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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

A Rapid and Efficient Method for Assessing Pathogenicity of Ustilago maydis on Maize and Teosinte Lines

A Rapid and Efficient Method for Assessing Pathogenicity of Ustilago maydis on Maize and Teosinte Lines

Published on: January 3, 2014

Complex patterns of local adaptation in teosinte.

Tanja Pyhäjärvi¹, Matthew B Hufford, Sofiane Mezmouk

¹Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis.

Genome Biology and Evolution

|August 2, 2013

Summary

Local adaptation in teosinte, the wild ancestor of maize, was investigated using genetic data and environmental variables. Findings suggest that both large inversion polymorphisms and intergenic regions contribute to adaptation to diverse local conditions.

Keywords:

Zea mays admixture inversion mexicana parviglumis population structure

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Published on: January 20, 2023

Area of Science:

Evolutionary genetics
Plant biology
Genomics

Background:

Species adapt to local environments, but understanding the genetic basis is complex.
Requires extensive data on genotypes, populations, and environmental factors.
Teosinte, as the wild ancestor of maize, is a crucial model for studying crop evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize the genetic basis of local adaptation in teosinte.
To investigate the role of genetic variation in response to environmental heterogeneity.
To identify specific genetic elements contributing to adaptation.

Main Methods:

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping across 21 teosinte populations.
Analysis of numerous environmental variables correlated with genetic data.
Examination of population structure, linkage disequilibrium, and allele frequency patterns.

Main Results:

Complex hierarchical genetic structure identified, influenced by altitude, dispersal, and admixture.
Four large inversion polymorphisms detected with clinal frequency patterns.
Evidence suggests both inversions and intergenic polymorphisms are involved in local adaptation.

Conclusions:

Local adaptation in teosinte is shaped by intricate genetic structures and environmental pressures.
Inversions and intergenic polymorphisms play significant roles in adapting teosinte populations to their environments.
This study provides insights into the genetic architecture of adaptation in a key crop wild ancestor.