Diagnóstico de la agrobiodiversidad nativa de papa (Solanum spp.) y maíz (Zea mays l.) en 5 comunidades de la provincia de Chimborazo

Abstract

This research proposes: to diagnose the agrobiodiversity of potato (Solanum ssp) corn (Zea mays L) in 5 communities of the province of Chimborazo; with the help of a community of focal group, 11 focus groups with leaders, women and young, 6 for the cultivation of potatoes and 5 for the cultivation of corn, was had a participation of 15 people per focus group. As a result, 41 varieties of potato are recognized in the area; of these, 42% are native varieties present in the communities, 32% native varieties are lost and 26% are improved varieties. The maize materials were recognized with 10 different names, which four names belong to races of native maize (Blanco, Morocho Blanco, Negro, and Chazo) that are sown, harvested, selected and re-planted as such; the materials found correspond to materials produced by genetic contamination among the predominant breeds: only one material was reported absent in a community and the use of improved varieties was not reported. The variety of varieties present is influenced by the forms of conservation, uses, and destination of production. Recycling seeds is the most common way to maintain genetic resources; where various storage forms, characteristics of each site and family condition were detected. The production is usually destined to family consumption while a small fraction was destined for commercialization and 25% for seeds. The main uses of agrobiodiversity are related to human nutrition; in addition to animal feed. While the families where the observations were made, their main economic activity depends on the agricultural part, they keep between 12 native varieties of potato and 3 races of corn, obtained through the recycling of seeds.

Keywords: NATIVE POTATO VARIETIES - MAIZE RACE - AGROBIODIVERSITY