Reveal genetic keys for the conservation of local varieties of corn in Chile

A study led by Dr. Erika Salazar from the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) revealed information on the genetic diversity of traditional varieties of choclero corn in Chile and its role in the conservation of this food.

Celeste Skewes.- Science in Chile.- Choclero corn is a type of corn present in Chile since pre-Columbian times and, due to its particular characteristics such as flavor, texture and aroma, it has an important cultural and economic value for the country. Currently, the varietal diversification of this type of corn for fresh consumption and other corn is challenged, which is why the researcher from the La Platina Agricultural Research Institute chose to study the genetic diversity of this traditional corn and the role that it can play in the improvement of crops.

Chile has a great wealth and genetic diversity in several species of agricultural importance -such as corn- as a result of the historical cultivation of farmers in areas of the country with diverse ecosystems, climates and cultures. Today the cultivation of corn faces important challenges such as: responding to the new demands of a market that seeks to return to the flavor, texture and aroma of the traditional varieties of corn -which were displaced from the agricultural process based on the use of commercial varieties-, and also the need to have seeds that can adapt to extreme conditions in a context of climate change.

“Maize breeding programs in Chile began in the 1970s. At the time, these programs were focused on achieving better corn yield and uniformity, so traditional varieties were displaced by hybrids with a limited genetic base. Despite the fact that this strategy was effective in achieving a better yield, it caused important characteristics of the choclero corn -such as its flavor, aroma and texture- to be modified, since they were entered with other types of corn, such as sweet (to look for earliness). ) and the teeth (to increase their size)”, explains Erika Salazar, PhD in Agricultural Sciences and researcher at INIA La Platina.

Given this scenario, knowing the genetic diversity that exists among the traditional varieties of choclero maize is essential, since this information represents the first step to understand its potential and take advantage of it in the breeding programs that currently exist in Chile. It is for this reason that the research focused on morphologically characterizing various accessions -representative samples- of local varieties of choclero corn to know their genetic potential.

Morphological differences: clues to understand maize genetics

The corn varieties studied are part of the material preserved in the Network of Germplasm Banks of INIA, a place destined for the preservation of the genetic diversity of species, which today reaches 45,000 accessions and varieties of agricultural importance.

The study led by Dr. Salazar studied 34 accessions -representative samples- of local varieties of choclero corn out of a total of 96 that currently make up the collection. These materials were collected in various periods starting in 1952 and from various locations between the regions of Arica and Parinacota and Los Lagos, to later be preserved in the INIA La Platina Germplasm Bank.

Through extensive characterization of phenotypic traits, the researcher identified important morphological traits present in the gene pool and a wide range of variations in both form and phenology, such as: flowering date; ear length and weight; grain size and texture, among others. These results translate into knowledge of an important source of genetic diversity that, through previous pre-breeding work, can be used by breeding programs for corn farmers.

Regarding the findings, Dr. Salazar concludes: “This research presents the first step to demonstrate the value of this corn corn germplasm, and is part of the strategies to optimize its conservation and promote its use.”

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