Traditional Management of Maize in the Sierra Sur, Oaxaca, Maintains Moderate Levels of Genetic Diversity and Low Population Differentiation Among Landraces (original) (raw)

Oaxaca is one of the areas of early maize diversification, with 28 to 35 recognized agronomic races. Campesinos (farmers) cultivate at least ten different races in the Los Loxicha region. There is evidence of introgression between them; however, some traditional practices have promoted further differentiation evidenced by the presence of different landraces, clearly recognized by various morphological and phenological characteristics. Therefore, moderate levels of genetic diversity and low levels of population differentiation are expected. Seven communities belonging to two municipalities were selected in 2005. In total, 140 semistructured interviews were administered, inquiring about cultural practices, which included questions about maize seed, ear, and cob management and selection and maize cultivation. Based on interviews and permissions, 30 maize plants from each of 28 fields (milpas) with maize crop belonging to five landraces (Conejo, Hueso, Tablita, Tepecente, and Pinto) wer...