Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 89-97 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 89 Meta Analysis Open Access Exploration and Utilization of Maize Germplasm Resources for Enhanced Breeding Efficiency Xiaojing Yang, Qian Li Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: qian.li@jicat.org Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0009 Received: 09 Feb., 2025 Accepted: 27 Mar., 2025 Published: 11 Apr., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Yang and Li, 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 Li Q., 2025, Exploration and utilization of maize germplasm resources for enhanced breeding efficiency, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 16(2): 89-97 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0009) Abstract The study explored the importance of maize germplasm resources in improving breeding efficiency, especially in the context of climate change and increasing environmental pressure. The study analyzed the diversity of maize germplasm resources and their conservation and collection status worldwide. The application of molecular technologies (such as SNP genotyping, whole genome association analysis, and NGS technology) in germplasm characterization was reviewed, and the key role of phenotypic evaluation in improving stress resistance and yield was clarified. It was proposed to promote the development of superior lines through pre-breeding and hybrid vigor utilization, and emphasized the importance of global cooperation in maize germplasm resource sharing and innovation. This study provides systematic strategic recommendations for the development of stress-resistant and high-yield maize varieties. Keywords Maize (Zeamays L.); Germplasm resources; Genetic diversity; Molecular marker-assisted selection; Genomic selection; Stress resistance breeding 1 Introduction When it comes to corn (Zeamays L.), almost no one will deny its position in global agriculture. Whether it is for food, breeding, or for power generation, corn is almost everywhere. Its diverse uses also make it a cornerstone of global food security, especially in the context of a growing population. In fact, corn itself has very rich genetic resources. Height, growth cycle, yield performance. These have various forms in different germplasm materials. However, "many varieties" alone are far from enough. When the climate begins to become extreme, such as droughts, heat waves, and continuous pests and diseases, traditional breeding ideas will soon be unable to keep up. At this time, the importance of genetic diversity is truly revealed. It is not just "good-looking", but the key to whether it can stabilize yields in adverse environments. Having said that, in reality, there are still many difficulties in corn breeding. An old problem has not been completely solved-although there are many germplasm resources, only a small part of them can be used in breeding. Especially for those tropical corn resources, it is not only difficult to adapt them to temperate planting environments, but also very time-consuming and labor-intensive. In contrast, the private sector has made impressive achievements in temperate corn breeding, but is still lagging behind in the tropics. This article not only talks about the problem, but also hopes to bring the focus back to germplasm resources. We start with the resources themselves, see what problems are currently blocking progress, and then propose some possible solutions, such as introducing genome editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas, or using molecular markers to speed up the selection process. The goal is simple: to make breeding more efficient, especially in the face of increasing environmental pressures today. 2 Overview of Corn Germplasm Resources 2.1 Types of corn germplasm The genetic resources of corn are actually very rich, and it is not possible to describe them in just one or two ways. Local varieties cultivated by farmers for generations are the earliest type. Although they do not look as "advanced" as modern varieties, they are often more adapted to local climates and soils and have more diverse
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