Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.): An Evolving Model Crop for Sustainable Agriculture (Deliverable 6.4)

Grass pea, with its low input requirements, is a model crop for sustainable agriculture. To address current climate challenges and enhance agroecological production, it must continuously adapt. Grass pea is a versatile annual cool-season legume from the genus Lathyrus and a valuable option for diversifying cropping systems on more marginal lands and there is a growing interest in its use as a climate-resilient crop is driving renewed attention. Grass pea germplasm is conserved globally, highlighting the species' worldwide importance and its potential as a source of valuable traits. This genetic diversity offers opportunities for breeding grass pea varieties adapted to changing environmental conditions. In Europe, most available grass pea seeds come from landraces or farmers' varieties, which are naturally diverse and well-adapted to local conditions. These materials are ideal for participatory breeding approaches that address evolving climate challenges. By involving researchers and other value chain actors (farmers, advisors, processors, consumers, etc.), these approaches can be made more effective with the use of low-cost spectroscopic and molecular tools tailored to local needs.With DIVINFOOD we are supporting the participatory development of higher quality, more resilient and resistant grass pea varieties for the farmers, small-scale processors and consumers in Portuguese region of Alvaiázere.