Maize (Zea Mays L.): Historical Development, Breeding, and Utilization

Summary

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important world crop by area andproduction. Almost half is produced in the USA. During the 1960_s and 19 70_s world production increased by more than 100 per cent. Maize makes asignificant contribution to the diet in Central and South America as well ashaving a minor rule elsewhere. Also of interest to the nutritionist is the usc ofmaize in alcohol and food processing, and the wide importance of maize forbreeding experiments which can lead to the development of new or improvedplant foods.