Genome-wide selection and genetic improvement during modern maize breeding

Since the development of single-hybrid maize breeding programs in the first half of the twentieth century1, maize yields have increased over sevenfold, and much of that increase can be attributed to tolerance of increased planting density2–4. To explore the genomic basis underlying the dramatic yield increase in maize, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the genomic and phenotypic changes associated with modern maize breeding through...