Jin Zhou , Limin Xu

Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 2   doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0006
Received: 17 Jan., 2024    Accepted: 23 Feb., 2024    Published: 05 Mar., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Zhou J., and Xu L.M., 2024, Conventional breeding vs. genetic engineering in maize: a comparative study, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(2): 49-59 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0006)

This study explores the comparative aspects of conventional breeding and genetic engineering in maize, highlighting their respective achievements, limitations, and future prospects. Conventional breeding has a long history of success, utilizing methods such as mass selection, hybridization, and mutation breeding to develop high-yielding and nutritionally enhanced maize varieties like hybrid maize and Quality Protein Maize (QPM). However, these methods are often time-consuming and resource-intensive. Genetic engineering, including technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and recombinant DNA, offers precise and rapid genome modification, enabling the development of traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and enhanced nutritional content. Significant achievements, such as Bt maize and glyphosate-resistant varieties, demonstrate the potential of genetic engineering to improve yield and reduce chemical inputs. The integration of conventional breeding and genetic engineering approaches can maximize their benefits, combining genetic diversity and adaptability with precision and efficiency. Future research should focus on integrated breeding programs, leveraging genomic and phenomic data, sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing ethical and regulatory issues to ensure equitable access to advanced breeding technologies.

Conventional breeding; Genetic engineering; Maize improvement; CRISPR-Cas9; Hybrid maize