Triticeae

Tribe of grasses

The Triticeae is a tribe of grasses within the subfamily Pooideae of the family Poaceae. This tribe includes several important cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and rye. Members of the Triticeae are characterized by their spike inflorescences and are primarily found in temperate regions.

Description

The Triticeae tribe consists of annual and perennial grasses that are often robust and tufted. The inflorescence is typically a spike, with spikelets that are sessile and arranged in two rows along the rachis. The spikelets usually contain one to several florets. The tribe is known for its economic importance due to the cultivation of species such as wheat (Triticum), barley (Hordeum), and rye (Secale).

Evolution and Genetics

The evolution of the Triticeae tribe is closely linked to the domestication of its cereal crops. The tribe has undergone significant genetic diversification, particularly in the genus Triticum, which includes bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). The evolution of bread wheat is depicted in the diagram below:

Evolution of bread wheat

Economic Importance

The Triticeae tribe is of immense economic importance due to its role in agriculture. Wheat, barley, and rye are staple crops that provide a significant portion of the world's food supply. Wheat is a major source of gluten, a protein that is essential for the elasticity of dough and the production of bread and other baked goods.

Sources of gluten

Ecology

Members of the Triticeae tribe are adapted to a wide range of ecological conditions, from temperate to arid environments. They are often found in grasslands, steppes, and cultivated fields. The adaptability of these grasses has contributed to their widespread distribution and success as agricultural crops.

Related pages

• Wheat
• Barley
• Rye
• Poaceae

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  Close-up of Hordeum jubatum