Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 173-184 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 173 Review Article Open Access Spread and Adaptation of Triticeae Crops: From Ancient Origins to Global Distribution Pingping Yang, Shujuan Wang Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: shujuan.wang@hibio.org 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 Copyright © 2024 Yang and Wang, 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. Preferred citation for this article: 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) Abstract 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. Keywords Triticeae; Domestication; Dissemination mechanisms; Genetic adaptation; Genetic improvement 1 Introduction The Triticeae tribe, encompassing vital cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and rye, has played a significant role in the development of human civilization. These crops have not only been fundamental to the sustenance of ancient societies but have also adapted and spread across diverse global environments. This systematic review aims to explore the historical spread and adaptation mechanisms of Triticeae crops, tracing their journey from ancient origins to their current global distribution. The domestication of Triticeae crops began approximately 10 000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, a region often referred to as the cradle of agriculture. Early domestication efforts focused on selecting traits that enhanced yield, resilience, and adaptability to local environments (Zhou et al., 2020; Gutaker and Purugganan, 2023). The genetic diversity within the Triticeae tribe, bolstered by introgression from wild populations, has been a key factor in the successful adaptation and spread of these crops (Zhou et al., 2020). Recent advancements in genomic technologies have provided deeper insights into the genetic makeup of Triticeae crops. Whole-genome sequencing of species such as wheat, barley, and their wild relatives has revealed complex genetic histories and significant genomic variations that have facilitated their adaptation to various environments (Mochida and Shinozaki, 2013; Gao et al., 2023). These genomic resources are crucial for ongoing breeding programs aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity (Mochida and Shinozaki, 2013). Triticeae crops are indispensable in global agriculture due to their versatility and nutritional value. Wheat, barley, and rye are staple foods for millions of people and are also used extensively in animal feed and industrial applications (Hensel, 2019; Gao et al., 2023). The adaptability of these crops to different climatic conditions and soil types has enabled their cultivation in diverse regions, contributing to food security worldwide (Ceoloni et al., 2015; Ma et al., 2022). Moreover, the genetic improvement of Triticeae crops through modern breeding
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