Diversity centers and distribution patterns of Eudicot crop wild relatives of Iran: priorities for conservation and important plant areas

Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) have the potential to contribute to food security. These taxa can donate advantageous traits to counter biotic as well as abiotic stress and improve the quality of crops. This study aims to provide as many details as possible on distribution patterns and centers of diversity in order to identify and establish modern protected areas in Iran. In total, 539 species of CWR, from 258 genera and 75 plant families have been studied. Using prioritization criteria (gene pool level, range of distribution, and economic value) 17 families, 35 genera, and 94 species of CWR have been identified in Iran. The highest diversity was found in the central Alborz Mountains, the eastern Alborz, and the northern sections of the Zagros Mountains. Several geographic zones can be classified as national genetic reserves. Iranian CWR were distributed in nine classes, ranging in elevation from sea level to more than 4,000 m. Species with a high conservation value include Rosa pimpinellifolia, Rosa webbiana, Pyrus turcomanica, Crataegus sanguinea, Vicia pannonica, Vicia grandiflora, Lathyrus pseudo-cicera, Lactuca wilhelmsiana, Cornus mas, and, Cornus sanguinea. The main achievement of this study has been to identify the distribution patterns and priorities for the conservation of these valuable taxa for the first time. These prominent taxa of CWR have the potential not only to improve food and economic security at a national level but can also contribute to global food security. Thus, an urgent and cohesive plan for their management is critical.