Understanding tropical maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize is the second most important cereal crop in the world after wheat followed by rice. Although it is among the latest entries in the list of food crops in Africa, maize has attracted much more attention in terms of research and adaptability. Consequently, maize has become the number 1 crop with a significant contribution to modern farming and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of the population in the region depends on maize as their main source of calories, income and livelihood. Additionally, maize is of global importance as a model organism for the advancement of genetic studies. However, maize production in the region is conditioned by complex factors leading to a very low average yield compared to other parts of the world. General understanding of tropical maize is one of the key approaches required for the improvement of tropical maize in Sub-Sharan Africa. This attempt was made to review the various aspects of maize and major advances including the origin, taxonomy, genetics, morphology, physiology, cultural practices, yield potentials, breeding, and production constraints.