Aliu, S: Genetic resources of local maize populations in Kos

The white maize landraces is characterised with a long history and with higher value for different purpose. There are plants genetic resources is a number of landraces. Before 1955, maize landraces were cultivated about 100 % of the areas. However now in Kosovo accounts approximately with maize landraces only less 5%, while with hybrid are planted more 95%. The rapid decrease of landraces has caused maximum genetic erosion of maize landraces. Maize landraces as well are linked to specific adaptations to farming system and specific different agro ecological condition. Diversity and variability of maize landraces due to is favourable geographic location and agro ecological climatic conditions, because in such areas for landraces are grown representing an important cultural heritage. The maize landraces represented with higher diversity between local populations and inside between their populations also have a good value for human and animal food. Some maize landraces are also associated with the production of particular traditional products. Kosovo is small area but, with different characteristics of maize landraces and climatic conditions.