Characterization of maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm of Angola

Maize, introduced in Angola by the Portuguese as early as the beginning of XVI century, found excellent conditions for its diffusion and differentiation. With the aim of initiating a classification system of the Angolan maize germplasm 99 accessions, selected as representative within the National Genebank collection, were studied for variability. The data collected on 36 morphophysiological descriptors, processed through multivariate statistical methodologies, identified 11 varietal groups characterized according to metrical parameters and to important climatic aspects of the locations of origin. The classification system herein defined will aid the definition of a core Angolan maize collection and will offer a structure within which to enter new accessions.