Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 136-146 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 143 Menkir, 2019). Strengthening partnerships between research institutions, breeding programs, and funding agencies will be key to addressing the challenges of maize improvement and ensuring food security in the face of global challenges (Gedil and Menkir, 2019; Yu et al., 2020). By addressing these challenges and leveraging the advancements in genomic tools and international collaboration, the potential for utilizing genetic diversity in maize improvement can be fully realized, leading to the development of resilient and high-yielding maize varieties. 7 Concluding Remarks The utilization of genetic diversity in maize improvement has been approached through various innovative strategies, each contributing to significant advancements in yield, stress tolerance, and overall agronomic performance. One notable strategy is the long-term participatory breeding and on-farm conservation program in Portugal, which employed stratified mass selection to enhance agronomic traits while maintaining genetic diversity. This method proved effective in improving yield without compromising the genetic heterogeneity essential for adaptability. Modern breeding techniques have also introduced dynamic genetic changes, significantly impacting the maize genome. These changes, driven by artificial selection, have led to a reduction in nucleotide diversity but an increase in rare alleles, providing new targets for future crop improvement. Additionally, the integration of genomic tools and model plants has been indispensable in optimizing maize yield under stress conditions, particularly drought. The exploration of wild relatives, such as teosinte, has revealed valuable genetic sequences that can enhance maize yields, demonstrating the potential of redomestication to uncover beneficial traits lost during domestication. Furthermore, the genetic dissection of drought tolerance through linkage and association mapping has identified key quantitative trait loci (QTL) and facilitated the development of more resilient maize varieties. In sub-Saharan Africa, the assessment and utilization of genetic diversity in early and extra-early maturing maize germplasm have been crucial for rapid adaptation to diverse agro-ecologies, contributing to food and nutritional security. The physiological basis of successful breeding strategies has also been examined, highlighting the importance of balancing source and sink components to achieve yield improvements. Looking ahead, the future of maize genetic improvement will likely be shaped by the continued integration of advanced genomic approaches and the strategic use of genetic diversity. The application of multi-omics studies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and phenomics, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of complex traits, enabling more precise and efficient breeding strategies. The development of large-scale managed stress environments (MSE) will be essential for validating candidate genes and regions, ensuring that new varieties can withstand the challenges posed by climate change. Additionally, the incorporation of beneficial haplotypes from landraces into elite germplasm will harness untapped genetic variation, offering new opportunities for trait improvement. In India, the focus on developing high-yielding cultivars with tolerance to abiotic stresses and resistance to diseases will remain a priority. The combination of conventional and molecular breeding approaches will continue to drive progress, supported by agronomic research targeting optimal management practices. Overall, the future of maize genetic improvement will depend on a holistic approach that leverages genetic diversity, advanced genomic tools, and innovative breeding strategies to meet the growing demands for food security and climate resilience. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==