Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 171-181 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 178 ensure that the resulting crops are safe for consumption and do not pose environmental risks (Sahoo et al., 2021). Additionally, there are ethical considerations related to the conservation of wild species and the potential impacts of their domestication on biodiversity (Sahoo et al., 2021). The use of genetic modification techniques to incorporate teosinte traits into maize further complicates the regulatory landscape, as these methods are often subject to additional legal and public acceptance hurdles (Tian et al., 2019). In summary, while teosinte offers valuable genetic resources for maize improvement, the challenges and limitations associated with genetic barriers, breeding difficulties, and regulatory and ethical issues must be carefully navigated to realize its full potential in agricultural applications. 8 Future Directions 8.1 Advanced genomic tools and techniques The advancement of genomic tools and techniques holds significant promise for the genetic enhancement of maize using teosinte. Single-molecule long-read sequencing has revealed extensive genomic and transcriptomic variations between maize and teosinte, providing a robust resource for maize breeding (Li et al., 2021). The development of state-of-the-art bioinformatics pipelines, such as DenovoAS_Finder, allows for accurate annotation of teosinte transcriptomes without a complete reference genome, facilitating the identification of beneficial alleles (Li et al., 2021). Additionally, the comprehensive transcriptome sequencing of teosinte accessions has identified numerous unigenes with strong selection signals, which can be targeted for maize improvement (Huang et al., 2016). These advanced genomic tools will enable more precise and efficient utilization of teosinte genetic resources in maize breeding programs. 8.2 Potential new traits from teosinte Teosinte harbors a wealth of genetic diversity that can be harnessed to introduce new traits into maize. For instance, teosinte alleles have been shown to improve kernel composition traits, such as starch, protein, and oil content, which are crucial for enhancing the nutritional value of maize (Karn et al., 2017). Moreover, the identification of the UPA2 allele from teosinte, which confers upright plant architecture, has demonstrated potential for increasing maize yields under high-density planting conditions (Tian et al., 2019). The exploration of teosinte's genetic diversity can lead to the discovery of novel traits that enhance maize's adaptability, resilience, and productivity. 8.3 Integrating teosinte in sustainable agriculture Integrating teosinte into sustainable agriculture practices can significantly contribute to the resilience and adaptability of maize. Teosinte possesses diverse alleles for resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, which can be introgressed into maize to enhance its stress tolerance (Sahoo et al., 2021). The development of teosinte-derived maize lines has shown significant diversification in agronomic traits, yield, and adaptation, indicating the potential of teosinte in improving maize's performance under various environmental conditions (Sahoo et al., 2021). By leveraging teosinte's genetic resources, sustainable agriculture practices can be developed to ensure food security and environmental sustainability. 8.4 Global collaborations and germplasm conservation Global collaborations and germplasm conservation are essential for the effective utilization of teosinte in maize genetic enhancement. The conservation of teosinte germplasm is crucial for maintaining its genetic diversity and ensuring its availability for future breeding programs (Sahoo et al., 2021). Collaborative efforts among researchers, breeders, and conservationists can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and technologies, promoting the sustainable use of teosinte in maize improvement. Additionally, the establishment of international germplasm repositories and databases can enhance the accessibility and utilization of teosinte genetic resources, fostering global efforts in maize genetic enhancement (Sahoo et al., 2021). By focusing on these future directions, the potential of teosinte in maize genetic enhancement can be fully realized, leading to the development of superior maize varieties that meet the demands of modern agriculture and contribute to global food security.
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