Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Cold

Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Cold: Journey across Latitudes presents a compelling exploration of how one of the world’s most vital crops has expanded from its tropical origins to endure and thrive in cold and temperate regions. As agriculture increasingly faces the challenges of climate variability and low-temperature extremes, this book offers a timely and comprehensive scientific account of maize’s resilience to chilling stress.

Structured across seven in-depth chapters, the book takes readers through the core biology of maize, its latitudinal journey from the tropics to cooler climates, and a focused examination of what constitutes low temperature (LT) stress in maize. It further explores the physiological, biochemical, and genetic adjustments maize undergoes to cope with cold, and highlights emerging trends and scientific advancements aimed at improving maize performance under such stress, including seed priming, molecular interventions, and breeding strategies.

Intended for researchers, maize breeders, plant biologists, agronomists, and postgraduate students, this volume also offers valuable insights for agricultural planners and policymakers working in cold-prone agro-climatic zones.

Dr. Salika Ramazan, a low temperature stress biologist with a decade-long association with maize, brings together field expertise and academic depth to narrate the untold story of maize’s adaptation across latitudes. Her work connects the scientific understanding of cold stress biology with practical innovations to strengthen maize production under challenging climates.