Wheat Taxonomy
Welcome to the Wheat Classification Tables Site. These tables of taxonomic classifications for wheat species, their synonyms, and supplementary information have been compiled as part of the GrainTax project [GrainTax on GrainGenes]. Created in response to recommendations made at the Taxonomy Workshop held at the 9th International Wheat Genetics Symposium held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, 2-9 August, 1998 [GrainTax Project], the GrainTax system offers a comprehensive on-line source for information about wheat taxonomy.
GrainTax is an evolving project that depends on the volunteer efforts of the GrainTax orgainzers [Contacts for the committee members]. To receive postings of progress reports and other GrainTax developments, write to Dave Matthews [matthews@greengenes.cit.cornell.edu].
The 26 Classification Tables on this site are organized into Historical and Current categories. Historical Classifications have strongly influenced modern wheat taxonomy. The 13 Current Classifications illustrate the ongoing controversy in generic and species concepts and the resulting confusion over conflicting names for the wheats.
Each classification has been corrected for errors in nomenclature and authority citations. Unaccepted names [Unaccepted Names Page] are indicated.
Users should note that there is no 'correct' classification of Triticum and Aegilops. Each of the current classifications has problems with names, whether as unaccepted names or as names with unresolved issues of synonymy. For a comparison of the most often used classification, see the Comparative Triticum and the Comparative Aegilops tables. GrainTax does not endorse any classification. The GrainTax organizers offer the following recommendations to help alleviate some of the confusion in the use of wheat taxonomy: (1) do not mix and match classifications; follow one classification of Triticum and Aegilops and (2) in research articles, conference presentations, and communications dealing with wheat germ plasm, always cite which classification of Triticum and Aegilops you are following.
CURRENT CLASSIFICATION TABLES
| Triticum L. | Aegilops L. |
|---|---|
| Dorofeev et al. 1979 | Hammer 1980 |
| Gandilyan 1980 | Witcombe 1983 |
| Löve 1984 | Löve 1984 |
| Flora of Turkey 1985 | Flora of Turkey 1985 |
| van Slageren 1994 | |
| Mac Key 1988 | |
| van Slageren 1994 | |
