Project Number: 3625-21000-044-01
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Apr 28, 2004
End Date: Dec 31, 2008

Objective:
Describe, document, identify, and refine the races of maize native to the southwestern U.S. that are currently in the (NPGS) collection.

Approach:
References are unavailable that thoroughly describe the races of U.S. maize, both extant and ancient maize, and their relationships to each other and to non-U.S. maize. Ecogeographic, morphological, agronomic, physiological, molecular, elemental and ethnographic data will be collected or accessed and compiled to describe approximately 160 accessions of Native American maize held by the NPGS. The accessions will be classified into races using cluster analyses of multiple factors, especially phenological and morphological characteristics. Ancient maize racial descriptions will consist of morphological and molecular characterizations and information from archeological records which associate them with relevant human cultures. Findings, photographs, descriptions and interpretations will be disseminated via publicly available online and printable publications, via CD-ROM, and in a searchable database. Information and relevant findings will contribute to a long-term goal of developing a comprehensive reference on the races of U.S. maize.