Toward an Investigation of Diversity and Cultivation of Rye (Secale cereale ssp. cereale L.) in Germany: Methodological Insights and First Results from Early Modern Plant Material

Rye (Secale cereale ssp. L.) is a secondary domesticate, considered to have originated as weed in wheat fields and developed traits of domestication by evolving similar physiological morphological characteristics those wheat. Although it migrated into Europe possessing traits, became one the most significant crops grown large parts from medieval period onward. Within modern borders Germany, rye was using at least two divergent cultivation practices: eternal monoculture three-field rotation. The straw used produce Wellerhölzer, which are construction components traditional half-timbered houses that enabled desiccated preservation plant remains. In order assess impact practices, local environmental conditions genetic variation on diversification rye, we seek integrate well-established archaeobotanical methods with aDNA sequencing remains obtained Wellerhölzer Germany. current contribution, present proof concept, based analysis Wellerholz Old Town Hall Göttingen. We use arable ecology reconstruct practices phylogenetic targeted loci chloroplast nuclear genome. Our results emphasise study plants offer unique opportunity for an integration reconstructions environment aDNA.