Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 220-232 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 220 Research Insight Open Access Nucleotide Polymorphism inZea: Patterns and Influences on Crop Traits LanZhou1, YanBao1 , Jiaen Wang2, Shuling Wang1, Weixin Zhong1, Xiangrui Sun1 1 College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, 132101, Jilin, China 2 Meihekou City Farmers’ Science and Technology Education Center, Meihekou City, 135000, Jilin, China Corresponding email: baoyan0302@126.com Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0022 Received: 9 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 12 Sep., 2024 Published: 21 Sep., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhou et al., 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: Zhou L., Bao Y., Wang J.E., Wang S.L., Zhong W.X., and Sun X.R., 2024, Nucleotide polymorphism in Zea: patterns and influences on crop traits, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(5): 220-232 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0022) Abstract Nucleotide polymorphisms, particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), play a crucial role in the genetic diversity and trait development of maize (Zea mays). This study synthesizes current research on the patterns of nucleotide polymorphism in maize and its wild relatives, and their influence on crop traits. Studies have shown that maize exhibits a high level of nucleotide diversity, with significant variations between landraces and inbred lines. Population structure and genetic subdivision significantly affect the observed patterns of nucleotide polymorphism, which is crucial for understanding the genetic basis of important agronomic traits. Advances in sequencing technology have facilitated the discovery and application of SNPs in crop genetics, enabling more precise association analyses and marker-assisted breeding. Specific polymorphisms have been linked to key traits such as root development and adaptation to environmental conditions, highlighting their potential for crop improvement. This study underscores the importance of integrating genetic diversity studies with modern genomic tools to enhance our understanding of trait development and improve maize breeding strategies. Keywords Nucleotide polymorphism; Zeamays; Genetic diversity; SNPs; Crop traits 1 Introduction Maize (Zea mays L.), commonly known as corn, is one of the world’s most significant crops, serving as a staple food, animal feed, and industrial raw material. Originating in Central America, maize was introduced to Europe and other continents following Columbus’s voyages at the end of the 15th century (Revilla et al., 2022). Its adaptability has led to a wide variety of genetic resources, making it a crucial crop in diverse agricultural systems. Over the centuries, maize has become integral to traditional food specialties in various regions, particularly in Europe, where it is predominantly used for animal feed but also for numerous traditional food products (Revilla et al., 2022). Research on nucleotide polymorphism in plant genetics has advanced significantly, particularly with the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. These techniques have enabled the identification of genetic loci associated with important traits in crops like maize. For instance, studies have refined numerous QTL and quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) clusters related to ear traits in maize, which are critical for yield improvement (Dong et al., 2023). Additionally, the construction of detailed physical and genetic maps of the maize genome has provided insights into its complex evolutionary history and structural variations (Wei et al., 2007). Exploring nucleotide polymorphism in maize involves understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of this crop. Studies have shown significant phenotypic and genetic differences between ancient and modern maize, suggesting human selection and the introduction of new varieties over time. Furthermore, the introgression of genes from wild relatives, such as teosinte, into cultivated maize has been documented, highlighting the role of hybridization in maize evolution. These findings underscore the importance of nucleotide polymorphism in shaping the genetic makeup and adaptability of maize.
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