Wheat Landraces

Landraces possess a very large genetic base in population structure and are dynamic populations of cultivated plants with historical origin, distinct identity, and without any formal crop improvement. They are often genetically diverse, locally adapted, and associated with traditional farming systems. Resistance genes to biotic and abiotic stress factors, which are especially diversified in landraces, are of great interest to plant breeders, faced with global climate challenge. In addition, gene pools made of different landraces grown in different ecological conditions can be used for wheat breeding to enhance quality; yield and other desirable agricultural parameters. An estimated 75% of the genetic diversity of crop plants was lost in the last century due to the replacement of high yielding modern varieties. There is, thus, an urgent need to preserve existing species, not only for posterity but also as a means to secure food supply for a rising world population. In this book, we provide an overview of wheat landraces with special attention to genetic diversities, conservation, and utilization.

In recent years, all over the world, the attention paid to local and traditional productions is growing, especially in the agro-food sector. Maybe, it is not only due to the impact of globalization and the social and economic changes but also due to the increased consideration to health and nutritional aspects of food. Hence, for economic, social, historical, and nutritional reasons, this trend has led to the rediscovery and reuse of landraces of many different crops, responding to requests for more and more demanding market. This volume collects examples of local crops and old landraces of different areas of the planet that testify the extreme importance of the relation existing among a land, the local productions, the historical traditions, the conservation of biodiversity, the health benefits, the environmental impact and the local economies, also including the significance to dedicate resources to scientific researches in local crops.

Climate Change and Food Security with Emphasis on Wheat is the first book to present the full scope of research in wheat improvement, revealing the correlations to global issues including climate change and global warming which contribute to food security issues. Wheat plays a key role in the health of the global economy. As the world population continuously increases, economies modernize, and incomes rise, wheat production will have to increase dramatically to secure it as a reliable and sustainable food source. Since covering more land area with wheat crops is not a sustainable option, future wheat crops must have consistently higher yields and be able to resist and/or tolerate biotic and abiotic stresses that result from climate change. Addressing the biophysical and socioeconomic constraints of producing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and good quality wheat, this book will aid in research efforts to increase and stabilize wheat production worldwide. Written by an international team of experts, Climate Change and Food Security with Emphasis on Wheat is an excellent resource for academics, researchers, and students interested in wheat and grain research, especially as it is relevant to food security. Covers a wide range of disciplines, including plant breeding, genetics, agronomy, physiology, pathology, quantitative genetics and genomics, biotechnology and gene editing Explores the effect of climate change on biotic stresses (stripe rust, stem rust, leaf rust, Karnal bunt, spot blotch) on wheat production and utilization of biotechnology Focuses on whole genome sequencing and next-generation sequencing technologies to improve wheat quality and address the issue of malnutrition in developing world

The most extensive and comprehensive reference on durum wheat chemistry and technology ever available, this ambitious update to the first edition covers more diverse and interesting topics in a new expanded format. Forty-six contributors, each highly experienced and recognized as world authorities on durum wheat, provide the latest developments in scientific research and technology. All aspects of durum wheat are covered, from agronomy and the chemical composition of the grain, to the latest industrial approaches to processing durum wheat, as well as food safety and quality assurance issues. Expanded to include new topics like functional pasta, grain safety, and biotechnology, along with practical and applied information including a table of uses for specific carbohydrates, descriptions of improved laboratory techniques, and international comparisons of HACCP experiences, Durum Wheat: Chemistry and Technology, Second Edition is a must-have reference for professionals, students, and researchers inside and outside the field who want to learn about durum wheat technology and chemistry. New and Revised Topics Include: Agronomy of durum wheat production Pasta made from non-traditional raw materials: technological and nutritional aspects Grain safety assurance, including impacts on durum wheat trading Origin and distribution of durum wheat genetic diversity in the world Genetics and breeding of durum wheat Insect and mite pests and diseases of durum wheat Kernel components of technological value Vitamins, minerals, and nutritional value of durum wheat Durum wheat milling Manufacture of pasta products Other traditional durum derived products Methods used to assess and predict quality of durum wheat, semolina, and pasta Grading factors impacting on durum wheat and processing quality Grain safety assurance including impacts on durum wheat trading Marketing perspectives in the durum wheat trade Special Features: Detailed figures outlining the processes used to manufacture durum products International comparisons of HACCP experiences Table of uses for specific carbohydrates Descriptions of improved laboratory techniques Extensive bibliography An Essential Reference For: Scientists and researchers in agriculture and plant biology Professionals in the food industry who are processing durum wheat (millers, pasta makers, grain handling companies, and grain buyers) Government regulators Food scientists and technologists developing products using durum wheat Plant breeders University lecturers in agricultural science and plant biology Professionals who market wheat Nutritionists and medical practitioners interested in the impacts of food ingredients on human health Students Scientific libraries and their patrons

Allohexaploid bread wheat and diploid barley are two of the most cultivated crops in the world. This book reports novel research and reviews concerning the use of modern technologies to understand the molecular bases for wheat and barley improvement. The contributions published in this book illustrate research advances in wheat and barley knowledge using modern molecular techniques. These molecular approaches cover genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and phenomic levels, together with new tools for gene identification and the development of novel molecular markers. Overall, the contributions for this book lead to a further understanding of regulatory systems in order to improve wheat and barley performance.

Bioresource Technology Discover the latest developments in the field of bioresource technology with this practical handbook The management and cultivation of bioresources are critical components of the economic survival of nations. Significantly underexplored, recent advances in bioresource technologies have breathed new life into the research and development of new bioresource techniques and capabilities. In Bioresource Technology: Concept, Tools, and Experiences, a team of distinguished researchers delivers a comprehensive work intended to bridge the gap between field-oriented taxonomists and ecologists and lab-oriented functional and molecular biologists. The book is divided into three sections: food, environment, and energy. In the first part, the authors explore the functional food sector, from green and smart food packaging to nanosensors as diagnostic tools in the food industry. The second part is concerned with the achievement of future energy security through the use of bioresources as energy sources. Finally, the third section discusses sustainable environmental management policies via bioresource use. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction on the recent advances in the technology pertaining to functional food industry to overcome the future food challenges Comprehensive explorations of the art and science of growing microgreens, including their historical background, cultivation practices, quality, and shelf life In-depth examinations of the bioprospecting of bioresources, including bioprospecting in agriculture, chemical industries, and diagnostic applications Provides state-of-the art technologies in the green energy sector to cater for the energy demand of the people, reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) and the reliance on fossil fuels In-depth understanding on the recent advances in the bioresource management policies and sustainable environment Perfect for postgraduate students, research scholars, faculty, and scientists involved in agriculture, plant sciences, environmental sciences, bioenergy, biofuels, molecular biology, and microbiology, Bioresource Technology: Concept, Tools, and Experiences is also an indispensable resource for those working in biochemistry, biotechnology, and food technology.

Wheat Quality for Improving Processing and Human Health brings together an international group of leading wheat scientists to outline highly relevant and diverse aspects and the latest advances in understanding of the world’s most consumed cereal. Topics covered include LMW glutenins, starch-related proteins, and the impact of processing on composition and consumer health. Individual chapters focus on important factors such as FODMAPs, protein structure, dough viscoelasticity and fumonisins. The environmental effects on allergen content are comprehensively covered, as are phenolic compounds and molecular markers. The major quality screening tools and genetic resources are reviewed in depth. Gluten is a major focus of this work with chapters dedicated to health effects, analytical methods and standards, proteomics and mutant proteins. Starting in 2015, wheat quality scientists from across the globe have united to develop the Expert Working Group for Improving Wheat Quality for Processing and Health under the umbrella of the Wheat Initiative. This joint effort provides a framework to establish strategic research and organisation priorities for wheat research at the international level in both developed and developing countries. This Expert Working Group aims to maintain and improve wheat quality for processing and health under varying environmental conditions. The Group focuses on a broad range of wheat quality issues including seed proteins, carbohydrates, nutrition quality and micronutrient content, grain processing and food safety. Bioactive compounds are also considered, both those with negative effects such as allergens and mycotoxins, and those with positive effects such as antioxidants and fibre. The Group also works in the development of germplasm sets and other tools that promote wheat quality research. Wheat quality specialists working on the wheat value chain, and nutritionists will find this book a useful resource to increase and update their knowledge of wheat quality, nutrition and health issues.