Cuban maize (Zea mays L.) race characterization of the national crop collection through agro-morphological markers

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Lianne Fernández

Abstract

Cuban maize (Zea mays L.) races constitute a
potential of high genetic value for Cuba and the Caribbean
region. This work was aimed at characterizing Cuban races by
means of agro-morphological markers in the national crop
collection. Thus, 92 accessions from INIFAT´s gene bank were
planted; four commercial varieties out of them were used as
check: Gíbara, Pajimaca, Victoria and Francisco Mejorado,
besides employing an unreplicated design for two years. Then,
15 characters were measured on the ear and kernel, nine
quantitative and six categorical ones, which were statistically
processed through Ward-MLM (modified local model)
strategy, using Gower´s distance as a similarity measurement
with SAS 9.0 statistical package. This study proved the
presence of six races in the national collection: Criollo, Tusón,
Canilla, Argentino, Amarillo Reventador and Dulce. Criollo
is the best representative race all over the country and the
greatest variability is recorded in the eastern region, where
every race is situated except Dulce. The current characterization
of this race status provides more information about Cuban
maize germplasm. In addition, some elements are supplied to
get a better knowledge on this crop that, at the same time, will
support its preservation and an adequate use in the national
and regional strategic context.

Article Details

How to Cite
Fernández, L. (2013). Cuban maize (Zea mays L.) race characterization of the national crop collection through agro-morphological markers. Cultivos Tropicales, 30(4), 62–70. Retrieved from https://ediciones.inca.edu.cu/index.php/ediciones/article/view/784
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Original Article