Participatory characterization of the performance of corn landraces and commercial varieties with family farmers

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the performance of landraces and commercial varieties to identify which variety is the most suitable for family farmers. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design with three replicates and 10 varieties. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were evaluated in the useful plot. The qualitative analyses were performed in the field with the participation of farmers, who scored the evaluated parameters as 1 - poor, 2 - average, 3 - good, or 4 - excellent. Quantitative analyses were performed without the participation of farmers. The data obtained (qualitative and quantitative) were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were compared by the Scott-Knott test (p<0.05). The Pontinha and Adelaide varieties had the best quality variables in the farmers’ view. In the quantitative analysis, the landrace varieties showed similar results to the commercial varieties, but the highest yields were obtained with Pontinha and Adelaide. The results of the qualitative and quantitative assessments reaffirm the importance of farmers’ knowledge of corn cultivation in the studied municipality.