By Jamie Martin
Recent findings by Brazilian scientists indicate that ancient maize samples found in Minas Gerais may redefine the crop's domestication history.
Published in Science Advances, the research by the University of São Paulo and EMBRAPA showcases partially domesticated maize that could date South American maize cultivation back further than previously thought.
The study analyzed maize samples from archaeological digs conducted in 1994, revealing characteristics that link directly to the crop's ancestral forms in Mexico.
"These samples were initially considered specimens of domesticated maize that had failed to grow sufficiently," explained Flaviane Malaquias Costa, the study's lead author. This reevaluation suggests that the final steps of maize domestication could have occurred on the continent.
Located over 7,150 km from Mexico, Peruaçu Valley's maize is among the farthest from the crop’s origin yet discovered, bearing primitive traits.
This discovery aligns with genetic evidence pointing to a South American role in maize’s evolution, supporting the theory that the region was not just a recipient of fully domesticated maize but also an active center for its development.
This research not only places indigenous communities at the heart of agricultural innovation but also has significant implications for the conservation and rights over these genetic resources.
The study continues to impact how we understand the spread and development of one of the world's most important crops.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dale-fornoff
Categories: National