MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NATIVE MAIZE (Zea mays L.) POPULATIONS IN CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Abstract

Characterization studies contribute to establishing better bases for the design of strategies for exploitation, conservation and genetic improvement. In this context, the morphological variation of a collection of native maize (Zea mays L.) populations from central Chiapas, México, was characterized. Twenty-five (25) populations were evaluated under a design of complete random blocks in three contrasting environments. Fourteen (14) morphological variables were found and combined variance analysis, correlation analysis and biplot graphing were applied based on the first two principal components. Significant differences were detected between populations for all the variables, something considered as an indicator of diversity. The accessions were grouped into four groups, named: Olotillo complex, which gathered the populations of greater plant height (245 to 295 cm), late flowering (63 to 68 days), and low number of lines (8 to 9); Tuxpeño, whose populations presented greater height than the mean (244 to 272 cm), masculine flowering representative of the warm climate (60 to 65 days) and intermediate value of lines (10 to 12); Zapalote Grande, which was populations of precocious cycle (51-55 DFM) and lower plant height (212 to 227 cm); and finally, Tuxpeño that included populations with a higher number of lines (12.8 to 13.3) with intermediate values in the characters measured. The variation identified can be the basis for genetic improvement and different conservation strategies.