Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 204-217 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 204 Review and Progress Open Access Advancements in Maize Genomic Tools for Enhanced Crop Breeding Xiaojing Yang, Baixin Song Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding author: baixin.song@cuixi.org Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0020 Received: 29 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 05 Aug., 2024 Published: 30 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yang and Song, 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: Yang X.J., and Song B.X., 2024, Advancements in maize genomic tools for enhanced crop breeding, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(4): 204-217 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0020) Abstract The rapid advancements in maize genomic tools have significantly enhanced crop breeding efforts, addressing the urgent need for improved yield, resilience, and adaptability in the face of global challenges such as climate change and food security. This review highlights the historical development and current state of maize transformation technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, which has revolutionized the efficiency and scope of genetic modifications in maize. The integration of high-throughput phenotyping and genomic selection has further accelerated the breeding cycle, enabling the precise selection of superior genotypes. Additionally, innovative approaches such as genomic design breeding and multiplex genome editing strategies have been proposed to optimize genetic gains and improve complex traits like drought tolerance and yield. These advancements underscore the critical role of genomics in modern maize breeding, paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced global food security. Keywords Maize Genomics; CRISPR/Cas9; Genomic Selection; High-Throughput Phenotyping; Crop Breeding 1 Introduction Maize (Zeamays) is a cornerstone of global agriculture, serving as a vital food source, animal feed, and industrial raw material. It is one of the three major grain crops worldwide, alongside rice and wheat, and plays a crucial role in the diets of billions of people, particularly in developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America (Nuss and Tanumihardjo, 2010). The crop's versatility extends beyond nutrition, contributing significantly to the global agricultural economy and the livelihoods of millions of farmers (Agarwal et al., 2018). The demand for maize is projected to increase substantially, driven by its use in food, feed, and bioenergy production, necessitating a 2% annual increase in global production to meet future needs (Ortiz et al., 2010). The advent of genomic tools has revolutionized agricultural practices, enabling more precise, efficient, and rapid breeding of crops. Traditional breeding methods, while effective, are time-consuming and often limited by the genetic diversity available within elite breeding pools (Ortiz et al., 2010). Modern genomic tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9, marker-assisted selection, and genomic prediction, have opened new avenues for crop improvement by allowing targeted genetic modifications and the acceleration of breeding cycles (Agarwal et al., 2018; Thudi et al., 2020; Muntean et al., 2022). These tools facilitate the development of high-performance hybrids with enhanced traits such as increased yield, nutritional quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses (Wan et al., 2019; Muntean et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2023). The integration of bioinformatics and advanced genomic resources further supports the identification and utilization of beneficial genetic variations, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of breeding programs (Palacios-Rojas et al., 2020; Muntean et al., 2022). This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancements in maize genomic tools and their applications in crop breeding. It will cover the historical context of maize domestication and breeding, highlight the key genomic technologies currently in use, and discuss their impact on maize improvement. The article will also explore future directions in maize genomics, emphasizing the potential of these tools to address the challenges posed by climate change and the growing global demand for food. By synthesizing the latest research and developments, this study seeks to underscore the critical role of genomic tools in enhancing maize breeding and ensuring food security in the face of evolving agricultural challenges.
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