Utilisation of ancient DNA from charred seeds in studies of the phylogenetics and population genetics of cultivated plants.

The project seeks to develop analytical methods more appropriate for the investigation of ancient charred grain, which will allow the more widespread application of these techniques in archaeology. The results of this project fed into the consortium project (The domestication of Europe.) to investigate the genetic diversity of early grain crops and the implications this has for understanding the spread of early agriculture.

Funded by: NERC Standard research Grant
Grant Period: 2003 - 2006
Grant Holder: Prof. G. Jones (Sheffield), Dr M. Charles (Sheffield), Prof. T.A. Brown (UMIST)