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Abstract Throughout the agricultural history, crop plants have adapted to a range of environments and traditional farming systems. The transition from primitive to advanced cultivars caused the narrowing of their genetic base. To protect such cultivars, it is required to broaden their genetic base through introducing germplasm found in their more ancient, resistant varieties of their wild relatives. However, genetic diversity is under relentless attack. This nessicetates the conservation of the valuable gene pools. In Egypt, the western Mediterranean coastal region provides a clear example of the impact of man’s disruptive activities either by overgrazing or changing pattern of land use. Therefore, research dealing with evaluation and conservation of the genetic resources in this area becomes of <prime importance. |