Recent advances in ancient DNA research and their implications for archaeobotany

Abstract

The scope and ambition of biomolecular archaeology is undergoing rapid change due to the development of new 'next generation' sequencing (NGS) methods for analysis of ancient DNA in archaeological specimens. These methods have not yet been applied extensively to archaeobotanical material but their utility has been demonstrated with desiccated, waterlogged and charred remains. The future use of NGS is likely to open up new areas of investigation that have been difficult or impossible with the traditional approach to aDNA sequencing. Species identification should become more routine with archaeobotanical explants, not just with charred grain but with most if not all species likely to be encountered in an archaeobotanical setting. Distinctions between different subspecies groups such as cereal landraces will also be possible in the near future. Phenotypic characterization, in which aDNA sequencing is used to infer the biological characteristics of an archaeological specimen, will become possible, improving our understanding of traits such as flowering behaviour of cereals, and when combined with studies of preserved RNA and protein will enable complex phenotypes such as environmental tolerance and nutritional quality to be assessed. The sequencing of entire ancient plant genomes is also likely to have significant impact. As with past studies of ancient plant DNA, realization of the new potential provided by NGS will require productive collaboration between archaeologists and geneticists within the archaeobotanical research community.

Conservation archaeogenomics: ancient DNA and biodiversity in the Anthropocene

“…In another study, ancient eDNA from high-altitude tropical cores reflect the local vegetation, while traditional methods examining pollen may represent a broader geographic region [80]. While there are challenges to an eDNA approach [81], advancements in eDNA technologies have led to positive developments for reconstructing vegetation and landscape histories by facilitating the recovery of highly degraded DNA from archaeological plant remains that are often found fragmented or burnt [82].…”

The limits and potential of paleogenomic techniques for reconstructing grapevine domestication

“…Through the analysis of aDNA from archaeobotanical remains, it is possible to shed light on long-standing archaeological and evolutionary questions, including the geographic origins of crops, rates of change during domestication, human migration patterns, past trade networks, and paleoecology (as reviewed by Brown et al, 2015;Palmer et al, 2012;Wales et al, 2013). One key question for plant aDNA research is the suitability of the chloroplast genome to address archaeological and evolutionary questions.…”

Can't find a pulse? Celtic bean (Vicia fabaL.) in British prehistory

“…Therefore, there is potential to develop a paired ancient DNA and radiocarbon analysis on Celtic beans from archaeological sites (cf. Brown et al 2015), to assess the timing and nature of genetic turnover in bean populations. This could then be related to wider issues of trade and exchange of crops in prehistoric and Roman/Medieval Europe.…”