Rapid estimation of broad sense heritability of farmer-managed maize populations in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico, and implications for improvement

A method for rapid estimation of broad senseheritability (H) was applied in farmers' maize fields in two communities inOaxaca, Mexico. Plant and ear traits were documented and H estimatescompared with narrow sense heritability (h²) from family analysis andpublished estimates. Absolute values of H estimates were larger thanh² estimates from this study and the literature. Relative ranking bytrait was the same as in the literature, though not the same as rankings ofh² estimates generated in this study. With an understanding of itslimitations, this rapid, economical estimation procedure could provideuseful initial information especially for collaborative crop improvement workbetween researchers and farmers or farming communities on-farm, a plantbreeding context for which little empirical information is available.