Maize is unique among plants because it is one of the most important crops in the world
and it is one of the foremost model species for genetic studies. Maize grain is important as
a staple food crop in many parts of the world and is also a major component of livestock
and poultry diets. Maize is also grown as a forage crop for ruminant animals. In addition,
maize is emerging as an important contributor to fuel markets. Maize grain is used to
make ethanol and maize stover has been proposed to be a source of biomass for lignocellulosic
biofuel production. As a genetic model, experiments in maize led to the rediscovery
of Mendel’s law’s of inheritance (1), quantitative genetics theory (2), characterization
of effect of X-rays on chromosomes (3), and the discovery of transposable elements (4).
Increasing global population and economic development ensure continued need for
production of maize and other crops