MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ECOGEOGRAPHIC VARIATION OF MAIZE LANDRACE POPULATIONS IN A MULTIALTITUDINAL TRANSECT OF TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO

Abstract

Analyses of native maize populations diversity provide information on their distribution and allow to identify strategic points where they can be cultivated and ensure their conservation. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity of native maize populations using traits of the ear and grain to generate agrobiodiversity indicators, determine their spatial distribution in the collection area, and identify potential conservation areas using geostatistical tools. Thirty-six populations of native maize were collected in the Western side of ``El Cielo{''} Biosphere Reserve, in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The accessions were classified by race, and quantitative and qualitative traits of the cob and grain were analyzed, along with eco-geographic variables such as altitude, longitude, mean precipitation, mean temperature and altitude. The races Celaya, Rat \& oacute;n, Tuxpe \& ntilde;o, Tuxpe \& ntilde;o Norte \& ntilde;o, Olotillo, C \& oacute;nico, Tabloncillo and Elotes Occidentales were found. Altitude was considered as the ecogeographic factor with the largest influence on the distribution of native maize. A principal component analysis was performed for quantitative and ecogeographic variables; in addition, analyses of richness and diversity were also carried out. The greatest richness and diversity were found at medium-low altitude, 400 to 1200 masl, being considered as potential areas for in situ conservation of native maize agrobiodiversity in the Western side of ``El Cielo{''} Biosphere Reserve, Tamaulipas, Mexico.