Abstract
This study concerns the knowledge and selection of biological diversity of maize (Zea mays) within its center of domestication in Mesoamerica. Maize farmers in central Chiapas of Southern México keep local varieties (landraces) belonging to six races and four race mixtures. Fifteen local varieties are recognized. In spite of widespread adoption of a modern, high yielding variety, maize farmers continue to select local varieties for specific soils and because of agronomic and use criteria. Farmers maintain maize varieties primarily through seed selection. Spatial and temporal separation do not seem sufficient to maintain varieties. The management of improved varieties can lead from a uniform population to a heterogeneous one as hybridization with local maize populations occurs.
Abstract
Este estudio trata sobre el conocimiento y la selectión de la diversidad bioldgica de maíz (Zea mays) en su centro de domesticatión en Mesoamerica. Pequeños productores de maíz en la parte central del Estado de Chiapas en el sureste de México mantienen variedades pertenecientes a seis razas y cuatro mezclas raciales. Se reconocen quince variedades locales. A pesar de la adoption de variedades mejoradas de alto rendimiento, estos agricultores continúan seleccionando variedades locales para suelos particulares y debido a criterios agronómicos y de uso. Estos agricultores mantienen sus variedades de maíz através the la selectión de la semilla. La separatión espacial y temporal no parecen ser suficientes para mantener estas variedades. El manejo de las variedades mejoradas puede conducir de una población uniforme a una heterogénea en la medida que occurre una hibridazación con las poblaciones locales de maíz.
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Bellon, M.R., Brush, S.B. Keepers of maize in Chiapas, Mexico. Econ Bot 48, 196–209 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02908218
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02908218