Pingping Yang , Shujuan Wang

Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 4   doi: 10.5376/tgg.2024.15.0017
Received: 15 May, 2024    Accepted: 27 Jun., 2024    Published: 10 Jul., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Yang P.P., and Wang S.J., 2024, Spread and adaptation of Triticeae crops: from ancient origins to global distribution, Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 15(4): 173-184 (doi: 10.5376/tgg.2024.15.0017)

Triticeae crops, such as wheat, barley, and rye,are globally important food crops critical for human and animal nutrition and ecosystem sustainability. Understanding the origins, domestication, and global dissemination mechanisms of these crops is essential for improving their production efficiency and adaptability. This study reviews the early evolution of Triticeae crops and their wild relatives, the genetic changes during domestication, and the impact of early agricultural practices, trade, and migration routes on their spread. It explores the adaptation mechanisms of Triticeae crops to climate, soil, and pests, and summarizes the application of modern breeding technologies in enhancing yield and disease resistance. The research indicates that Triticeae crops underwent significant genetic changes during domestication, which have been elucidated through modern genetic techniques. Early agricultural practices and ancient civilizations played a crucial role in the dissemination of these crops. Modern genetic improvement technologies, such as genome editing and marker-assisted selection, have significantly enhanced crop yield and disease resistance. By comprehensively reviewing the domestication and dissemination history of Triticeae crops, this study provides valuable genetic resources and strategies for modern breeding programs. Understanding the adaptation mechanisms of these crops in different environments will aid in developing more resilient and high-yielding varieties to meet the growing global food demand.

Triticeae; Domestication; Dissemination mechanisms; Genetic adaptation; Genetic improvement