leveling processes linked to the globalization of trade

Les sociétés jbala et la nature. Parlers et relations à autrui dans le Rif, nord du Maroc

Ce numéro spécial situé à la croisée d’approches interdisciplinaires ethnobotanique, linguistique et anthropologique, révèle les modalités d’interactions entre les hommes, la nature et autrui chez les Jbala et dans le Rif, au Maroc. Nous observons une diversité linguistique élevée, des pratiques anciennes et très résilientes sur la nature ainsi qu’une agrobiodiversité associée exceptionnelle. Nous suggérons que l’organisation sociale rifaine ainsi que la diversité des parlers constituent des éléments identitaires stables créant des frontières entre les différents groupes sociaux arabophones et berbérophones d’origines variées du Rif, et du Pré-Rif. Des échanges aux frontières dans les souks ou lors de mariages, contribuent à la richesse linguistique ainsi qu’à l’agrobiodiversité. Celle-ci repose, en outre, sur la biodiversité naturelle et sur des échanges historiques avec la Méditerranée. Ces travaux montrent également une grande proximité entre les habitants du Rif et la nature, y compris des relations sociales complexes avec des êtres intangibles. Ces collectifs hybrides, les dynamiques langagières, et la richesse des techniques et de l’agrobiodiversité associée subissent aujourd’hui des processus de nivellement liés à la globalisation des échanges

Aridity gradients shape intraspecific variability of morphological traits in native Ceratonia siliqua L. of Morocco

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a significant fruit tree in the Mediterranean region with cultural, biological, and ecological importance. Despite its importance, intraspecific trait variability (ITV) in carob trees has been largely overlooked in previous studies. Understanding ITV and its relationship with environmental conditions is crucial for conservation and breeding programs. In this study, we investigated the variability of carob pod and seed-related traits across different ecological scales in 25 studied populations in Morocco. Significant differences in morphological traits were observed between carob populations at various ecological levels, and pod-related traits exhibited greater variability than seed traits. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between carob morphological traits and environmental conditions, with altitude and aridity index playing an influential role. The aridity gradient was strongly related to changes in pod size, seed number, and size, as well as seed yield. Our findings highlight an important ITV reaching 45% at the intra-population level, 36.5% at the inter-geographic level, and 30% at the inter-population level. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the ecology and adaptation of carob trees, emphasizing the importance of considering intraspecific variability when studying this remarkable species. This knowledge is critical for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and human activities on the long-term survival and ecological functioning of carob populations

Ampelographic and Ampelometric Characterization of Berries and Seeds from Traditional Vineyards in Morocco

Morocco, like other Mediterranean countries, is characterized by a great diversity of indigenous varieties of vines, “Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera”, due to the climate and the heterogeneity of the landscapes, as well as the know-how and agricultural practices adopted by traditional farmers who have contributed preserving the genetic diversity of these indigenous grape varieties. Within the framework of this study, we seek the identification and characterization of 36 indigenous grape varieties sampled in northern and southern Morocco. The samples studied were taken from traditional vineyards in these regions. For the ampelographic and ampelometric descriptions, 26 characters were used according to a list of descriptors developed by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). Thus, the ampelographic and ampelometric approaches were refined by a principal component analysis (PCA), which made it possible to group the grape varieties into five distinct groups according to their correlations to the variables linked to the bunch, the berry, and the seed. The results obtained from these different approaches confirmed the presence of great inter-grape and intra-grape variability within the samples studied. This observation encourages us to make more efforts to maintain this variability and to fight against genetic erosion and the threat of environmental changes

Agrobiodiversité et pratiques agricoles dans le pays Jbala (Tafza et Bellota)

The Jbala region is located mostly on the western and central Rif’s mountain chain, from the Straits of Gibraltar to, south, the Ouergha (without the atlantic plains and plateau). It is a mountain area, inhabited by a rural and quite dense population, whose principal economic activity is agriculture. A traditional agriculture mostly characterised by the use of a subsistence mixed farming as part of a agro-sylvo-pastoral system of production which constitutes specific landscapes. Physical, natural, socio-economic and historic particularities created favorable conditions maintaining several rare cultivated plants and practices.Thanks to the international scientific cooperation project (PICS) « La Montagne et ses Savoirs », we have collected (between October 2013 and April 2014) a series of interviews with farmers, merchants or inhabitants of the region, in two sites: Tafza and Bellota.We present here the results of a modest comparison between the agro-biological diversity and the linguistic diversity, through some of the vernacular taxinomy concerning fruits and fruit trees

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

Ampelometric and Ampelographic Characterization of Leaves of Indigenous “Vitis vinifera ssp. Vinifera” in the North of Morocco

Morocco, with its Mediterranean climate and its various potentialities, conceals an important space for the extension of viticulture, in particular that of traditional grape varieties, which has undergone profound upheavals linked to economic, social and environmental constraints which have had a negative impact on genetic diversity. The present study aimed to evaluate the richness of the local phylogenetic heritage of the traditional vines in the North-West of Morocco. For this, we carried out a characterization of a collection of 1617 leaves, taken from 162 vine plants and belonging to 27 different traditional varieties. Thereafter, we used an ampelometric and ampelographic approach with the Super Ampelo software. The ANOVA test revealed the most discriminating parameters, which were the angles, the depth of the lateral sinuses in relation to the lengths of the ribs, and the relationships between all the parameters. In this sense, the qualitative parameters (OIV Codes) confirmed the presence of morphological diversity within the grape varieties studied; the study of general averages made it possible to specify the varieties with the large values of distance/angles and of ratio, and we have shown the presence of a great intra-varietal diversity in addition to that which is inter-varietal. The analysis in principal components allowed the grouping of the grape varieties into five groups according to their expressions by the quantitative parameters, and it confirmed the hypothesis of the influence of the external environment in addition to the gene pool on the grape varieties. This leads us to provide more efforts to maintain inter- and intra-varietal variability and to fight against genetic erosion and the threat of environmental changes

Sub-chapter 3.3.1. Grafted oleaster-olive agrosylvopastoral systems in Northern Morocco

International audienc