Plant Genome Outreach to Native Americans

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Using genetic markers to identify the Abnormal 10 chromosome in Southwest Maize Collections and conveying the importance and meaning of its presence to the Native Americans who utilize native races of maize

Delbert T. Thompson ¹, Von Mark Cruz², Candice A. C. Gardner^2,3, and Carolyn J. Lawrence^2,3,4

1. Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, KS 66046
2. Dept. of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
3. USDA-ARS
4. Dept. of Genetics, Developmental, and Cellular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011

Through its meiotic drive, or segregation distortion activity, the maize (corn) Abnormal 10 (Ab10) chromosomes may diminish and revise the genetic diversity or characteristics of maize, a spiritual and economic stalwart for Native Americans in the Southwestern United States.

Using SSR (single sequence repeat) molecular markers, the work described here will enable researchers to identify the presence of the Ab10 chromosome in maize to determine whether its presence threatens to alter the genetic profiles of conserved seed stocks. In addition, markers developed for this project can also be used to determine whether supplies of maize seed that are maintained by the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station closely resemble the ancestral seed stocks that have been lost to Indigenous Southwest peoples. If so, repatriation of those nations' seed stocks will be made possible.

Potentially of even greater importance is a need to relate to the Southwest Indigenous people the importance of this genetic testing. Native Americans have long enjoyed a connection with aspects of nature including food that play an important role in the separate physical, mental and spiritual constructs of each Indigenous society. Food is utilized in their ceremonies - which are unique to each tribe and yet their similarities define and characterize the masses of Native American societies as distinct nations with an affinity for working with nature and not against it - as a means of both prayer and thankfulness. It must be conveyed to the Native Americans that research such as that described here does not constitute "meddling with nature" or to be misconstrued as affecting the spiritual balance of their association with nature to produce new and better versions of their sacred corn. The objectives of the experiments described here are identification and description so that the seed supplies can be repatriated, maintained, and made available for future generations. In this manner, the spiritual basis, background, and means to perform the ceremonies, which have been passed down from their ancestors, can persist.

Grandsons may therefore continue to stand in the footsteps of their grandfathers, and see with their eyes the wonders witnessed by the old ones.