Decline of the maize landrace cultivation in eastern Serbia

Abstract

State of maize landraces in the eastern Serbia was assessed through a field study and interviews with farmers to determine both presence and extent of the maize landrace utilization. Results indicated that the extent of maize landraces cultivation in this region has significantly diminished during the last few decades, as well as that some maize types seem to have disappeared. The landrace cultivation was strongly related to traditional agricultural practices. Farmers claimed that the maize landraces were more resistant to unfavourable environmental conditions. Efforts to conserve the genetic diversity of maize landraces should be directed to investments into small-scale farming.