ABSTRACT
The aim of maize improvement research is to produce a continuing stream of improved genotypes that are highly efficient in their use of soil fertility, water, and light in spite of the biotic and abiotic stresses that can harm the crop. In the past three decades, national and international maize research programs have made great progress in improving the agronomic traits of elite maize germplasm complexes and increasing the genetic resistance or tolerance to a host of environmental stresses.
