Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 257-269 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 257 Review and Progress Open Access Trends in Maize Genomic Research: Past, Present, and Future Jinhua Cheng, Wei Wang Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: jlnykjxyjl@163.com Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0025 Received: 31 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 08 Oct., 2024 Published: 30 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Cheng and Wang, 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: Cheng J.H., and Wang W., 2024, Trends in maize genomic research: past, present, and future, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(5): 257-269 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0025) Abstract Maize (Zeamays) is one of the most important food crops globally, playing a crucial role in agriculture, food security, and biofuel production. Due to its significance, maize genomics research has gradually become a focal point of scientific inquiry. From early genetic studies to modern molecular biology technologies, significant progress has been made in maize genome research, driving advancements in breeding and crop improvement. This study reviews the historical progress of maize genomics research and analyzes current trends in genomics, particularly breakthroughs in genome sequencing, functional genomics, gene editing, systems biology, and epigenomics. It also explores the impact of these studies on maize crop improvement, genetic diversity conservation, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security. The research indicates that technologies like maize genome sequencing and CRISPR gene editing have significantly accelerated the breeding process, enhancing stress resistance, yield, and nutritional value. Furthermore, multi-omics integration and the application of systems biology have revealed the complexity of the maize genome and regulatory networks, providing new opportunities for personalized agriculture and precision breeding. Maize genomics not only provides critical genetic information for crop improvement but also offers new solutions for tackling global issues like food security, climate change, and nutritional enhancement. By systematically summarizing past and current research achievements, this study lays the theoretical foundation for the broad application of maize genomics in agriculture and uncovers the potential for precision breeding and personalized agriculture. Keywords Maize; Gene editing; Functional genomics; Crop improvement; Precision breeding 1 Introduction Maize (Zeamays L.) is a cornerstone of global agriculture, serving as a vital source of food, feed, and fuel (Huang, 2024). Its significance is underscored by its extensive cultivation and the sheer volume of its production, which has reached over one billion tons annually (Yan and Tan, 2019). As a staple crop, maize is integral to the diets of millions, particularly in developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, where it constitutes a primary food source and a critical component of food security (Anami et al., 2009). The historical impact of maize research on agriculture and plant biology is profound. From its domestication from teosinte to its current status as a model organism in plant science, maize has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation and scientific discovery (Liu et al., 2019). The development of high-yielding, stress-tolerant varieties has been pivotal in meeting the growing global demand for food, feed, and bioenergy (Ortiz et al., 2010). Genomic research in maize encompasses the study of its genetic makeup to understand and manipulate its traits for improved performance. This field has seen significant advancements, particularly with the advent of genomic tools and technologies. Key milestones include the sequencing of the maize genome, which has provided a comprehensive blueprint for genetic improvement (Muntean et al., 2022). The integration of genomic approaches with traditional breeding has accelerated the development of maize varieties with enhanced traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and improved nutritional quality (Anami et al., 2009; Yang and Yan, 2021). The use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and other genome editing tools has further revolutionized maize breeding, enabling precise modifications to meet specific agricultural needs (Dong et al., 2019; Kausch et al., 2021). This study explores the development trends in maize genomics research, tracing its evolution from past achievements to current advancements and future prospects. By examining the trajectory of maize genomics, it highlights the key developments and emerging technologies that have shaped and influenced maize research. This
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