Abstract

GUEVARA-HERNANDEZ, Francisco  and  MARIACA-MENDEZ, Ramón. Ethnobotanical background and current importance of local maize (Zea mays L.) races and cultivars: contributions and reflections from Chiapas, Mexico. Universidad y Sociedad [online]. 2023, vol.15, n.6, pp. 438-445.  Epub Dec 10, 2023. ISSN 2218-3620.

An analysis and reflection are made on the importance of local maize (races and cultivars) present in Chiapas, particularly from Los Altos and the Central Depression regions. Results of ethnobotanical research are analyzed and the importance of these studies for the in situ conservation of maize is highlighted. The evidence presented from the analysis of scientific references and field work, attest to the richness of the existing local maize in Chiapas; as well as the forms and current types of the species and its variability has been preserved. Emphasis is placed on the role of farmers for the creating, use and conservation of local maize through long-lasting processes of genetic improvement. It is pointed out that both genetic and environmental (GxA) and cultural (GxAxC) richness represent three of the most important pillars toward conservation and in situ improvement of plant genetic resources and their significance in the food security of rural families and society. It is concluded that ethnobotanical, ethnoagronomic, ethnoecological and ethnobiological studies are extremely necessary for the revaluation of traditional knowledge and the generation of scientific evidence about the current state of agrodiversity in Mexico and Latin America, especially in a current context of global uncertainty.

Keywords : Traditional knowledge; Ethnobotany; Maize; Farmers.