Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 282-294 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 282 Review Article Open Access Genetic Engineering in Maize Breeding: Enhancing Global Food Security and Sustainability Jin Zhou, Kaiwen Liang Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: kaiwen.liang@hitar.org Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0027 Received: 05 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 06 Oct., 2024 Published: 17 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhou and Liang, 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 J., and Liang K.W., 2024, Genetic engineering in maize breeding: enhancing global food security and sustainability, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(5): 282-294 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0027) Abstract With increasing challenges such as climate change, pest pressure and the need to improve nutrient content, traditional breeding methods face limitations. Genetic engineering offers promising solutions through precise gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 and transgenic technologies, enabling the development of corn varieties with higher yields, resistance to biological and abiotic stresses, and enhanced nutritional status. This study aims to explore the transformative potential of genetic engineering in future maize breeding, and the findings show that significant progress has been made in creating drought-tolerant, pest-resistant and nutrient-rich maize through genetic modification, and that genetic engineering, combined with traditional breeding and molecular tools, will play a key role in meeting future food security needs and promoting sustainable agriculture. Keywords Genetic engineering; Maize breeding; CRISPR-Cas9; Transgenic technologies; Sustainable agriculture; Food security 1 Introduction Maize (Zeamays L.) is one of the most significant staple crops globally, alongside rice and wheat, contributing to 60% of the world’s caloric intake. Its importance is underscored by its extensive cultivation and utilization across various regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where it serves as a primary food source. The crop’s versatility extends beyond human consumption, as it is also a critical feed crop for livestock and a burgeoning resource for biofuel production. The nutritional profile of maize, rich in macronutrients and micronutrients, makes it integral to global food security and nutrition (Palacios-Rojas et al., 2020). The continuous improvement of maize through breeding is vital for addressing the growing demands for food, feed, and bioenergy. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, enhancing maize productivity and nutritional quality is crucial for food security (Muntean et al., 2022). Traditional and modern breeding techniques, including biofortification and genetic engineering, have been employed to develop maize varieties with improved traits such as higher yield, enhanced nutritional content, and resistance to environmental stresses. These advancements not only contribute to human health but also open new market opportunities for maize producers (Palacios-Rojas et al., 2020). Moreover, the integration of genomic tools and biotechnological approaches has accelerated the development of high-performance maize hybrids, essential for coping with climate change and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices (Andorf et al., 2019; Muntean et al., 2022). This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of how genetic engineering can enhance corn breeding to meet the needs of population growth and changing environmental conditions, including assessing the impact of GM on corn yield, nutritional quality, and stress resistance, as well as considering the socioeconomic and regulatory implications of these advances. 2 Traditional Maize Breeding Approaches 2.1 History of maize domestication and early breeding efforts Maize (Zea mays L.) has undergone a remarkable transformation from its wild ancestors to the staple crop it is today. The domestication of maize began around 9 000 years ago in the Balsas River Valley of Mexico. Early farmers selected for desirable traits such as larger kernels and cobs, which led to the gradual evolution of maize
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==