Research Progress on Genetic Improvement of Temperate Maize Utilizing Tropical Maize Germplasm

doi:10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0753

Abstract

Abstract:

Maize breeding in temperate regions of China is confronted with problems including a narrow germplasm base, insufficient genetic diversity, and increasingly severe diseases and insect pests. In contrast, tropical maize germplasm has become an important resource for broadening the genetic basis of temperate germplasm, owing to its abundant genetic diversity, strong stress resistance, and significant heterosis when crossed with temperate germplasm. However, the photothermal sensitivity of tropical maize germplasm limits its direct use in temperate regions. This review systematically summarizes the breeding value of tropical maize germplasm, including its genetic diversity, heterosis and multi-stress resistance (e.g., to disease and insect resistance, drought tolerance, and high-temperature tolerance, etc.). It summarizes the history of introducing and utilizing tropical germplasm such as 'Suwan' and 'Tuxpeno' in China, and elaborates the improvement and utilization of 'P-group' germplasm, a successful case of tropical-temperate germplasm integration. Finally, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of photothermal responses in maize flowering regulation, we highlight the core role of the florigen gene ZCN8 in the photoperiod pathway, and discuss the potential effects of temperature sensitivity on flowering time. Given that the specific interaction mechanisms underlying the coordinated regulation of maize flowering by photoperiod and temperature signals remain unclear, this review prospects that in-depth dissection through multi-omics and genetic interaction technologies is urgently needed, which will provide more precise theoretical support for the genetic improvement of temperate maize driven by tropical germplasm.

Key words: maize, tropical-temperate germplasm, photothermal sensitivity, flowering time traits, genetic diversity, resistance

CLC Number:

S513玉米(玉蜀黍)

LIU Qiangli, AO Man, GUAN Yixin, HAN Ke, CHEN Song, CHEN Xin, BAI Yumei, CHEN Zhiyuan, CUI Zhenhai. Research Progress on Genetic Improvement of Temperate Maize Utilizing Tropical Maize Germplasm[J]. Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin, 2026, 42(8): 1-10.

Figures/Tables 2

References 89

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基因	基因功能注释	性状	参考文献
ZmUPA2	B3结构域转录因子	调控叶片角度	[22]
Zmtsh4	SBP-box转录因子	抑制营养侧枝（分蘖）发育、降低雄蕊小穗比例，明确侧枝性别、降低雄穗分枝数以优化株型、增加籽粒重量从而提高产量	[23]
Zmtb1	TCP转录因子	抑制侧枝分蘖	[24]
Zmgt1	同源结构域亮氨酸拉链蛋白	抑制分蘖芽	[25]
Zmtru1	BTB/POZ-锚蛋白重复序列蛋白	抑制分蘖、决定性别	[26]
Zmtga1	SBP结构域转录因子	控制种子裸露	[27]
Zmra1	转录因子	调控玉米花序分枝	[28]

基因	基因功能注释	性状	参考文献
ZmUPA2	B3结构域转录因子	调控叶片角度	[22]
Zmtsh4	SBP-box转录因子	抑制营养侧枝（分蘖）发育、降低雄蕊小穗比例，明确侧枝性别、降低雄穗分枝数以优化株型、增加籽粒重量从而提高产量	[23]
Zmtb1	TCP转录因子	抑制侧枝分蘖	[24]
Zmgt1	同源结构域亮氨酸拉链蛋白	抑制分蘖芽	[25]
Zmtru1	BTB/POZ-锚蛋白重复序列蛋白	抑制分蘖、决定性别	[26]
Zmtga1	SBP结构域转录因子	控制种子裸露	[27]
Zmra1	转录因子	调控玉米花序分枝	[28]