Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012.
* Present address: Department of Genetics, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar 848125.
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 Morochowith verylow knob number. Both pre- and post-Columbian introduction of maize in northeastern Himalayan (NEH) region is postulated.
Maize, lineages, knobs, Himalayan, races
