YELLOW PEARL POPCORN IS A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO IMPROVE MEXICAN POPCORN VARIETIES

The deacclimatization of introduced maize varieties or races (Zea mays L.) limits their use. The effects of deacclimatization on the ability to produce pollen from introduced varieties are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if the weather conditions in the High Valleys of central Mexico limit the ability to produce pollen from the North American Yellow Pearl Popcorn race for use as a male parent in popcorn breeding. Eight genotypes, including two from the Corn Belt of the United States, were evaluated in two sites. The morphological characteristics of tassel, pollen grain, ear, and viability were registered. Additionally, intervarietal and plant-to-plant crossing were used to observe the effect of pollen on the characteristics of the ears. Differences were found in the number of branches of the tassel, pollen grain diameter, ear diameter, and viability. There were no differences in ear characteristics between the types of crosses used. It was concluded that the climate conditions of the high valleys of central Mexico do affect the morphological characteristics of the race studied but do not limit their ability to produce pollen. Therefore, North American Yellow Pearl Popcorn race can be used as a pollen donor in the breeding of local popcorn varieties.