Morphological and Genetic Characterization of Local Maize Accessions from Emilia Romagna Region, Italy

Italian maize germplasm is particularly rich in local materials and each region characterized by the presence of peculiar varieties deriving from centuries adaptation, selection cultivation. While introduction hybrids, during 1950s, led to disappearing many these varieties, some have been maintained cultivation farmers, frequently marginal areas, as a kind family heritage. Local were identified throughout field surveys carried out recent years. The discovery traditional popcorn variety over most common flint semi-flint used for production polenta was interesting. Since never adequately described reported scientific literature, this study aimed solve lack knowledge on recently discovered populations. Characterization represents first step process focused preservation possible exploitation important genetic resources. Traditional are useful reservoir genes adaptation conditions climate changes. Adequate breeding programs can use such developing new more resilient varieties. These at morphological level highlighting plant, ear kernel differences. Genetic characterization, 455 individuals 10 SSR markers, revealed 62 different alleles ranging four markers phi127, phi076 phi084 nine marker p-bnlg176. landraces well distinguishable since 40% variability present among accessions. Five private heterozygosity levels generally good. findings support possibility correctly preserve through situ conservation. Phylogenetic analysis evidenced varietal clusters, clearest one formed three red-pigmented STRUCTURE that five well-defined attribution while remaining two (EMR04-Mais Rosso di Rasora EMR10-Mais del Principe Scavolino) both constituted backgrounds.