Maize has the closest genetic relationship with other subspecies of teosintes that belong to the same species as maize (i.e., Zea mays), among which two subspecies are associated with the origin of modern maize. Slightly more distantly related to maize are other teosinte species within the same genus as Zea mays. Even more distantly related are species of the genus Tripsacum. All of these serve as important sources of gene resources for maize breeding. Based on an overview of the classification and geographical distribution of maize wild relatives, this article describes the status of in situ and ex situ conservation of global germplasm resources of maize wild relatives, evaluates their utilization value in maize breeding, and reviews the history and current status of germplasm enhancement and breeding use based on these wild relatives. Finally, key directions and technical approaches are proposed for future utilization in maize breeding.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |