Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 234-243 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 237 travel. This early introduction of wheat to the eastern Chinese coast highlights the role of trade networks in facilitating the spread of agricultural practices (Chen et al., 2020). 4 Wheat in Historical Civilizations 4.1 Role in ancient empires Wheat has played a pivotal role in the sustenance and expansion of ancient empires. In central China, the introduction of wheat during the late Neolithic period marked a significant shift in agricultural practices, although its role in subsistence farming remained minimal until the later Bronze Age during the Zhou dynasty (Deng et al., 2019). The spread of wheat and barley from Central Asia to northern China around 4 500~4 000 BP coincided with a global climatic event, leading to a mixed subsistence economy and indicating the crop's importance in adapting to environmental changes (Cheung et al., 2019). In the Near East, wheat was one of the "Founder Crops" that underpinned early agricultural societies, contributing to the development of complex civilizations (Ulaş and Fiorentino, 2020). 4.2 Agricultural innovations in ancient civilizations Ancient civilizations developed various agricultural innovations to cultivate wheat effectively. In southeastern Anatolia, traditional wheat cultivation practices observed today mirror those from 10 500 years ago, including the use of silos made from earth, stones, and tree branches, and manual harvesting techniques (Ulaş, 2020). At Göbekli Tepe, an Early Neolithic site in southeastern Turkey, extensive plant food processing tools such as grinding slabs and pestles were used for cereal processing, highlighting the sophistication of early agricultural practices (Dietrich et al., 2019). Additionally, the genetic diversity of modern bread wheats has been shaped by 10 000 years of hybridization, selection, and adaptation, reflecting the continuous improvement and innovation in wheat cultivation (Pont et al., 2019). 4.3 Wheat in cultural and religious practices Wheat has also held significant cultural and religious importance throughout history. In ancient Eurasian agriculture, the "new" glume wheat (Triticum timopheevii) was a notable crop, present across western Asia and Europe during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, and played a role in the cultural practices of these regions (Czajkowska et al., 2020). The processing of cereals at Göbekli Tepe, a site known for its monumental architecture and ritual significance, suggests that wheat was not only a staple food but also integral to the social and ceremonial activities of its builders (Dietrich et al., 2019). Furthermore, the ethnobotanical study in southeastern Anatolia indicates that women were central to wheat cultivation and processing, suggesting a deep-rooted cultural tradition of female involvement in agriculture (Ulaş, 2020). Wheat has been a cornerstone of ancient civilizations, influencing their agricultural practices, economic stability, and cultural traditions. Its introduction and cultivation have been marked by significant innovations and adaptations, underscoring its enduring importance in human history. 5 Technological Innovations in Wheat Cultivation 5.1 Mechanization and the agricultural revolution The Agricultural Revolution marked a significant shift in wheat cultivation, characterized by the introduction of mechanized farming equipment. This period saw the development and widespread adoption of machinery such as the plow, seed drill, and combine harvester, which drastically increased the efficiency and scale of wheat production. These innovations reduced the labor intensity of farming and allowed for the cultivation of larger areas, leading to increased wheat yields and the ability to support growing populations. 5.2 Green revolution and genetic engineering The Green Revolution, which began in the mid-20th century, introduced high-yielding wheat varieties and advanced agricultural practices, including the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation techniques. These advancements significantly boosted wheat production and helped alleviate food shortages in many parts of the world. However, the Green Revolution also brought challenges such as environmental degradation and increased dependency on chemical inputs (Hamdan et al., 2022).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==