Evolution of erect growth forms in domesticated wheats: Possible effects of grazing

Wild wheats tend to have a prostrate growthform during the early part of their vegetative growth phase. However, at a later stage the leaves and spike-bearing stalks change the pattern of growth and develop in an erect position. Domesticated wheats develop differently, with an erect growth form domi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inOecologia Vol. 73; no. 4; pp. 630 - 632
Main Author Waisel, Y
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Germany 01.10.1987
Subjects
goats
grazing
habit
Triticum
Triticum ssp
Grazing
Growth-form evolution
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Summary:Wild wheats tend to have a prostrate growthform during the early part of their vegetative growth phase. However, at a later stage the leaves and spike-bearing stalks change the pattern of growth and develop in an erect position. Domesticated wheats develop differently, with an erect growth form dominating the entire growth phase.It is suggested that heavy grazing, especially during early winter months might have played a role in the eradication of spontaneously appearing erect mutants of wild wheat. Such mutants increased in frequency only under domestication.
ISSN:0029-8549
1432-1939
DOI:10.1007/BF00379428