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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Imaging and Analysis for Quantifying Maize (Zea mays) Abiotic Stress Phenotypes
Published on: March 28, 2025
Genetic and genomic toolbox of Zea mays
Natalie J Nannas1, R Kelly Dawe2
1Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602 Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602.
Abstract:
Maize has a long history of genetic and genomic tool development and is considered one of the most accessible higher plant systems. With a fully sequenced genome, a suite of cytogenetic tools, methods for both forward and reverse genetics, and characterized phenotype markers, maize is amenable to studying questions beyond plant biology. Major discoveries in the areas of transposons, imprinting, and chromosome biology came from work in maize. Moving forward in the post-genomic era, this classic model system will continue to be at the forefront of basic biological study. In this review, we outline the basics of working with maize and describe its rich genetic toolbox.
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