Agricultural development and maize diversity in Mexico

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Human Ecology; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00888449· OSTI ID:7109290

Brush, S B; Corrales, M B; Schmidt, E ^[1]

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1. Univ. of California, Davis (USA)

Mexico is within the center of origin of Zea mays and has among the highest levels of maize genetic diversity in the world. This diversity is traced to factors at the regional and farm levels. Loss of crop genetic diversity has been related to economic and agricultural development, although opposed views of this exist for the Mexican case. Agricultural development appears to be affecting virtually all types of farms in Mexico. A case study in Chiapas suggests that the adoption of some improved varieties has enhanced genetic diversity in maize, but one improved type competes with landraces in the most favorable land. The adoption of this improved type is associated with greater access to capital and with lower risk.

• OSTI ID: 7109290
• Journal Information: Human Ecology; (USA), Journal Name: Human Ecology; (USA) Vol. 16:3; ISSN HMECA; ISSN 0300-7839
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
AGRICULTURE
BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY
CEREALS
CULTIVATION
CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECOSYSTEMS
EXPORTS
FARMS
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
GENETIC VARIABILITY
GRASS
GROWTH
IMPORTS
INDUSTRY
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LAND REQUIREMENTS
LAND USE
LATIN AMERICA
LILIOPSIDA
MAGNOLIOPHYTA
MAIZE
MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS