Genetic potential and adaptation of native maize populations southeast of Coahuila, Mexico

Abstract

The southeast of the state of Coahuila has a high genetic diversity of maize. Knowledge of this genetic variation may be useful for plant breeding. The objectives of this research work were to determine the agronomic performance and yield potential of 63 maize populations of the southeast of Coahuila and to determine the area of adaptation and potential selection for the conditions of the southeast of Coahuila, Mexico. The agronomic evaluation of the 63 populations and seven checks included in the study (Spring-Summer 2013), was carried out in three environments: in El Mezquite, Galeana, N. L. (1910 msnm), General Cepeda, Coah. (1457 msnm), and in Jagüey de Ferniza, Saltillo, Coah. (2100 msnm). The results showed differences (P ≤ 0.01) among locations, genotypes and the genotype x location interaction for the traits evaluated. Also, among populations, checks and the populations vs checks comparison, there were differences (P ≤ 0.01) in male flowering and yield grain. The analysis of the genotype x environment interaction identified three genotype groups according to their adaptation: the first with 29 genotypes (41.43%) with adaptation to El Mezquite. The second group with adaptation to General Cepeda, with 24 genotypes (34.29%), and third group with 17 genotypes (24.28%), were considered stable across the two environments. The 38_T, 52_T, 54_T, 13_R and 40_R populations had similar yields to the best improved checks. Besides to specific adaptation of populations to locations, were identified four populations (28_CN, 27_CN, 59_TN and 56_R) with good yield potential and stable across environments. The 52_T, 54_T, 55_T, 33_EO and 35_R populations with good yield potential in high valleys; and 4_EC, 17_EC, 48_CN and 7_CN, populations, thrive well in the intermediate location.