Genome size and repetitive sequences are driven by artificial selection on the length of the vegetative cycle in maize landraces from Northeastern Argentina

Abstract Variation in genome size and knob heterochromatin content was explored relationship to altitudinal cline length of the vegetative cycle northern Argentina, USA Mexico landraces. It considering that decrease DNA could be an adaptation a shorter growing season result artificial selection by man. Guaraní landraces from Northeastern Argentina (NEA) show similar variation (3.81pg 7.56pg) than maize across cline. The present analysis offers overview genetic variability NEA explain why those along share this variation. Karyotype flow cytometry data were employed. which lacking B chromosomes, showed no significant with heterochromatin, suggesting differences amount interspersed DNA. A positive found between both number percentage heterochromatin. No correlation cycle. All these results allow us conclude among is driven farmers for flowering time.