*2.4. DNA Extraction*

For PCR, DNA samples were extracted from maize leaves using CTAB protocols [32], then kept at −20 ◦C for long term storage. For next generation sequencing, DNA was first extracted with CTAB, treated with RNAse A, cleaned up with Phenol:Chloroform, then cleaned up one more time with Plant DNA mini extraction kit (Thermo). The DNA quality was checked by Nanodrop and gel electrophoresis.
