As the world’s oldest domesticated grain, wheat has been a staple of diets for more than 10,000 years. Now, researchers have unraveled the genetic secrets of the ancient grain, providing insight into the development of bread and other staple crops.

This research has just been published in the journal Nature, and it is the most comprehensive analysis of wheat genetics ever conducted. By studying the genomes of more than 2,000 wild and domesticated wheat varieties, the researchers have identified 15 genetic regions that are associated with the grain’s development.

These regions are linked to the creation of modern bread wheat, which is the dominant variety of wheat in the world today. The findings provide key insights into the domestication of wheat, and how it has been adapted and developed over time. The research could also help breeders create new varieties of wheat with improved traits, such as disease resistance or higher yields.

In this groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered the genetic secrets of our ancient grain - wheat. With the most comprehensive analysis of wheat genetics ever conducted, 15 genetic regions linked to the development of modern bread wheat have been identified. The results of this study will provide key insights into the domestication and development of wheat, and could help breed

Read Full Article Here

source: Phys.org