Amazing grass: developmental genetics of maize domestication

Abstract

Crop plants were domesticated by prehistoric farmers through artificial selection to provide a means of feeding the human population. This article discusses the developmental genetics of crop domestication and improvement, including the historical framework and recent approaches in maize and other grasses. In many cases, selecting for a plant form that correlates with productivity involves controlling meristem activity. In the domestication of modern maize from its progenitor Zea mays ssp. parviglumis, QTL (quantitative trait loci) mapping, genetics and population genomics approaches have identified several genes that contain signatures of selection. Only a few genes involved in the derivation of the highly productive maize ear have been identified, including teosinte glume architecture1 and ramosa1. Future prospects hinge on forward and reverse genetics, as well as on other approaches from the developing discipline of evo-devo (evolutionary developmental biology).

Processing maize flour and corn meal food products

“…Regardless of origin, corn has proven to be one of the most adaptable crops. Its evolution apparently occurred mainly under domestication and resulted in biotypes with adaptation ranging from the tropics to the north temperate zone, from sea level to 12,000 feet altitude, and growing periods (planting to maturity) extending from 6 weeks to 13 months . Currently, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, India, France, Indonesia, South Africa, and Italy produce 79% of the world's maize production .…”

Maize (Zea mays): A Model Organism for Basic and Applied Research in Plant Biology

“…huehuetenangensis) (Fig. 1B;Fukunaga et al 2005;Vollbrecht and Sigmon 2005). Genetic studies of maize domestication have identified Z. mays ssp.…”

Challenges and Sustainability of Wheat Production in a Levantine Breadbasket: The Case of the West Bekaa, Lebanon

“…Conserving the diversity of wild relatives has become a priority for promoting food security in the face of the devastating impacts of climate change. Crop wild relatives are adapted to a diverse range of habitats and hold genetically important traits, such as biotic and abiotic stress resistance, and thus able to enhance yield and production stability (FAO, 2008;Guarino & Lobell, 2011;Maxted, Ford-Lloyd, Jury, Kell, & Scholten., 2006;Vollbrecht & Sigmon, 2005). Therefore, conserving wheat landraces is vital for the enhancement and stability of wheat production.…”