Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 102-110 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 103 by indigenous peoples to enhance desirable traits such as kernel size and ease of harvest. This early genetic manipulation laid the foundation for maize to become a staple crop in various cultures across the Americas (Bedoya et al., 2017). Figure 1 Suggested maize migration routes from its center of origin in Mesoamerica based on archeological evidence, historic and anthropological studies, and genetic relationships (Adopted from Bedoya et al., 2017) Image caption: Red arrows indicate early maize dispersal from its origin center in Mesoamerica towards northern Mexico and Central America; dashed orange arrows represents the likely Pacific Ocean routes via maritime technologies in Pre-Columbian times; green arrows show maize migrations from the mainland to the Caribbean; light green arrows show routes followed by the Caribbean communities along the eastern coast and rivers; blue arrows correspond to movements in the Andean region in different directions. Ovals correspond to important zones of maize germplasm interchange (Adopted from Bedoya et al., 2017) 2.2 Early cultivation and uses in indigenous cultures Following its domestication, maize quickly became a central component of the diet and culture of many indigenous groups in Mesoamerica. It was not only a primary food source but also held significant cultural and religious importance. The cultivation techniques and uses of maize varied among different indigenous cultures, reflecting the adaptability and versatility of the crop. For instance, maize was used in various forms such as tortillas, tamales, and beverages, and it played a crucial role in agricultural systems that included companion planting with beans and squash (Bedoya et al., 2017). 2.3 Initial spread of maize within the Americas The spread of maize from its point of origin in Mesoamerica to other parts of the Americas was facilitated by both human migration and trade networks. Genetic evidence suggests that maize reached the Andean region relatively early, where it was integrated into local agricultural practices with minimal genetic mixing from other regions (Bedoya et al., 2017). Additionally, the movement of maize into the Caribbean is thought to have been influenced by two separate human migration events, which contributed to the genetic diversity observed in Caribbean maize populations. The pre-Columbian exchange of maize germplasm between North and South America underscores the crop's importance and the interconnectedness of indigenous cultures long before European contact. By the time Europeans arrived in the Americas, maize had already become a well-established and vital crop across a vast geographical area, setting the stage for its subsequent introduction to Europe and other parts of the world during the Columbian Exchange (Galesi, 2021).
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