ADAPTATION AND SELECTION OF NATIVE MAIZE IN THE MEXICAN BAJIO REGION BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION

Abstract

Morphological characterization is a process of great importance to incorporate valuable germplasm in the introduction programs of maize (Zea mays L.) for breeding purposes. The objective of this study was to characterize a group of 90 accessions of 12 maize races native to Mexico: Bofo, Celaya, Coscomatepec, Elotes Occidentales, Harinoso de Ocho, Dulce de Jalisco, Mushito, Pepitilla, Serrano de Jalisco, Tablilla de Ocho, Tabloncillo and Zamorano Amarillo to identify those with the best productive characteristics and adaptation to the Bajio region in Mexico. A randomized complete block design was used and agronomic traits of the plant, tassel, ear and grain were evaluated. There were significant differences between native maize accessions. The highest grain yield was registered in the accessions Gto-101 (8.3 t ha^-1), Dgo-18 and Jal-554 of the Celaya race and Jal-633 (6.0 t ha^-1) of Elotes Occidentales. The largest plant and ear height and tassel dimensions (length of the peduncle, of the branched section and the main axis) occurred in accessions Ver-406 (Coscomatepec race), Nay-214 (Harinoso de Ocho), Dgo-218 (Celaya), Nay-191, Nay-196 and Nay-217 (Bofo). The cluster analysis incorporated the Bofo, Celaya and Elotes Occidentales races into Groups I, II and III, while Group IV was integrated by Mushito, Pepitilla, Bofo and Tabloncillo, and Group V by mixture of the races evaluated, except Celaya. It was possible to identify promising accessions of Bofo, Celaya and Elotes Occidenatles maize races for the Mexican Bajio.