Physiological analysis and nutritional quality of maize: a comparative study between hybrid and landraces varieties

Maize (Zea mays L.) is important for animal production systems, and the use of unimproved maize varieties has increasingly become a viable option for small farmers. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the physiological and feed potential of maize populations, as a raw material for silage production, in the mesoregion of the Alto Paranaiba, Minas Gerais (MG). We used nine varieties of unimproved maize from the Germplasm Bank at Embrapa Maize & Sorghum - BAGMilho (Sete Lagoas, MG), as follows: (milho stands for maize; crioulo, for landrace) MG 110 – Milho Amarelao, MS 043 – Crioulo, MG 083 – Milho Branco, RN 013 – Milho Metro, MG 073 – Milho Vermelhinho, MS 016 – Palha Roxa 90, MG 079 – Milho Cunha, RR 040 – Crioulo de Roraima, AC 015 – Milho Boliviano and a commercial hybrid variety of Pioneer, P4285. The hybrid maize Pioneer P4285 showed better physiological and nutritional performance. Among the accessions of the Germplasm Bank, the MG 110 – Milho Amarelao and MG 015 – Milho Boliviano were distinguished by their physiological adaptation to the Cerrado of Minas Gerais, and for showing characteristics suitable for use in the silage process for animal feed.