Effectiveness of Selection Methods for Improvement of Portuguese Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Since its introduction after Columbus, maize provoked a silence revolution on north and central region of Portugal, reshaping crop systems, agronomy, landscape and culture along the years. In the 1940s’ the advent of American hybrid seeds success started to contribute to genetic erosion. At NUMI (Maize Breeding Station at Braga) Silas Pêgo understood this threat and several maize collecting missions were organized. This collecting missions, paved the way for ex-situ conservation. In addition they feed in-situ/on farm and on station activities via prebreeding.(...)