Triticinae

Triticinae is a subtribe of grasses belonging to the tribe Triticeae within the subfamily Pooideae. This group is significant for its inclusion of several economically important cereal crops and their wild relatives. The most prominent genera within Triticinae are Triticum, which includes common wheat and its ancient ancestors, Aegilops, which encompasses wild goatgrasses often involved in wheat hybridization and as sources of disease resistance, and Secale, the genus of rye. Other notable genera include Haynaldia, Dasypyrum, and Amblyopyrum.

Species within Triticinae are typically annual or perennial herbs characterized by their inflorescence, which is a spike. The spikelets are usually borne singly at each node of the rachis, and each spikelet contains multiple florets. Many species are allogamous, meaning they cross-pollinate, although self-pollination also occurs. This genetic plasticity has been crucial for their domestication and adaptation to diverse environments. The evolutionary history of Triticinae is complex, marked by polyploidization and hybridization events, particularly between wheat and goatgrass species, which led to the development of modern hexaploid wheat. Understanding the genetic diversity and relationships within Triticinae is vital for crop improvement, including the development of more resilient and productive wheat and rye varieties.