Posted on 01/11/2015 6:11:38 PM PST by SunkenCiv
The study, based on DNA analysis of corn cobs dating back over 4,000 years, provides the most comprehensive tracking to date of the origin and evolution of maize in the Southwest and settles a long debate over whether maize moved via an upland or coastal route into the U.S.
Study findings, which also show how climatic and cultural impacts influenced the genetic makeup of maize, will be reported Jan. 8 in the journal Nature Plants.
The study compared DNA from archaeological samples from the U.S. Southwest to that from traditional maize varieties in Mexico, looking for genetic similarities that would reveal its geographic origin.
"When considered together, the results suggest that the maize of the U.S. Southwest had a complex origin, first entering the U.S. via a highland route about 4,100 years ago and later via a lowland coastal route about 2,000 years ago," said Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra, an associate professor in the Department of Plant Sciences.
The study further provided clues to how and when maize adapted to a number of novel pressures, ranging from the extreme aridity of the Southwest climate to different dietary preferences of the local people.
Excavations of multiple stratigraphic layers of Tularosa cave in New Mexico allowed researchers to compare genetic data from samples from different time periods.
"These unique data allowed us to follow the changes occurring in individual genes through time," said lead author Rute Fonseca of the University of Copenhagen. Researchers used these data to identify genes showing evidence of adaptation to drought and genes responsible for changes in starch and sugar composition leading to the development of sweet corn, desired for cultivation by indigenous people and later Europeans.
(Excerpt) Read more at eurekalert.org ...
Farm fresh Wisconsin sweet corn, oh how I miss you in the dead of winter.
“Farm fresh Wisconsin sweet corn, oh how I miss you in the dead of winter.”
We used to take the pot of boiling water out to the garden to cook the corn before the sugar turned to starch. Now, of course, they have varieties that stay sweet for ever.
Similarly, the lovely potato was considered fit only for animals and peasants.
:’D
They’d be worshipping us when they saw us use the technology we have.
The only sustainable agriculture and sustainable economy is one based on surplus.
Thanks piasa and alien_in_nm.
Heh, “maize, what you call corn.” I hated those effin’ ads, but kinda wanted to jump on the spokesmodel. Around here there were bumperstickers for MSU fans, “You call it maize, I CALL IT CORN” (U of M has school colors maize and blue).
The corn borer, oddly enough, is from Europe. I’d be surprised if the winters in Kansas are not the main reason for what you experienced.
GMO corn: An organic farmer’s best friend?
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2010/10/genetically-modified-crops-corn-agriculture-economics-borer.html
their descendants still use the two routes today, transporting cocaine, marijuana, black tar heroin, and people.
Why do they still use the coastal and highland routes? Well, because depending on where you live, one or the other is the shortest route to the wealthy North where the demand is.
Beavis: [in the girl’s bathroom] I am Cornholio! I need T.P. for my Bunghole! Come out with your pants down!
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