Genetic resources of hulled wheats

Hulled wheat species (Triticum monococcum, T,dicoccum and T. spelta) are among the most ancient cereal crops of the Mediterranean region. These cereals were popular for hundreds of years, and long represented a staple food within the region. At a certain point in history however, the introduction of higher-yielding-free-threshing wheats caused hulled wheats to fall into a state of neglect, to such an extent that they even became a relic crop (as in the case of einkorn). For social, cultural and economic reasons, hulled wheats are becoming popular once again, especially in Italy, where they are considered as fashionable and health food for which consumers are prepared to pay a higher price than for any other wheat product. The 'underutilized' aspect of hulled wheats is being widely recognized, and this acts as a further incentive to farmers to grow them. The status of these wheats is reviewed, along with suggestions on how to promote their cultivation and utilization. Suggestions on how national and international research and development programs can contribute cowards the conservation and sustainable use of these wheats and on how to promote plans of the Hulled Wheat Genetic Resources Network are presented.