Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 70-79 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 70 Research Report Open Access Genetic Structure and Diversity in Zea Genus: Implications for Conservation and Breeding Yunfei Cai 1, BinChen2, Junfeng Hou2, Fucheng Zhao2, Guiyue Wang 2, Renxiang Cai 3 1 Seed Management Station of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhengjiang, China 2 Institute of Maize and Featured Upland Crops, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dongyang, 322100, Zhengjiang, China 3 Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang AandF University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhengjiang, China Corresponding author: 375671717@qq.com Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0008 Received: 02 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 15 Mar., 2024 Published: 28 Mar., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Cai et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Cai Y.F., Chen B., Hou J.F., Zhao F.C., Wang G.Y., and Cai R.X., 2024, Genetic structure and diversity in Zea genus: implications for conservation and breeding, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(2): 70-79 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0008) Abstract The Zea genus, encompassing vital crop species like maize, holds significant genetic diversity essential for agricultural sustainability and food security. This study aims to elucidate the genetic structure and diversity within Zea species, underscore the importance of conserving these genetic resources, and highlight their implications for breeding programs. The phylogenetic relationships within Zea, genetic variation, and methods for assessing genetic structure are explored to provide a comprehensive understanding of the genus's genetic framework. The study also examines molecular markers, geographic distribution, and factors influencing genetic diversity, emphasizing the need for robust conservation strategies. Threats to genetic diversity are identified, alongside conservation efforts including the role of gene banks, ex situ, and in situ conservation. The utilization of genetic diversity in breeding programs is discussed, focusing on stress resistance, adaptability, yield enhancement, and modern breeding techniques such as genomic selection. Case studies of successful breeding programs and conservation projects illustrate practical applications and challenges. Future directions highlight advances in genomic tools, integrating conservation with breeding efforts, and policy considerations. This study underscores the critical need for continued research and strategic conservation to harness the full potential of Zea genetic resources for future agricultural innovation. Keywords Zea genus; Genetic diversity; Conservation; Breeding programs; Genomic tools 1 Introduction The genus Zea, belonging to the Poaceae family, encompasses a range of species including the domesticated maize (Zeamays ssp. mays) and its wild relatives commonly known as teosintes. These species are indigenous to Central and South America and exhibit significant genetic diversity and evolutionary history. The genus Zea is divided into two sections: Zea and Luxuriantes, with the former including the domesticated maize and its closest wild relatives, and the latter comprising more distantly related species such as Zea luxurians and Zea nicaraguensis (Tiffin and Gaut, 2001; Orton et al., 2017). The evolutionary trajectory of Zea has been shaped by processes such as polyploidy, speciation, and domestication, which have contributed to the genetic complexity observed within this genus (Tiffin and Gaut, 2001; Orton et al., 2017). Genetic diversity within the genus Zea is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a reservoir of alleles that can be utilized for crop improvement and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. For instance, the wild progenitors of maize, such as Zeamays ssp. parviglumis, harbor a substantial amount of genetic variation that can be harnessed for breeding programs aimed at enhancing traits like disease resistance, drought tolerance, and yield (Gasca-Pineda et al., 2020; Chen et al., 2021). Secondly, understanding the genetic structure and diversity of Zea species is essential for conservation efforts. The loss of genetic diversity in certain populations, particularly those of wild teosintes, underscores the need for both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies to preserve these valuable genetic resources (Gasca-Pineda et al., 2020; Rivera-Rodríguez et al., 2023). Lastly, the study of genetic diversity in Zea provides insights into the evolutionary processes that have shaped the current distribution and adaptation of these species, thereby informing strategies for their sustainable management and utilization (Xia et al., 2004; Ross-Ibarra et al., 2009; Orton et al., 2017).
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