Unveiling the Genetic Heritage of Maize: A 1000-Year Journey

Researchers from the University of York and the University of Copenhagen have reconstructed the genome of maize dating back approximately 1000 years, unveiling a close genetic connection between maize from an archaeological site in Arkansas, USA, and modern varieties of northern flint corn. This discovery provides new clues to the spread of one of the world's most important cereal crops.

These cold-tolerant maize varieties adapted to chilly environments are ancestors of crucial commercial maize varieties grown extensively worldwide. Researchers highlight that amidst pressures on global food supply and climate change challenges to crop health, understanding the origins of maize and its dissemination across different geographical regions may help in discovering new methods to sustain and improve modern crops.

The study found that during maize's journey from the southwestern United States through the Great Plains, some genes underwent selection, notably the gene called waxy1. Genetic variations in the waxy1 gene determine the stickiness and chewiness of maize, traits that remain significant in certain traditional cooking practices, such as in the preparation of sticky rice or certain types of cornmeal.

Furthermore, the research indicates that ancient farmers from a millennium ago engaged not only in cultivation and harvesting but also in enhancing grain quality by selecting for desirable traits, a practice not fundamentally different from that of contemporary farmers.