Phenotypic characterization of landraces popcorn conserved in situ-on farm in the Western of Santa Catarina

Abstract

Popcorn is a special type of corn and approximately a thousand of landraces are conserved in situ in rural properties (on farm) from the Western Santa Catarina (WSC). The characterization is fundamental to promote their conservation, valorization and commercial use. This study aimed at characterizing ten popcorn landraces from this region. Thus, the varieties were evaluated in Florianópolis-SC, in a complete randomized block design with four repetitions and useful plot of 4m². Morphological characteristics of plants, ears, kernels and cycle of the varieties were evaluated according to descriptors of Zea mays L. The popcorn varieties from WSC showed diversity for phenological, morphological and agronomic characteristics. Two varieties were classified as extra early, three were early, one intermediate and four were late. The varieties 880A, 977A, 574A, 2312A and 2489D were highlighted as genetic sources for important characteristics in the development of new cultivars, such as plant height, productive potential and circularity index.