CYTOLOGICAL BASIS OF RACIAL DIVERSITY IN INDIAN MAIZE: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Cytolojpcal characterization of Indian maize races based on knob composition reveals certain well defined knob complexes in northeastern and northwestern regions of the Himalayas. The frequency as well as combination of various knob positions was found to be characteristic of different races and a specific pattern of geographic distribution of these knobs was observed. Two lineages of Himalayan maize could be established on the basis of knob pattern: a) Nal-Tel-Chapalote complex having very high knob number, and b) Confite Morocho with very low knob number. Both pre- and post-Columbian introduction of maize in northeastern Himalayan (NEH) region is postulated.