In this study, samples of 18 ancient wheat (12 emmer, 6 einkorn) and 2 bread wheat varieties grown in different regions of Turkey were examined for their total phenolics and flavonoids, phenolic acids, lutein, total yellow pigment, and total radical scavenging capacities against ABTS cation. Results showed that health beneficial phytochemicals and total antioxidant capacities were generally significantly different in emmer and einkorn wheat groups. Remarkably higher total antioxidant activity (18.31 +/- 1.31 micromol Trolox equiv/g), total phenolics (6.33 +/- 0.98 micromol gallic acid equiv/g), ferulic acid (662.95 +/- 61.07 microg/g), and flavonoids (1.61 +/- 0.34 micromol catechin equiv/g) content were detected in emmer wheat samples (n = 12), suggesting that they may have high potential for utilization as a novel grain, rich in natural antioxidants. In addition, quite high levels of lutein (7.33 +/- 2.43 microg/g) of einkorn samples (n = 6) hold the potential of developing high-lutein bakery products to considerably raise the dietary intake of carotenoids. These findings for ancient wheat varieties are considered to be very useful in breeding programs for selecting and breeding wheat varieties for higher concentration and better composition of health-beneficial phytochemicals.

Wheat landrace populations, collected from different altitudes of three regions of Turkey, were evaluated for variation within and among populations. Experimental material consisted of 380 accessions, from nine provinces, in Central Anatolian Plateau and North Transitions. The material was grown at HaymanaAnkara Research Farm of Central Research Institute for Field Crops in 1999-2000 planting season, in a three-meter, two-row-plot trial with three bread and three durum wheat checks. Populations were evaluated for plant height, tillers number, spike length, grains per spike, awn length, thousand kernels weight (TKW), winter survival, and days to flowering. Observations and measurements were performed on five randomly selected plants in each plots. Mean, coefficient of variation (CV), and range were computed for populations from five altitude intervals of 0-399, 400-799, 800-1199, 1200-1599, and 1600-1999 and cluster analyses were performed later. The highest variation was recorded for awn length and the lowest for number of days to flowering. First three principal components (PCs) accounted for 60.69% of the total variation. Cluster analysis for bread wheat, durum wheat, cultivated einkorn and cultivated emmer grouped the species meaningfully.

Underutilized plant species play a fundamental role in the livelihoods of poor communities living in harsh environments such as mountain areas, although they only have a small share in production and trade. Emmer ( Triticum dicoccon) is a typical example of an underutilized species suitable for development in mountain areas; it is important for food security and cultural value and has a very limited market share. This paper investigates the state of the market for emmer in mountainous areas in Turkey, where it is still produced. As is the case for many underutilized species, emmer is disappearing due to low yield compared to modern cereal varieties. Emmer is still grown in Turkey's mountains because of its hardiness and place in local food traditions; however, its competitiveness and persistence may be at risk because of changes in taste and the increased impact of global and regional markets.We examine the role of emmer production on mountain community livelihoods in Turkey and review potential market opportunities that may enhance the competitiveness of this underutilized crop, as happened, for example, in Italy. We surveyed market chain actors in Kastamonu and Sinop provinces in the Black Sea region, where few other crops are profitable because of poor soils. In Sinop province, emmer is less used and not marketed; in Kastamonu province, it is marketed and appreciated in local food traditions. Difficulties in processing, limited marketing, and lack of consumer demand are key factors in the decline of emmer cultivation. Despite emmer's adaptability to poor soils and its low input requirements, lack of market opportunities is a key factor restraining its revival and maintenance. However, there is a new market potential associated with emmer's nutritional and health properties; with growing appreciation by niche consumers, opportunities to maintain this valuable species are emerging.

Turkey is located at a significant position in the world from the viewpoint of plant genetic resources and genetic diversity. It is scientifically agreed that two of the Centers of Diversity and Centers of Origin; the Near Eastern and the Mediterranean overlap at Turkey. Turkey is the meeting ground of three phytogeographical regions; Euro-Siberian, Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian. Due to its great variety in geomorphology, topography and climate, Turkey has large diversity of habitats so it is very rich in plant species and endemism. Based on the information given by Davis (1965-1985) and Davis et al. (1988) the number of native ferns and seed plant species were stated as 8.745 by Kaya et al. (1998), 2.763 of which are endemic. In addition to these figures about 1.000 new species were listed by Güner et al. (2000). Altogether the number comes to a total of approximately 10.000. Conservation of genetic diversity in crop plants and their wild relatives is essential for Turkey. Status and conservation strategies of plant genetic diversity are discussed in this paper. PHTOGEOGRAPHIC REGIONS Phytogeographically there are three regions overlapping in Turkey. These regions are Euro-siberian, Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian. Euro-Siberian Region extends along the most of North Anatolia in a narrower strip at European part of Turkey. Climatically this region is the rainiest one. In the eastern part annual precipitation exceeds 2.000 mm where tea is also grown. Most of the region is covered with forests. Some of the characteristic plants of the region are:

Effect of developmental stages length on yield and some quality traits of Turkish durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. convar. durum (Desf.) Mackey) landraces: influence of developmental stages length on yield and quality of durum wheat AbstractThe study aimed at exploring durum wheat landraces to be utilized in breeding programs. 566 single durum wheat plants selected from 117 populations collected from 12 provinces were studied. The selected material was planted for characterizing their some qualitative and quantitative traits such as percent vitreousness, pearling index, grain protein content, seed yield and thousand kernel weight; as well as determining time frame for germination--maturity. Mean, coefficient of variation, and confidence intervals (0.95) were computed for each of 12 provinces, for altitudinal origins with 200 m of ranges and, for each of two geographical regions separately. The highest variation existed for number of days between T-H and the lowest for number of days between T-S. The highest variation within developmental stages was observed in samples from Diyarbakir with a CV of 32.96%, from 600 to 799 altitude range with a CV of 18.86%, and from Southeast Anatolia with a CV of 20.12%.