Agronomic behavior and environmental variation of the Raton race in Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

Landrace maize can adapt to different climatic conditions due to their phenotypic and physiological variations. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation and stability of phenotypic variation and grain yield in early-maturing native corn populations grown under rainfed conditions using agronomic and environmental variables. The evaluations were carried out in the towns of Güémez, San Isidro, and El Paraíso in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Ten populations of native corn of the Ratón variety were established. Planting took place on February 29, July 4, and July 18 under a randomized complete block experimental design with three replicates each. Fifteen vegetative and phenological traits were evaluated, grain yield was calculated, and six environmental variables and 13 soil variables were assessed. A combined analysis of variance, an analysis of additive main effects and multiplicative interaction, and a partial least squares analysis were used. The 2Rat and 10Rat populations had higher grain yields with 2 441.05 kg ha⁻¹ and 2 394.37 kg ha⁻¹, while 3Rat had an average plant height of 221.99 cm at the three sites. In female flowering, the El Paraíso location had fewer days. The 2Rat population had a higher grain yield, but this was not associated with height and days to female flowering. 1Rat was taller and less productive,