Genomic analysis of emmer wheat shows a complex history with two distinct domestic groups and evidence of differential hybridization with wild emmer from the western Fertile Crescent

Abstract Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides (wild emmer wheat) was one of the first plants that gave rise to domestic wheat forms in southwest Asia. The details domestication and its early dispersal routes out Asia remain elusive, especially with regard east. In this study, we combine whole genome data from a selection specimens modern wild T. dicoccum (emmer wheats) previously published 3,000 year old sample, explore phylogenetic relationships between populations emmer, south eastwards Africa Asia, respectively. Our confirm marked differentiation landraces Europe, Caucasus Iran, those Africa, Arabian Peninsula India, group being more closely related northern eastern Fertile Crescent. Gene flow is detected western Crescent second emmer. These results support route India. We also observe lower genetic variability compared It possible ancestors spread into Egypt still be surveyed analysed. Investigating content ancient samples or Iran would very valuable determine whether two distinct types germplasm arose during history were already present phases dispersal.