Spelt-specific alleles in HMW glutenin genes from modern and historical European spelt (Triticum spelta L.)

HMW and LMW glutenin alleles among putative tetraploid and hexaploid European spelt wheat (Triticum spelta L.) progenitors

“…Therefore, the European spelt was the relatively recent strain and appeared later than club wheat, although it showed the primitive spike morphological characteristic. Furthermore, in combination with the recent research on HMW glutenin genes from modern and historical European spelt (Blatter et al 2002) and the discovery of spelt-specific ggliadin genes (von Büren et al 2000;von Büren 2001), all support the secondary origin hypothesis of European spelt wheat.…”

“…Several new alleles (Table 2) have been detected in spelt landraces grown in many countries. Oberkulmer was selected in 1948 from a Swiss landrace collected in the 1930s in Oberkulm (Blatter et al 2002), and is involved in the parentage of many modern spelt cultivars (Siedler et al 1994;Bertin et al 2001). Fuggers Babenhauser and Vögelers Dinkel were selected from German landraces, and T. aestivum var.…”

“…Although numerous studies on the origin of European spelt wheat have been undertaken, its evolution is far from being resolved (Blatter et al 2002). Different hypotheses have been postulated and the main discrepancy is whether European spelt is an ancestor or a derivation of tetrapoid or hexaploid Triticum species or hybrids between them.…”

Ancient plant DNA in archaeobotany

“…CTAB/DTAB methods, silica-based methods or DNA extraction kits are employed (Allaby et al 1997;Schlumbaum et al 1998;DumolinLapègue et al 1999;Blatter et al 2002b;Jaenicke-Després et al 2003;Manen et al 2003;Pollmann et al 2005;Liepelt et al 2006). These methods for DNA extraction were developed taking into account that plant parts are rich in secondary byproducts, sugars and other potential inhibitors of PCR.…”

“…They thus provide meaningful information on the status quo ante and on plant phylogeny. Very interestingly, they also provide information on the presence and evolution of plant pathogens, which of course have had a major impact on agricultural societies (Rogers and Bendich 1985;Bruns et al 1990;Rogers 1994;Taylor and Swann 1994;Savolainen et al 1995;Ristaino et al 2001;Blatter et al 2002b;Ristaino 2002). …”