Current state, challenges and opportunities to improve faba bean cultivation in Morocco: A review

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a leguminous crop renowned for its millennia-long cultivation driven by its highly nutritious seeds. Rich in minerals, bioactive carbohydrates, fiber and protein with a complete amino acids profile, faba beans serve as vital components in both human and animal diets. In Morocco, faba bean is crucial for food security, sustainability and rural economy. After stable cultivation in the 1960s-70s and subsequent expansion, recent years have seen a decline in cultivated areas due to market volatility, climate challenges, traditional farming methods, pests and limited research. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive approach. Key strategies include the adoption of alternative agricultural practices such as no-till farming to enhance soil quality and reduce labor costs. Implementing effective weed management strategies and increasing mechanization are crucial for reducing labor requirements and improving overall productivity. Additionally, breeding programs focused on developing drought-tolerant and highyielding faba bean varieties are essential. Preparing solutions for emerging pests like aphids and pod borers, which thrive in the shifting hotter and drier climate, is critical. Adopting regional/agroecological varieties and developing open-pollinated and synthetic varieties for the national catalog are important considerations. To combat crenate orobanche, extensive screening of accessions and developing herbicide-resistant varieties should be prioritized. The integration of molecular tools, such as marker-assisted selection and genomic prediction, is crucial for accelerating the breeding process and enhancing precision in developing resilient varieties. Finally, emphasizing scientific research to optimize agronomic practices and reinforce crop resilience stands as a critical priority. This review evaluates the current status of the faba bean sector in Morocco, identifying the obstacles faced by farmers amidst economic, environmental and market fluctuations. It proposes essential strategies aimed at advancing faba bean production in Morocco, serving as a fundamental resource and reference for stakeholders including farmers, researchers, seed producers and policymakers.