Genetic signals of origin, spread, and introgression in a large sample of maize landraces.

ABSTRACT: The last two decades have seen important advances in our knowledge of maize domestication, thanks in part to the contributions of genetic data. Genetic studies have provided firm evidence that maize was domesticated from Balsas teosinte (Zea mays subspecies parviglumis), a wild relative that is endemic to the mid- to lowland regions of southwestern Mexico. An interesting paradox remains, however: Maize cultivars that are most closely related to Balsas teosinte are found mainly in the Mexican highlands where subspecies parviglumis does not grow. Genetic data thus point to primary diffusion of domesticated maize from the highlands rather than from the region of initial domestication. Recent archeological evidence for early lowland cultivation has been consistent with the genetics of domestic

SUBMITTER: van Heerwaarden J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3024656 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature