Identifying phytoliths produced by the inflorescence bracts of three species of wheat (Triticum monococcum L, T-dicoccon Schrank, and T-aestivum L) using computer-assisted image and statistical analyses

Phytoliths produced by the inflorescence bracts from three species of wheat, Triticum monococcum L., T. dicoccon Schrank., and T. aestivum L., were analysed using computer-assisted image and statistical analyses with the intent to develop taxonomic tools to distinguish among the taxa. A classification key and discriminant functions based on significant differences among the morphometry means of the silica cell and dendriform phytoliths produced by each species were created and tested. The classification key and the discriminant functions proved to be reliable tools for distinguishing among phytoliths produced in the inflorescence bracts of the three wheats considered. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited