Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 182-190 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 182 Feature Review Open Access Evolutionary Dynamics of Maize: Implications from Gene Flow Studies Delong Wang, Yunchao Huang Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: yuanchao.huang@hibio.org Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0018 Received: 07 Jun, 2024 Accepted: 15 Jul., 2024 Published: 30 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang and Huang, 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: Wang D.L., and Huang Y.C., 2024, Evolutionary dynamics of maize: implications from gene flow studies, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(4): 182-190 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0018) Abstract This study explores the evolutionary dynamics of maize, focusing on the impact of gene flow on its genetic diversity and adaptation. The study analyzes various aspects of gene flow, including its role in altering genetic diversity, influencing agronomic traits, and affecting pest and disease resistance. Key findings indicate that gene flow from modern maize varieties to traditional landraces and wild relatives significantly contributes to genetic diversity and the development of traits that enhance adaptability and resilience. The integration of beneficial alleles through gene flow facilitates maize's adaptation to diverse ecological niches and changing environmental conditions. Additionally, this study discusses the implications of gene flow for maize breeding and conservation strategies, highlighting the need for careful management to harness its benefits while mitigating potential adverse effects on indigenous maize varieties and their ecosystems. Future directions emphasize the importance of integrating ecological and genomic data to inform sustainable breeding programs and conservation efforts, ensuring maize remains a vital global staple in response to global challenges like climate change. Keywords Maize; Gene flow; Genetic diversity; Adaptation; Conservation strategies 1 Introduction Maize (Zeamays L.) is one of the most significant cereal crops globally, serving as a primary source of food, feed, and industrial products. Its importance is underscored by its extensive cultivation and high yield, particularly in regions like the US central Corn Belt, where yields have increased dramatically over the past century due to advancements in breeding and agricultural practices (Kong et al., 2020). Originating in Mexico and Central America, maize has a rich history of domestication and cultivation, making it a staple crop in many parts of the world (Lal et al., 2020). The evolutionary dynamics of crops involve complex interactions between genetic variation, environmental factors, and human-mediated selection. In maize, these dynamics are evident in the remarkable phenotypic diversity and adaptability of different genotypes. Studies have shown that maize's genetic makeup includes over 32 000 genes, which contribute to its adaptability and resilience (Lal et al., 2020). The evolutionary history of maize is marked by multiple waves of domestication and gene flow, which have shaped its current genetic landscape (Kistler et al., 2020). Gene flow studies are crucial for understanding the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of maize. These studies reveal how genetic material has been exchanged between different maize populations over time, contributing to the development of new varieties and enhancing genetic diversity. For instance, archaeological evidence suggests that ancient gene flow from South America to Central America played a significant role in the development of more productive maize varieties, which in turn supported the growth of complex societies in these regions (Kistler et al., 2020). Additionally, comparative genomic studies highlight the intraspecies variation in maize, further emphasizing the importance of gene flow in shaping its genetic structure (Haberer et al., 2020). This study aims to explore the evolutionary dynamics of maize through the lens of gene flow studies. By examining the historical and contemporary patterns of gene flow, this study aims to provide insights into how genetic exchanges have influenced maize's development and adaptation. Understanding these dynamics can inform future breeding programs and contribute to the sustainable improvement of maize as a vital agricultural resource.
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