Genetic Diversity of Maize Landraces as Sources of Favorable Traits

The Maize Research Institute Genebank conserves a sizeable collection of 2217 landraces and 3297 introduced accessions from 40 countries. Landraces are considered to be the most significant genotypes, since they represent the original biological material created by the process of natural selection and adapted to local growing conditions. The landrace collection is designated as national treasure and all the activities regarding the management, characterization and evaluation are given the highest priority in the Genebank. Moreover, accessions maintained in the collection are samples of the original populations which, through propagation, have lost a part of variability due to genetic drift and inbreeding. Genetic diversity of these landraces has never been comprehensively studied. Assessment of genetic diversity is an essential step helping to understand the relationship among and within the landraces, as well as their genetic structure. It is also valuable for setting priorities for genetic conservation, parental selection and as a source of favorable traits.