PHENOTYPIC AND AGRONOMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF MAIZE LANDRACES (Zea mays ssp. mays L.) FROM SINALOA, MEXICO

Abstract

The genetic variation of maize (Zea mays ssp. Mays L.) in Mexico has been studied especially in the south-central part of the country. The state of Sinaloa (first in production) has 23\% of the national racial genetic variation, but its evaluation is scarce. We collected 144 samples of corn (Tuxpe (n) over tildeo Norte (n) over tildeo, Vande (n) over tildeo, Onave (n) over tildeo, Elotero de Sinaloa, Tabloncillo, Tablaoncillo Perla, Bofo, Jala, Blando de Sonora, Chapalote, Dulcillo del Noroeste and Reventador) in different state locations in order to describe relevant morphological and agronomic characteristics so as to determine a grouping pattern. The accessions were evaluated in two environments with a simple lattice design of 12x12, analyzing 27 variables. ANDEVA detected significant differences between accessions (for all variables), for the genotype x environment interaction (width/length of the grain) and for environments in spikes (length of branched section, number of primary branches and length of central branch), in cob (diameter/length, length of the peduncle and of the cob) and in grain (volume and weight/volume). The first three main components (PCA) explained 64\% of the variance, where the variables number of leaves, diameter and length of the cob; the width and thickness of the grain; grain width and length and flowering; are the most important. The graphic representation of the PCA (1 and 2) revealed six groups, and that of conglomerates five. Some accessions shared characteristics with more than one racial group and their position was close to that of those sharing characteristics. A wide genetic diversity of native corn is confirmed in Sinaloa.