Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 136-146 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 136 Research Insight Open Access Utilizing Genetic Diversity for Maize Improvement: Strategies and Success Stories BinChen1, Junfeng Hou1, Yunfei Cai 2, Guiyue Wang1, Renxiang Cai 3, Fucheng Zhao1 1 Institute of Maize and Featured Upland Crops, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dongyang, 322100, Zhengjiang, China 2 Seed Management Station of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhengjiang, China 3 Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhengjiang, China Corresponding author: ymszfc@163.com Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0014 Received: 30 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 02 Jun., 2024 Published: 17 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen 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: Chen B., Hou J.F., Cai Y.F., Wang G.Y., Cai R.X., and Zhao F.C., 2024, Utilizing genetic diversity for maize improvement: strategies and success stories, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 136-146 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0014) Abstract Utilizing genetic diversity for maize improvement is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing climate change. As a major global crop, maize's genetic diversity is key to improving disease resistance, stress tolerance, and yield. This study reviews the sources of maize genetic diversity, including wild relatives, landraces, germplasm banks, and synthetic populations, and explores the main strategies for using these resources for maize improvement. These strategies include introgression breeding, heterosis breeding, marker-assisted breeding, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genomic selection (GS), and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Through case studies, the study demonstrates the successful application of these strategies in enhancing disease resistance, stress tolerance, nutritional quality, and yield in maize. The aim is to integrate traditional and modern breeding methods to propose future research directions for maize genetic improvement, providing new ideas and methods for maize variety improvement to meet global food demand and agricultural sustainability challenges. The significance of the research lies in providing a scientific basis for increasing maize productivity, economic benefits, and biodiversity conservation, promoting sustainable agricultural development. Keywords Maize; Genetic diversity; Breeding strategies; Genomic selection; CRISPR/Cas9 1 Introduction Genetic diversity is fundamental to crop improvement, providing invaluable resources for breeding programs to enhance yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. In the evolution of maize (Zeamays L.), genetic diversity has played a pivotal role in its transformation from a wild grass into one of the world's most important staple crops. Effectively harnessing this diversity is crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity and food security, especially in the face of climate change and evolving pest and disease pressures (Hufford et al., 2012; Alves et al., 2017; Mayer et al., 2020). The domestication and subsequent improvement of maize have a history of approximately 10 000 years, involving a series of evolutionary experiments that have significantly altered its genetic composition (Hufford et al., 2012). Traditional breeding methods, such as mass selection and hybridization, have long been used to enhance desirable traits. For instance, participatory breeding programs have successfully improved agronomic performance through stratified mass selection while maintaining genetic diversity (Alves et al., 2017). Additionally, the introduction of early and extra-early maturing cultivars has expanded maize cultivation into diverse agro-ecologies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, thereby contributing significantly to food and nutritional security (Badu-Apraku et al., 2021). This study aims to explore the strategies and success stories in utilizing genetic diversity for maize improvement. By examining comprehensive genomic studies, participatory breeding programs, and innovative approaches to harnessing genetic resources, this study seeks to provide a detailed understanding of how genetic diversity can be effectively leveraged to enhance maize breeding programs. The ultimate goal is to highlight the immense potential of genetic diversity in driving sustainable maize production and addressing future agricultural challenges.
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