Revealing the roots of maize in Brazil

Ancient maize discovery sheds light on crop's past

Innovative research from the University of São Paulo and EMBRAPA has unveiled significant insights into maize domestication, with ancient samples found in Brazil's Peruaçu Valley pointing to a potentially groundbreaking South American influence on this process.

The findings, detailed in Science Advances, challenge the previously accepted narrative centered around Mexico as the sole domestication site.

The analyzed maize, dating from 1,010 to 500 years ago, shares traits with its Mexican ancestor, teosinte. "These samples were initially considered specimens of domesticated maize that had failed to grow sufficiently," stated Flaviane Malaquias Costa, a key researcher in the study.

This insight suggests that domestication efforts continued in South America, shaping the crop's development distinctly from its North American counterparts. 

This revelation underscores the role of indigenous peoples in cultivating and selectively breeding maize, highlighting their influence on today's agricultural diversity.

The research not only provides a deeper understanding of maize's historical and cultural significance in South America but also underscores the importance of preserving these ancient genetic lines.

The implications of this study extend beyond historical interest, influencing current discussions on biodiversity conservation and the rights of indigenous communities over their ancestral resources.

As research progresses, it continues to reshape our understanding of agriculture's deep roots in South American soil.