Current varieties include durum wheat for pasta and so-called common wheat for bread.

FORBES: Frankenfish Fatuity

The flat fields to the north have more in common with the wheat- and corn-growing areas of the mid-west.

ECONOMIST: America��s focus group

That act ended price supports for common crops such as corn and wheat, encouraging farmers to switch instead to more unusual plantings in response to market demand.

ECONOMIST: Farming

The condition is triggered by an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye - and therefore a common ingredient in many processed foods.

BBC: NHS 'paid ?17 for gluten-free pizza base'

Since 2006, food manufacturers have been required to clearly label products that contain any of the most common allergens -- milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy -- but some allergy experts say the labels should be more explicit.

CNN: The story

For example, although wheat varieties grown now vary widely in their traits and genetics, all are derived from a common precursor first domesticated in Turkey around 9000 B.

FORBES: Frankenfish Fatuity

This is where genetically modified wheat is being grown, part of an experiment to see if the plants can repel a common pest, aphids, without having to resort to insecticide.

BBC: Fortress security for GM wheat trial