abstract
- © 2021 Elsevier LtdMaize is one of the major staple cereals in the world. The species has evolved for centuries into hundreds of landraces, adapting to different agroecological niches under careful farmer selection. This genotype diversity and heterogeneity are related to unique phytochemical or secondary metabolite profiles. Research has been dedicated to studying the variety in phytochemicals and the health benefits associated with the consumption of grains from these varieties, particularly in terms of antioxidant activity and the prevention of chronic diseases. These topics and the pre-harvest variability in phytochemicals that is generated due to the interaction of genotype, selection and adaptation, with agroecological determinants (planting environment and agricultural management) are reviewed and analyzed in the context of conservation and revalorization of landrace genetic diversity.