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CARACTERIZACIÓN MORFOLÓGICA DE LA DIVERSIDAD DE RAZAS DE ZEA MAYS EN LA SIERRA NORTE DE ECUADOR

Abstract:

Ecuador has a large genetic diversity of maize with 36 races, six of which are not well defined. The objective of this study was to characterize morphologically 129 accessions deriving from the northern Sierra of Ecuador as a contribution to agrobiodiversity conservation. For the morphological characterization seven qualitative and eight quantitative descriptors were used. The similarity between the accessions was analyzed by Ward's grouping, the distance with the Gower coefficient. Chi-square statistic (X2), the Cramer coefficient (V) and the contingency coefficient (P) were calculated to identify the most discriminating qualitative descriptors and the Engels D index for the quantitative descriptors. For statistical analyzes, the SAS program was used. Cluster analysis identified four groups where Morochón and Chulpi races were located in one group (G2 and G4 respectively). Descriptors such as endosperm type and shape of kernel were the most discriminants. Accessions presented mainly semi-dent type of endosperm and shape of kernel were the most discriminants. Accesions presented mainly semi dent type of endosperms and pointed shape of seed. Ear length was the most discriminant, with averages from 11,15 ± 2,46 to 13,72 ± 2,83 cm. The northern Sierra has a high diversity of maize races and should be prioritized as a conservation area.