Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 102-110 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 102 Feature Review Open Access The Columbian Exchange: Maize’s Global Journey and Ecological Impact Jiansheng Li Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: lijiansheng@cau.edu.cn Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0011 Received: 18 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 22 Apr., 2024 Published: 05 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li, 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: Li J.S., 2024, The Columbian exchange: maize’s Global journey and ecological impact, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 102-110 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0011) Abstract This study examines the global journey of maize (Zea mays) and its profound ecological impact through the lens of the Columbian Exchange. Maize, originally domesticated in Mesoamerica, was introduced to Europe, Africa, and Asia, where it adapted to various climatic and ecological conditions. The introduction of maize marked a significant event in agricultural history, leading to a profound impact on local ecosystems and cultures. The ecological impact of maize introduction includes changes in soil fertility, agricultural land use, and biodiversity. Meanwhile, the introduction of maize influenced demographic shifts and socio-economic dynamics, underscoring its importance as a global crop. This study highlights maize’s journey through the Columbian Exchange and its ecological and cultural significance, offering a comprehensive understanding of how a single crop can influence global history and ecosystems. Keywords Maize (Zeamays); Columbian exchange; Introduction; Global journey; Ecological impact 1 Introduction The Columbian Exchange, initiated by Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the New World, represents a pivotal moment in global history, characterized by the extensive transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas, West Africa, and the Old World. This exchange had profound and lasting impacts on the global ecosystem and human societies. One of the most significant aspects of this exchange was the introduction of New World crops, such as maize (Zeamays), to various parts of the world, which played a crucial role in shaping agricultural practices and societal structures (McCook et al., 2011; Cherniwchan et al., 2017; Galesi, 2021). Before the arrival of Europeans, maize was a staple crop in many Pre-Columbian societies across the Americas. It was not only a primary food source but also held cultural and economic significance. The genetic diversity and population structure of native maize populations in Latin America and the Caribbean reflect the extensive cultivation and selective breeding practices that occurred over millennia (Bedoya et al., 2017). The introduction of maize to other continents, such as Europe and Africa, during the Columbian Exchange, further underscores its importance and adaptability as a crop (Cherniwchan et al., 2017; Galesi, 2021). By examining historical records, genetic studies, and ecological data, this study aims to trace the diffusion of maize from the Americas to Europe, Africa, and other regions, analyze the genetic diversity and adaptation of maize in different ecological contexts, assess the socio-economic and ecological impacts of maize introduction in various regions, and highlight the role of maize in shaping agricultural practices and societal changes during and after the Columbian Exchange. By achieving these objectives, this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between human societies and their environments, facilitated by the movement of a single, yet highly influential, crop. 2 Historical Overview of Maize's Domestication and Early Spread 2.1 Origins of maize domestication in Mesoamerica Maize, or Zea mays, is believed to have been domesticated in the region of Mesoamerica, specifically in the area that is now southern Mexico (Figure 1). Genetic studies have shown that maize was derived from a wild grass known as teosinte. The domestication process, which began around 9 000 years ago, involved selective breeding
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