Genome-wide diversity in lowland and highland maize landraces from southern South America: population genetics insights to assist conservation

• DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.578655
• Publication Date: 2024-02-07T22:35:11Z
• Authors: Pia Guadalupe Dom...; Angela Veronica G...; Monica Irina Fass; Carla Valeria Fil...; Pablo Vera; Andrea Puebla; Raquel Alicia Def...; Norma Beatriz Pan...; Veronica Viviana Lia
• Keywords: Genetic erosion; Introgression

Abstract Maize ( Zea mays ssp. L. ) landraces are traditional American crops with high genetic variability that conform a source of original alleles for conventional maize breeding. Northern Argentina, one the southernmost regions cultivation in Americas, harbours around 57 races traditionally grown two contrasting environmental conditions, namely Andean mountains Northwest and tropical grasslands Atlantic Forest Northeast. These encounter diverse threats to their diversity persistence origin, climate change standing out as major challenges. In this work, we use genome-wide SNPs derived from ddRADseq study individuals representing five groups previously described area. This allowed us distinguish clearly differentiated gene pools, Highland Northwestern (HNWA) Floury Northeastern (FNEA). Subsequently, employed Essential Biodiversity Variables at level, proposed by Group on Earth Observations Observation Network (GEO BON), evaluate conservation status these groups. assessment encompassed (Pi), inbreeding coefficient (F), effective population size (Ne). FNEA showed low Ne values F values, while HNWA Pi indicating further erosion is imminent landraces. Outlier detection methods identification putative adaptive genomic regions, consistent reported flowering-time loci chromosomal displaying introgression teosinte mexicana . Finally, species distribution models were obtained future scenarios, showing notable reduction potential planting area shift areas FNEA. Taken together, results suggest Argentina may not be able cope change. Therefore, active policies advisable.