Caracterización morfológica de una muestra etnográfica de maíz ("Zea mays" L.) raza bolita de Oaxaca

Based on the needs, interests, practices and knowledge of human populations, there has been shaped and maintained the genetic diversity of maize (Zea mays L.). Special uses of this resource have determined selection criteria for domestication, and have gained importance in the field of conservation of plant genetic resources, to be also a way of generating income to families. A special use of maize is constituted by the "tlayuda" tortilla over 30 cm in diameter and "long" shelf life; famous in Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico, using mostly grain from ball race. The objective of this work was the morphological characterization of 108 accessions of maize obtained in 17 locations from Zimatlán Districts, Ejutla and Ocotlán in Central Valleys of Oaxaca in 2011. Nine traits from the cob and grain were considered, five relations between these traits. It was applied a principal component analysis, cluster and using UPGMA grouping and as similarity measure was employed the Euclidean distance average. It was observed the formation of three major groups with preponderance of ball race accessions, but also, presence of Pepitilla and in less extent Tuxpeño. The variability found, refers to the presence of racial complexes. It is possible to suggest that the result of this study allows the discrimination or racial inclusion in the preparation of tortillas tlayuda and propose criteria for a possible designation of origin of such product and thus favor the preservation of native maize. A partir de las necesidades, intereses, prácticas y conocimientos de las poblaciones humanas, se han conformado y mantenido la diversidad genética del maíz (Zea mays L.). Los usos especiales de este recurso han determinado criterios de selección para la domesticación, y han adquirido relevancia en el campo de la conservación de los recursos fitogenéticos por ser además, una vía de generación de ingresos económicos familiares. Un uso especial del maíz lo constituye la "tlayuda", tortilla de más de 30 centímetros de diámetro y "larga" vida de anaquel; famosa en Valles Centrales de Oaxaca, México, elaborada principalmente con grano de la raza Bolita. El objetivo de este trabajo fue la caracterización morfológica de 108 accesiones de maíz obtenidas en 17 localidades de los Distritos de Zimatlán, Ocotlán y Ejutla en Valles Centrales de Oaxaca durante el año 2011. Se consideraron nueve caracteres de la mazorca y grano y cinco relaciones entre estos caracteres. Se aplicó análisis de componentes