Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 70-79 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 75 (Gasca-Pineda et al., 2020). Additionally, the genetic diversity of cultivated lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) has been assessed to support conservation and crop genetic enhancement strategies. This study categorized accessions into three major groups based on geographical origin, reflecting the world's agro-ecological zones, and emphasized the need for continued conservation efforts to maintain genetic diversity (Khazaei et al., 2016). Figure 2 Teosinte analyzed populations and elevation (Adopted from Gasca-Pineda et al., 2020) Image caption: In red, Zeamays subsp. parviglumis; inblue, Zeamays subsp. Mexicana(Adopted from Gasca-Pineda et al., 2020) 6.3 Challenges and solutions inzeabreeding and conservation Breeding and conservation of Zea face several challenges, including genetic bottlenecks, low genetic diversity in critical genes, and environmental stressors. For example, the genetic diversity in the maize starch pathway has been found to be unusually low due to strong artificial selection, suggesting that future breeding may need to incorporate alleles from wild relatives to overcome this limitation (Whitt et al., 2002). In the sub-tropics, maize breeding programs face challenges such as drought stress and aflatoxin contamination. A genome-wide association study identified quantitative trait variants associated with yield and aflatoxin resistance, demonstrating the potential of genetic diversity to improve breeding outcomes under these conditions (Farfan et al., 2015). Conservation efforts also need to address the genetic structure and differentiation within populations, as seen in the study of wild orchids with contrasting breeding systems, which highlighted the need for tailored conservation strategies based on genetic variation and population structure (Sun and Wong, 2001). By understanding and addressing these challenges, breeding programs and conservation projects can better utilize the genetic diversity of Zea to enhance crop performance and ensure the long-term sustainability of these valuable genetic resources. 7 Future Directions 7.1 Advances in genomic tools and technologies The rapid advancement in genomic tools and technologies holds significant promise for enhancing our understanding of genetic diversity and structure within the genus Zea. High-density genomic variation maps, such as those developed from ~700 genomes encompassing maize and all wild taxa of Zea, have identified over 65 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 8 million Insertion/Deletion (InDel) polymorphisms, and numerous novel inversions (Chen et al., 2021). These comprehensive genomic datasets enable the identification of
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