Stable classification and nomenclature in the Triticeae: desirability, limitations and prospects

Abstract

The two causes of destabilization of names in the tribe Triticeae are discussed in detail. These include changes in names due to changing classifications and changes in names due to application of nomenclatural rules. We favour the opinion that a classification should be based on maximum information and not on one single character like the genome as suggested in a recent classification of Dewey and that of Löve. The problem of changes in names is discussed using two examples-Triticum-Aegilops group and Agropyron-Elytrigia-Leymus group. The users of Triticeae grasses, should always authenticate the material they are using and specify the scheme or reference of classification they follow in naming their material, even though one would have the freedom to use a particular classification and thus the names given in this classification. The problem of instability in the names of Triticeae grasses due to nomenclatural rules are discussed using the examples of bread wheat (T. aestivum) and of Haynaldia villosa. A list of recommended names of World's flora for preservation as suggested by Brummitt recently has also been examined.