The genetic architecture and breeding towards cold tolerance in maize: review.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter reviews the global adaptation of maize, the effect of cold stress, existing cold-tolerant or cold-sensitive maize varieties or mutants, research on linkage analysis, and genome-wide association studies and gene expression profiling in maize cold response. In addition, the potential usage of genomic selection to accelerate the breeding process is explored. The objectives are to integrate knowledge for the benefit of geneticists to understand the genetic architecture of cold tolerance and for breeders to select 'hyper-tolerant' maize varieties adapted to broader and changeable environments.