Identification of Native Maize (Zea mays L.) within the Area of Influence of Pico de Orizaba National Park

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the morphological diversity of native maize varieties from the area of influence of Pico de Orizaba National Park. Design/Methodology/Approach: An exploration was conducted from December 2023 to May 2024 in the municipalities of Zongolica, Los Reyes, Astacinga, Atlahuilco, Tlaquilpa, Ixtaczoquitlán, Acultzingo, Amatlán de los Reyes, Chocamán, Huatusco, Calcahualco, Alpatlahuac, Mariano Escobedo, Rafael Delgado, Veracruz, Mexico. Quantitative characteristics of the ear were recorded, including ear length (EL), ear diameter (ED), number of rows (NR), number of grains per row (GPR), ear weight (EW), and cob diameter (CD). Results: Ten original racial types were identified: Arrocillo, Cacahuacintle, Celaya, Cónico, Coscomatepec, Elotes Cónicos, Olotillo, Ratón, Tuxpeño, and Pepitilla. Among the interracial mixtures found: arrocillo-Cónico-Pepitilla-Tuxpeño, Celaya-Coscomatepec, Celaya-Coscomatepec-Ratón, Celaya-Elotes Cónicos, Celaya-Ratón, Cónico-Arrocillo, Cónico-Celaya, Cónico-Elotes Cónicos, Cónico-Pepitilla, Coscomatepec-Celaya-Pepitilla, Coscomatepec-Celaya, Olotillo-Tepecintle, Pepitilla-Cónico-Arrocillo, Ratón-Celaya, and Ratón-Tepecintle. The most frequent races were Cónico and Ratón. The most frequent native maize colors were white, cream, and yellow. Limitations of the study/Implications: It is recommended to work with producers using participatory breeding tools for specific ecological niches. Findings/Conclusions: The observed morphological diversity indicates a constant dynamism of seed exchange among maize producers who conserve this valuable resource.