Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 80-92 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 84 4.3 Evidence of maize use and cultivation in different regions The archaeological record provides extensive evidence of maize use and cultivation across different regions, illustrating its spread from southern Mexico to various parts of the Americas and beyond. In the northeastern United States, maize remains found in sites such as the Finger Lakes region of New York indicate that maize agriculture was established by around 1,000 AD. These findings suggest that maize played a crucial role in the development of settled village life and agricultural systems in the region (Hart and Lovis, 2013). In South America, evidence from sites in Peru, such as the archaeological remains at Huaca Prieta, show that maize was cultivated and used extensively by around 3 000 years ago. The presence of maize in these sites highlights its importance in the diet and economy of pre-Columbian societies in the region (Dunn, 1979). Further afield, the introduction of maize into Europe is well-documented, with archaeological evidence showing that maize reached the continent by the late 15th century. The spread of maize across Europe was rapid, and it soon became a staple crop in many regions. Genetic studies of European maize landraces indicate a high level of diversity, reflecting the various introductions and adaptations of maize to different European environments (Gouesnard et al., 2005; Kistler et al., 2020). The archaeological evidence, supported by advanced dating methods, paints a comprehensive picture of the spread of maize from its origin in southern Mexico to various parts of the world. The continuous discovery and analysis of maize remnants at key archaeological sites underscore the significance of this crop in ancient agricultural systems and its enduring impact on human societies. 5 Routes and Mechanisms of Maize Dissemination 5.1 Proposed routes of maize spread from southern mexico The spread of maize from its origin in southern Mexico followed several key routes that facilitated its dissemination across the Americas and eventually to other parts of the world. Initially, maize spread northward into the southwestern United States and southward into Central and South America. Genetic and archaeological evidence supports these pathways, showing that as maize moved, it adapted to diverse environments and incorporated beneficial traits from local teosinte populations (Aguirre-Liguori et al., 2016). One of the major routes of maize spread into the southwestern United States was through the highlands of Mexico, where it adapted to cooler climates and higher altitudes. This route is evidenced by early maize remains found in sites such as Bat Cave in New Mexico, dating back to approximately 3 000 years ago (Hart and Lovis, 2013). Southward, maize spread through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec into Central America and further into South America. This route is supported by archaeological findings in Peru, where maize was present as early as 3 000 years ago. The spread of maize into South America involved both coastal and inland routes, adapting to various climatic and environmental conditions along the way (Doebley, 1990). 5.2 Cultural and trade exchanges facilitating maize dissemination The dissemination of maize was significantly facilitated by cultural and trade exchanges among ancient civilizations. Maize was not only a staple crop but also a commodity traded extensively across regions, spreading agricultural practices and crop varieties. These exchanges occurred through established trade networks that connected different Mesoamerican cultures and beyond. In Mesoamerica, the trade networks established by the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs played a crucial role in the spread of maize. These civilizations traded maize as a valuable commodity, along with other goods, facilitating its spread to new areas and the exchange of agricultural knowledge. The Mayan civilization, in particular, is noted for its advanced agricultural techniques and extensive maize cultivation, which influenced surrounding regions (Orozco-Ramírez and Solís‐Castillo, 2019). Further north, maize cultivation spread into the southwestern United States through trade and cultural interactions with indigenous groups. The Ancestral Puebloans, known for their sophisticated agricultural systems, adopted
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