The diversity of local varieties of maize in Anchieta, SC, Brazil
Keywords:
Zea mays, small farm agriculture, variability, on farm conservationAbstract
The present study had as an objective to diagnose the phenotypic diversity of local varieties of maize in Anchieta, Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. For analysis of the phenotypic diversity practical complementary diagnosiswas used, such as the application of semi-structuralized questionnaires, direct observation and interviews with major participants. The cultivation of local varieties of maize with great phenotypic variability (over 22 local varieties) is frequent among the farmers (43%). Each variety presents peculiar characteristics and has denominations given by the farmers
themselves.