The virtues of small grain size: Potential pathways to a distinguishing feature of Asian wheats

摘要: Abstract Increase in grain/seed size recurrently features as a key element the ‘domestication syndrome’ of plants (cf. Zohary and Hopf 2000; Fuller et al. 2014). In context its spread across Eurasia, however, grain one world's major crop species underwent substantial reduction. Between fifth second millennia BC, length number Triticum, collectively known free-threshing wheat, decreased by around 30%. order to understand help account for this trend, we have obtained direct radiocarbon measurements from 51 charred wheat grains measured dimensions several hundred Asia establish when where that diminution occurred. Our results indicate pace eastward/southward was interrupted 1800 BC on borders distinct culinary zone recognized Rowlands (2011), but regained 200–300 years later central-east China with diminished size. We interpret evidence period active selection suit needs, consider whether it constitutes episode general character genetic intervention domesticated species.