Title : Genetic variability analysis in maize (Zea mays L.) materials for drought tolerance using miRNA molecular markers.
Abstract:
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the staple grains of great global importance, and in Guatemala, it constitutes the pillar of the nutritional and food security of its inhabitants (Martinez, 2022). The national production does not cover the internal demand, which is why this cereal must be imported. Drought is a significant factor in this issue, especially in the geographical area known as the "Dry Corridor," which has economic impacts on Guatemala (Fuentes López, 2002) (ICTA, 2019) (Morales, 2018).The general objective of this research was to analyze the molecular genetic variability of 90 maize accessions for drought tolerance; these materials were collected in the Dry Corridor region of Guatemala. A genetic profiling assay was conducted with five miRNA molecular markers, from which six nodes and four individual accessions of the total dendrogram were derived. This showed genetic variability, highlighting 13 representative accessions from the collapsed nodes and the four independent accessions. Subsequently, the individual study of each miRNA molecular marker with the 13 preselected accessions was carried out, which allowed for the observation of possible markers associated with drought tolerance.The association of the resulting data from the molecular study and the field evaluation showed similarity in the preliminary selection of lines associated with drought tolerance, particularly lines 7, 12, 14, 28, and 46.
