Diversidad morfológica y genética evaluada en colectas de maíz nativo del Mezquital, Durango

Abstract

Maize is a fundamental crop for the Mexican population, used for food and as a source of nutrients. This study aimed to analyze how phenotypic variability can be used to assess genetic diversity in native maize collections from Durango. In 2023, 30 maize populations were collected across two locations within the Mezquital municipality. These populations were characterized using plant, ear, and grain morphology (2023 and 2024, cycles 1 and 2). Principal component (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed using Euclidean distances and the UPGMA method in R software v. 4.5.2. The two most important varieties for the Tepehuan community (SMOX 9 and CEAL 25) were characterized in the field (2024-1 and 2024-2). Results revealed predominance of Elotes Occidentales (EO) and Cónico Norteño (CN) races, as well as evidence of inter-population genetic recombination with secondary races (Bofo and Cristalino de Chihuahua). The PCA highlighted the importance of grain color, ear length, and ear width. Under field conditions, the SMOX 9 variety exhibited tillers, maturation at 154 days after sowing, a plant height of 357 cm, a yield of 1,863-2,066 kg ha-1, and red and blue-black grains. In contrast, CEAL 25 presented a single stalk, matured in 130 days, a plant height of 306 cm, a yield of 1,297 kg ha-1, and white grains. Conservation of preferred varieties, seed mobilization, and both intra- and inter-population genetic recombination contribute to maintaining maize diversity in Durango. Based on these findings, maize varieties derived from preferred native populations can be obtained in the Mezquital region.