Resumen

ORTIZ-TORRES, Enrique et al. Yield and quality of tender maize from native maize populations of Tehuacán, Puebla. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2013, vol.19, n.2, pp.225-238. ISSN 2007-4034.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchsh.2012.02.006.

In the state of Puebla, Tehuacán is the most important region in the production of tender maize (Zea mays L.) sold on the cob. The varieties used are mainly native populations, whose potential for production and quality are unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate agronomically a set of native maize populations collected in Tehuacán to determine their variation in tender maize yield and quality. In 2009, 100 irrigated varieties were evaluated in three locations; of these 95 were collected in the Tehuacán area. The remaining five were two improved varieties and three control races: Bolita, Celaya and Pepitilla. Twenty variables were measured on plant and ear. The results of the combined analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) among varieties, except one, indicating presence of diversity for the characteristics measured among the native maize under study. In tender maize yield, the group of 16 native populations was outstanding (P ≤ 0.05). The local variety TEH77 had the highest number of desirable traits for yield and quality of tender maize ears: average yield 9,576 kg·ha^-1, 11,3 °Brix, 13.7 cm ear length, 5.5 cm ear width and 39.7 grains per row. This variety surpassed the best commercial hybrid 'AS900' by 52, 23, 30, 33 and 47 % in yield kg·ha^-1, total soluble solids content (°Brix), ear length and diameter (cm), number of rows and grains per row, respectively.

Palabras llave : Zea mays L.; soluble solids; irrigated corn; ear size.