Richness of local maize (Zea mays L.) in the Frailesca region, Chiapas, Mexico: an ethnobotanical study
Guevara-Hernandez, F.; Antonio Hernandez-Ramos, M.; Basterrechea Bermejo, J.L.; de los Angeles Fonseca-Flores, M.; Delgado-Ruiz, F.; Ocana Grajales, M. de J.; Acosta-Roca, R.
Revista de la Facultad de Agronomia de la Universidad Del Zulia 37(3): 223-243
2020
ISSN/ISBN: 0378-7818
Accession: 071045101
Despite the importance of maize in Mexico, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the dynamics that local maize diversity has taken over the past three decades, especially that related to its cultural and biological richness. Aiming at the richness exploration of local maize cultivars in the Frailesca, Chiapas, Mexico; ethnobotanical and action-research methodologies were used. During three monthsfield trips were made along 63 communities in the region. For the sample selection (communities and number of farmers) the snowball technique was used and the information obtained was analyzed by descriptive statistical and ethnographic methods. 304 farmers were contacted, locating 396 local maize cultivars, 1,3 in average per producer. Collected maize cultivars from the Frailesca were registered, identified and named by 88 common names belonging to 3 main groups oflandraces: Tuxperio, Olotillo and Comiteco; but also, by mixed ones coming from advanced generations of hybrids varieties, locally adopted and adapted by farmers. The most representative local maize varieties are: Jarocho, Amarillo, Tuxperio and Precoz. The representativeness of maize varieties found in the Frailesca region indicates their adaptation to the farmers needs and preferences in relation to the dynamics of the culture, local economy and the environment.