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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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High-throughput, Microscale Protocol for the Analysis of Processing Parameters and Nutritional Qualities in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Published on: June 16, 2018
Molecular and functional diversity of maize
Edward S Buckler1, Brandon S Gaut, Michael D McMullen
1USDA-ARS; Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA. esb33@cornell.edu
Current Opinion in Plant Biology
|February 7, 2006
Summary
Maize genetic diversity, shaped over 10,000 years, is key for crop improvement. Research reveals structural and functional diversity, aiding in identifying genes for better maize varieties.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Plant Science
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Maize (Zea mays) has undergone extensive domestication and improvement over 10,000 years.
- Leveraging the maize genome's genetic diversity is crucial for enhancing crop traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structural and functional genetic diversity within the maize genome.
- To gain insights into the genes and mechanisms underlying maize domestication and improvement.
- To identify valuable alleles for future crop enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of structural diversity, focusing on helitron transposable elements.
- Examination of diversity patterns to infer genes involved in domestication.
- Functional diversity experiments for allele mining.
Main Results:
- Structural diversity in maize is significantly influenced by helitron transposable elements.
- Diversity patterns provide insights into the genetic basis of maize domestication and improvement.
- Functional experiments are identifying alleles with potential for crop enhancement.
Conclusions:
- Understanding maize genetic diversity is essential for ongoing crop improvement efforts.
- Helitron elements play a key role in maize genome structural variation.
- Continued development of genomic and germplasm resources will accelerate maize breeding.
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