Question

. Briefly describe, or outline, the origins and evolution (hybridization) of wheat and its major species/cultivars.

Answer 1

Wheat crop is staple food of millions of people and its origin can be traced back to 10,000 years.

The first cultivation of wheat occurred about 1000 years ago as a part of Neolithic Revolution. The earliest cultivated wheat were Diploid ( einkorn) and tetraploid genome wheat (emmer), and their genetic relationship indicates that they originated from south eastern part of Turkey. Over the years farmers continued to make selection from their field and led to formation of new variety of wheat with desirable Traits.

Currently about 95% of wheat grown worldwide is hexaploid wheat breed, and the remaining 5% is tetraploid durum wheat.

Hexaploid wheat are result of natural hybridization between Emmer wheat and wild goat grass(Aegilops tauschii). This natural genetic development, whilst being highly successful is a long duration proces.