Abstract

CASTRO NAVA, Sergio et al. Exploring native corn germplasm in central and southern Tamaulipas, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2013, vol.4, n.4, pp.645-653. ISSN 2007-0934.

Mexico is a nation that is inconceivable without the existence of corn. The species was domesticated 9000 years ago and has a wide genetic diversity. In several states, such as Tamaulipas, there is, even today, a considerable diversity of corn varieties that have not been explored or studied enough and which must be collected as a source of germplasm. The aim of this study was to document the collection of native corn populations in central and southern Tamaulipas for their conservation, characterization and utilization in various future breeding programs. Between 2001 and 2006, we collected 215 native corn populations. An intense exploration was carried out in 17 municipalities in central and southern Tamaulipas. The native populations obtained come from the municipalities of Ocampo (25%), Tula (12%) and San Carlos (10%), while 53% were obtained in 14 other municipalities. The collected germplasm is conserved ex situ at the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas and the Postgraduate College of Agricultural Sciences for characterization and evaluation. Germplasm collections, being a source of genetic diversity, should be characterized for an efficient management and an effective exploitation that allows improving agricultural crops and productivity in the Tamaulipas region and in other regions of the country. There is the possibility that previously reported germplasm has been lost through the years, so that collections of native corn should continue, exploring other areas and incorporating to the bank other native populations that should be preserved for future use.

Keywords : Zea mays L.; Tamaulipas; genetic resources; landraces; preservation and collection of germplasm.

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