MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND PHENOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF TEOCINTLE (Zea spp.) ACCESSIONS CULTIVATED IN APAN, MEXICO

Abstract

Background. Wild teosintle populations represent an important source for the increase of the genetic variability of the native corn of Mexico and Central America. Teosintle plants have a great tolerance to climatic variation and grow in a wide range of altitude; despite this, it is a plant genetic resource that is scarcely valued and therefore little studied. Objective. Morphologically characterize and make a phenological evaluation of accessions of Mexican wild teosintle from CIMMYT. Methodology. An experimental design of complete random blocks with three repetitions and plots of 4 rows of 2 m long with a separation between rows of 80 cm and a planting density adjusted to a hectare of 15,000 plants was used. Results. The Chalco and Mesa Central races of Zea mays ssp. mexicana were those that demonstrated the best values for the agronomic performance variables studied amongst of all the teosintle treatments evaluated. Implications. With the knowledge generated, it will be possible to establish management strategies for wild teosintle populations for commercial purposes. Conclusion. Based on the results obtained, the Chalco and Mesa Central races could be considered to increase genetic variability in genetic improvement programs of commercial corn, as food for farm animals and/or humans and in plant germplasm conservation programs.

Keywords

• teocintles
• zea mays ssp. mexicana
• zea perennis
• zea diploperennis