Contributions of biotechnology to the improvement of corn

Abstract

There is a great potential for the application of biotechnology in corn, in view of the remarkable global advances in molecular genetics, genetic engineering and bioinformatics, in order to develop new varieties and hybrids resistant to biotic and abiotic stress conditions, and adapted to climate change. The increase in productivity, so essential to increase food security and economic growth, can be achieved through the use of sustainable strategies to minimize negative effects on the environment, based on biotechnological tools, as an alternative to alleviate poverty in a sustainable manner. Likewise, substantial improvements can be obtained such as crop biofortification, higher grain quality and final products with added value. Corn is a classic genetic model for research and its increased production is a challenge faced by developing countries whose population is constantly growing at an exponential rate, demanding adequate food supply. In recent years there have been notable advances in the knowledge of maize genome, leading to frequent advances and changes in its productive characteristics. This article reviews the biotechnological tools of agricultural interest that have been applied to corn crop.