The wild form of maize is still unknown but it is commonly believed that the present maize form evolved from pod maize which originated in South America, probably flourished on the eastern slopes of the Andes and was domesticated and improved there. The species name mays is traceable back to the Indian synonym Mahiz or Marisi. The word Zea is of Greek origin and was used as a classification for various types of cereals. Linnaeus in 1737 A.D in his treatise Geneva Platinum named maize, Zea mays. Pilgrim Fathers of Mayflower fame were the first Europeans who started large scale cultivation of maize in America after learning the agronomy from local Indians. The history of origin becomes confused by varied nomenclature like Turkish corn, Welsh corn, corn of Asia, India corn and so on which clearly points its finger towards Asia as its place of origin. Maize grains and parts of ears were found in caves and rock shelters during archaeological excavations believed to be 4500 years old. Maize, cauliflower and tobacco are some of the new crops introduced in the orient from the new world after its chance discovery by Christopher Columbus who set on sail West Wards in 1493 A.D. Utilization CHAPTER 1 Introduction History of Origin
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