Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 257-269 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 266 genomes using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing has provided comprehensive tools for characterizing genetic and functional variations in maize. These advancements have collectively contributed to the current state of maize genomic research, characterized by sophisticated breeding methodologies and a robust understanding of genetic diversity and hybrid performance. The future of maize genomic research holds promising potential for addressing global agricultural challenges. Emerging trends such as multiomics approaches, which integrate genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, are expected to provide a holistic understanding of maize biology and its response to environmental stresses. The continuous improvement of genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, will likely lead to more precise and efficient genetic modifications, enabling the development of maize varieties with enhanced traits such as drought tolerance and disease resistance. Furthermore, advancements in bioinformatics and computational tools will facilitate the analysis and integration of large-scale genomic data, thereby accelerating the breeding process and the discovery of novel genetic variations. These ongoing and emerging research trends are poised to significantly impact maize breeding programs, ultimately contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture. The trends in maize genomic research underscore the critical role of advanced genetic tools and technologies in modern agriculture. The integration of genomics into maize breeding has not only enhanced our understanding of the crop's genetic architecture but also enabled the development of high-performance hybrids with improved yield and resilience to environmental stresses. The ability to manipulate genetic diversity through genome editing and transformation technologies represents a significant leap forward in crop improvement strategies3. As the global population continues to grow and climate change poses new challenges to food production, the advancements in maize genomic research will be instrumental in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices. The collaborative efforts of the scientific community in harnessing these technologies will pave the way for innovative solutions to meet the demands of future agriculture. Acknowledgments Thank you to the anonymous peer review for providing targeted revision suggestions for the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Abberton M., Batley J., Bentley A., Bryant J., Cai H.W., Cockram J., Oliveira A., Cseke L., Dempewolf H., de Pace C., Edwards D., Gepts P., Greenland A., Hall A.E., Henry R., Hori K., Howe G.T., Hughes S., Humphreys M., Lightfoot D., Marshall A., Mayes S., Nguyen H.T., Ogbonnaya F.C., Ortiz R., Paterson A.H., Tuberosa R., Valliyodan B., Varshney R.K., and Yano M., 2015, Global agricultural intensification during climate change: a role for genomics, Plant Biotechnology Journal, 14(4): 1095-1098. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.12467 PMID: 26360509 PMCID: PMC5049667 Anami S., de Block M., Machuka J., and van Lijsebettens M., 2009, Molecular improvement of tropical maize for drought stress tolerance in sub-saharan Africa, Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 28(1-2): 16-35. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352680802665305 Andorf C., Beavis W.D., Hufford M., Smith S., Suza W.P., Wang K., Woodhouse M., Yu J.M., and Lübberstedt T., 2019, Technological advances in maize breeding: past, present and future, Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 132: 817-849. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-019-03306-3 PMID: 30798332 Benavente E., and Giménez E., 2021, Modern approaches for the genetic improvement of rice, wheat and maize for abiotic constraints-related traits: a comparative overview, Agronomy, 11(2): 376.. https://doi.org/10.3390/AGRONOMY11020376 Budhlakoti N., Kushwaha A.K., Rai A., Chaturvedi K.K., Kumar A.J., Pradhan A.K., Kumar U., Kumar R.R., Juliana P., Mishra D.C., and Kumar S., 2022, Genomic selection: a tool for accelerating the efficiency of molecular breeding for development of climate-resilient crops, Frontiers in Genetics, 13: 832153. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.832153 PMID: 35222548 PMCID: PMC8864149
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==