By Dr. Gabriel Wrobel and Dr. William Lovis
Genetic analysis of ancient maize placed as an offering alongside the mummified remains of a young 15th-century Andean girl in what is now Bolivia is shedding new light on how regional interactions in the central Andes contributed to the development of maize as a staple crop prior to European contact. The study’s authors include Dr. Huan Chen (lead author), a postdoctoral fellow in Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences; Dr. Gabriel Wrobel, Professor of Anthropology; and Dr. William Lovis, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, along with other Michigan State University colleagues in the plant sciences and collaborators from the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (Bolivia), Queensland University of Technology (Australia), and the University of Tennessee.
In the new study “Fifteenth century CE Bolivian maize reveals genetic affinities with ancient Peruvian Maize,” published in the electronic journal eLife (November 2025) the international research team analyzed the genome of exceptionally well-preserved maize found in a stone burial tower or chullpa. By comparing it to samples from 16 previously published datasets spanning more than 5,000 years of evolution, the team uncovered evidence of complex pre=European gene flow and selective breeding strategies in the Andes.
The maize kernels and the pouch (Photos taken by Dr. Wrobel cand Dr. Lovis)
The results show that the Bolivian maize was genetically most similar to archaeological samples from ancient Peru, all ultimately derived from maize domesticated in central Mexico. The genome also reflects gene flow from what is now Chile—changes that appear to coincide with the expansion of the Inca Empire across the altiplano region.
Importantly, the Bolivian maize exhibits genetic modifications associated with traits selected by ancient Central Andean farmers; a shorter growing season, increased drought resistance, and a sweeter flavor profile. These traits suggest sophisticated local breeding practices aimed at improving both the yield and quality of maize.
While most genomic studies of maize have focused on its initial domestication around 9,000 years ago and early dispersal across Central and North America, this research stands out for highlighting later, regionally driven processes of crop improvement. It offers valuable insight into the biocultural role that diverse cultures and environments played in shaping the genetic variety of maize across South America.
The article can be accessed at DOI: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.106818.