Morphological characterization of native maize varieties (Zea mays L.)

Resumen

Objective: To characterize the traditional milpa agricultural system and evaluate the phenotypic variation of native maize ears in the coastal region of Oaxaca.
Design/methodology/approach: Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with local farmers, and morphological traits were evaluated in 100 ears from seven native maize types. Tests for normality (Shapiro–Wilk) and homoscedasticity (Kolmogorov–Smirnov) were performed, followed by ANOVA. Where significant differences were found, Tukey’s test was applied (α < 0.05).
Results: The milpa is a polyculture system, and seven native maize types were documented. Significant differences were found in traits such as peduncle and ear length, number of kernel rows, and grain dimensions.
Findings/conclusions: The milpa is a system that harbors biological diversity, contributing to the conservation of genetic resources and food security.