The Maize Diversity Project

Panzea was an NSF-funded project called “Biology of Rare Alleles in Maize and its Wild Relatives”. During the project, we investigated the connection between phenotype (what we see) and genotype (the genes underlying the phenotype) - of complex traits in maize and its wild relative, teosinte, and specifically in how rare genetic variations contribute to overall plant function. These studies enriched our knowledge of evolution, sustainable agriculture, and genetic diversity and conservation. Over the 10 years of the project, we trained many new scientists at all levels and generated key resources for the public, teachers, and scientific researchers.