Although archaeological evidence indicates that corn has been cultivated for over 7000 years in Mexico, the exact
origin of the corn plant remains a mystery. Today corn is one of the most important cereal grains grown worldwide,
having been hybridized into numerous varieties for food and non-food purposes. The kernels are used for human and
livestock consumption, while the corn cob and its extracts are used for a variety of industrial purposes such as the
making of nylon fibers and the production of synthetic rubber.
