Participatory breeding with outstanding maize germplasme (Zea mays L.) of the Raton race in Ocampo and Llera, Tamaulipas

Convergent divergent selection of the Ratón maize race in Tamaulipas

Abstract

The attributes of native maize germplasm, its diversity and agronomic qualities typical of gene expression and the selection exercised by farmers maintain ideal attributes for its use or exploitation considering a biocultural context, as well as its high adaptation. Based on preliminary results of morphological and agronomic characterization, germplasm of the Ratón breed was used, also considering its outstanding agronomic attributes of: short phenological cycle, adaptation to poor and low-humidity soils, and resistance to drought (qualities that have the potential to reduce the production difficulties due to limiting weather conditions); Ten native populations of the Ratón breed were selected and their additive variance was used by recurrent selection according to the needs of the agrosystem and traditional management of the crop by the producer. The MGP was consolidated with the obtaining of seed with genetic advance, that is, precocity and height of the plant were homogenized, as well as the yield in the populations used.