PHOTO: SHAWN LANDERSZ FOR TRUST

Dynamic conservation: Rematriating the Giant “Jala”

GENEBANK IMPACTS BRIEF No. 5 | December 2019

Conserving landraces, promoting use HIGHLIGHTS Maize is one of the world’s most widely • In 2018, CIMMYT distributed over 10,000 samples of maize germplasm, of which 42% grown cereals and, after , the were landraces. most extensively traded. It is intricately • Jala maize, a special landrace named for the valley of its origin in Mexico, has the larg- entwined with the cultural identity est ear and tallest plant of all maize landraces in the world. Jala is endangered. of Mexico. Mexico grows at least 59 distinct major maize landraces and is • A unique project of the CIMMYT genebank seeks to promote dynamic conservation by linking ex situ to in situ efforts through an integrative and collaborative partnership with considered to be the center of domes- farmers. tication of maize. • Rematriation is the process of engaging with the community and transferring germ- The conservation of landraces is not plasm from an institution, that maintained a collection, directly to the original donors or only essential for safeguarding crop place of origin of the germplasm. diversity but also for sustainable devel- opment in rural areas. Landraces have particular agronomic and consumption generations of cultivation, adapting to certain pathogens and pests, lead- traits that contribute to food, diet changing environments. They are also ing to yield gains and improved crop and nutritional needs that reflect the an integral part of the customary rituals performance outside their areas of cultural diversity of communities. Land- of many communities. In addition, origin and current cultivation. Many races have been shaped by evolution- landraces harbor unique genetic infor- landrace varieties have proven to be ary processes and by farmers’ selec- mation that can be used for breeding resilient to agro-climatic pressures over tion and management practices over modern varieties that are resistant to the centuries. Today’s improved maize

BOX 1 The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center Genebank

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is the global leader in publicly funded maize and wheat research and related farming systems. With its headquarters near Mexico City, CIMMYT is a member of CGIAR and leads the CGIAR Research Programs on Maize and Wheat and the Excellence in Breeding

Platform. CIMMYT receives support from national governments, PHOTO: LUIS SALAZAR/CROP TRUST foundations, development banks and other public and private agencies.

CIMMYT’s maize and wheat research addresses challenges encountered by low-income farmers in the developing world including food and nutritional insecurity, environmental degradation, economic development, population growth and climate change. Therefore, CIMMYT works with hundreds of partners throughout the developing world to improve livelihoods and foster more productive, sustainable maize and wheat farming, thus improving global food wheat. In 2018, national partners released 81 unique CGIAR-derived security and reducing poverty. CIMMYT’s global seed distribution maize varieties across Africa, Asia and Latin America; 20 of the network provides 80% of the world’s breeding lines for maize and varieties are nutritionally enriched.

GENEBANK IMPACTS BRIEF . NO. 5 1 varieties and hybrids, as well as locally adapted landraces, do not always thrive in challenging environments. Neverthe- (1) less, changes in consumer and market in situ (3) and on-farm ex situ preferences, particularly with younger conservation Market conservation generations, pose challenges to main- preferences taining the diversity of maize landraces in their communities of origin. (2) Participatory breeding This study summarizes the case for a (2) dynamic approach to conserving the Evaluation maize landrace “Jala.” The dynamic Landraces and CWR conservation strategy has been co-de- Modern varieties Genetic resources veloped by the community of origin of Knowledge and info this major landrace and the CIMMYT Figure 1. Possible exchanges of genetic material between the different utilization and conserva- genebank in Mexico. We propose a tion activities. Source: Lead author based on Bellon, Pham and Jackson (1996) circular model for the conservation and utilization of plant diversity, taking the case of Jala maize rematriation in Table 1. Changes in the size of the Jala maize’s ear and are planted. Mexico as an illustrative example. Average length of Area planted Author (publication year) Jala maize ear (cm) (ha) Methods and data Holistic approaches that employ both Kempton (1924) 60 324 to 283 in situ and ex situ strategies are needed Wellhausen and Roberts (1951) 45 to 50 Not reported to address the complex social, polit- Aguilar et al. (2006) and (2006) 35 or 40 366 ical, biological and genetics issues involved in the conservation of plant Montes-Hernández, et al. (2014) 35-44 Not reported genetic resources—particularly when Current (2018) 29 119 the resources are currently cultivated by farmers. The circular model proposed by Berthaud (1997) describes how the surveys and informal talks with consum- reduction in the area planted with Jala complementarity of in situ and ex situ ers around Jala municipality and maize. Table 1 shows the ear sizes conservation methods can create a Ixtlan del Rio, and 3) semi-structured reported in different articles and how dynamic cycle in the utilization and interviews with Jala maize producers the current average size of maize ear conservation of plant genetic materials. from the towns of Jala and Jomulco. significantly decreased from 60 cm This approach combines an evolution- Findings from these interviews were in 1924 to 29 cm in 2018. Similarly, ary conservation strategy (in situ) with a complemented with a series of informal the area planted with Jala declined static conservation process (ex situ) to semi-structured interviews conducted by more than half, from about 300 generate a dynamic cycle of germ- with scientists from various maize hectares in 1924 to only 119 hectares plasm exchange were both utilization research institutions in Mexico. The in 2018. and conservation occur (Figure 1). secondary data were provided by Materials that have evolved and been CIMMYT, including a dataset collected Changes in the maize genetics and shaped by the selection practices of by Rice in 2004 and Camacho and reduction of the plant population were local communities are shared within colleagues in 2017. Lastly, articles driven by potential loss of alleles and the community and among neighbor- published in scientific journals and increased gene flows due to environ- ing communities by farmer-to-farmer documents provided by CIMMYT were mental and social factors. The former exchange. They are also made gener- reviewed. The qualitative data were refers to changes in the microclimate ally available to other potential users analyzed using descriptive summaries, and the excessive use of agricultural worldwide (i.e. farmers, researchers and content and narrative analysis. inputs (including chemicals), causing breeders) as part of the ex situ collec- soil depletion and drainage of the tion maintained by the genebank. Main findings phreatic mantle. Social factors were The risk of losing diverse crop land- associated with four phenomena. First Data for this study were gathered races and crop wild relatives became was the replacement by farmers of though systematic literature review and more evident in the 21st century and traditional maize landraces such as Jala by collection of qualitative information became a controversial topic in civil with modern varieties or other . from primary and secondary sources. society debates over the erosion of Second was changes in land use due Primary data were collected in order to plant genetic resources, local and to modernization and urbanization represent the different social groups global . Jala maize is one of cities. Third was greater education and their form of involvement in the of the major Mexican landraces that of the work force and less willingness conservation of Jala in the community. is endangered by the genetic conse- of younger generations to plant Jala We conducted 1) focus group discus- quences of diminishing areas under maize as a profession. Fourth, Jala sions with three clusters of young men cultivation. Over time, scientists have maize are now preferred less by farmers and women among (15–29 years) from observed phenotypic changes (e.g., and consumers, leading to a subopti- the Jala municipality, 2) structured smaller size of the maize ear) and a mal selection of Jala maize specimens.

2 GENEBANK IMPACTS BRIEF . NO. 5 BOX 2 The Genebank Impacts Fellowship

Having excellent mentors and the opportunity to build a network with different backgrounds and different nationalities was the most important part of my fellowship experience. Since the beginning of the program and at every step – the one-week bootcamp, the genebanks visits and the preparation of our research papers – we were guided by experienced mentors. The network building started at bootcamp when I met the other fellows and the biodiversity conservation experts. I then visited the genebanks and the stakeholders that are part of the conservation process. These experiences with multidisciplinary teams taught me that different types of knowledge are important for biodiversity conservation. Stefania with her CIAT mentors, Denise Visiting the genebanks was one of the highlights of the fellowship. I Costich and Carolina Camacho (top) and with visited two CGIAR centers – CIMMYT and – winner of Largest Ear of Maize contest (right) and learned of two crops. I learned how genebank operations differ depending on the type of crop one is working and learned that working with inter-disciplinary teams, I conserving the is equally important no matter with learned a lot while interviewing farmers what region or crop you are working with. and other stakeholders. I worked hand- in-hand with CIMMYT’s experts from My work on the CIMMYT rematriation project was particularly the creation of the questionnaires and rewarding because I had the opportunity to converse with farmers the objectives to carrying them out and and learn of their passion for the crops. That motivated me to taking the notes. continue working in the field of conservation of plant diversity. There are times when researchers focus more on the data and the The fellowship was the perfect experience to learn and apply my outcomes and forget what it is to go to the field and understand knowledge at the same time. It was a unique opportunity for my the dynamic around/behind what we are studying. In addition, to career development.

Scientists at CIMMYT are fostering a tions and relationships among the the future producers and processors rematriation process that refers to the different stakeholders is important. commercializing this landrace. Unfor- transfer of the landrace back to the tunately, our interviews suggest that community of origin and relates to the In most households we interviewed, compared to their parents, the young dynamic conservation and utilization of fathers were considered to be the generation is more driven by the traditional maize landraces in Mexico primary source of knowledge about opportunity costs of growing profitable and other countries. As viewed by the growing Jala and maintaining its maize varieties over Jala landrace. CIMMYT genebank, the rematriation genetic integrity. They have been Current producers have no expec- process is a way to build a more inte- responsible for conserving and tations that future generations will grative, collaborative, and respectful reproducing the seeds of Jala maize conserve Jala because they anticipate partnership with farmers and promote throughtout its history. Generations of young farmers to follow a more tech- in situ conservation among communi- them have been in charge of breed- nical education with an agribusiness ties that conserve agricultural biodiver- ing this maize into what we know perspective. Nonetheless, the young sity de facto. The combination of in situ today, where ancestors’ traditions people we interviewed did understand and ex situ conservation methods with and legacies are still well rooted in the socio-cultural significance of the utilization activities, such as evalua- their perspectives. Their motivation to Jala maize in their community and their tion, generates a cycle of germplasm conserve is based on intrinsic non-mar- families. exchange where both utilization and ket values over the market price. conservation occur (Figure 1). This cycle Non-market values are also perceived Maize conservation strategy depicts the rematriation process that and transmitted by women to their for farmers and genebanks CIMMYT together with other stake- husband and children. Women have The CIMMYT genebank has been lead- holders are undertaking and proposing. the power to conserve and protect the ing a project to rematriate Jala maize Jala maize and to transfer that knowl- under a dynamic conservation strategy Through this approach, genebanks edge to other household members. in which in situ and ex situ conservation can generate a positive impact in rural Women hold power in the process of methods are viewed as complementary communities not only by fostering storing and selecting the seed of Jala in a circular model. dynamic conservation strategies but maize each year. Hence, returning Jala by encouraging the exchange of ideas seeds to the place of origin will be also In this approach, the genebank returns and knowledge between the different a way to empower women. the seeds of Jala maize, which were germplasm users and stakeholders. collected and conserved ex situ Major landraces such as Jala maize are Finally, the new generation of young for more than 60 years, back to the an essential part of culture and tradi- men and women are the hope of community of origin. Yet, the goal is tions, and understanding the percep- Jala maize conservation. They will be not simply to return the seeds. The

GENEBANK IMPACTS BRIEF . NO. 5 3 Photo: Kevin Pixley/CIMMYT genebank aims to conserve the utility of the landrace by regenerating it under farmers’ conditions and also to create economic incentives with the community to promote its continued cultivation.

The process extends the social and PHOTO: NEIL PALMER/CIAT cultural values placed on Jala landrace in communities. At the same time, through this method, the landrace is secure from sudden and extreme environmental risks not encountered in ex situ conservation.

The CIMMYT genebank seeks to build a more integrative, collaborative, and respectful partnership with producers and at the same time, promote a more sustainable, replicable approach to the conservation and utilization of diverse maize varieties.

Figure 2. Maize ears and seed of the Mexican "Jala" landrace, native to the town of Jala, in the Further reading state of Nayarit. Photo credit: CIMMYT. Bellon, M., J. Pham, and M. Jackson. 1996. “Genetic Conservation: a Role for Rice Farmers.” In Plant Conservation: the de 2007 (pp. 37–47). Tuxpan, Veracruz: Suggested citation In-situ Approach edited by N. Maxted, Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Ocampo-Giraldo, Vanessa, Denise Costich, B. Ford-Lloyd and J. Hawkes. London: Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias. Carolina Camacho, Melinda Smale, Nelissa Chapman and Hall. Jamora. 2019. Dynamic conservation: Maxted, N., B.V. Ford–Lloyd and J.G. Rematriating the Giant Maize “Jala.” Berthaud, J. 1997. “Strategies for conser- Hawkes. 1997. “Complementary Conser- Genebank Impacts Brief No. 5. In Genebank vation of genetic resources in relation vation Strategies.” In Plant Conserva- Impacts Briefs Series. 2019, edited by Nelissa with their utilization.” Euphytica 96(1), tion: the In-situ Approach edited by N. Jamora, Melinda Smale and Michael Major. 1–13. Maxted, B. Ford-Lloyd and J. Hawkes, CGIAR Genebank Platform and the Crop Trust. Enjalbert, J., Dawson, S. Paillard, B. 15–39. London: Chapman and Hall. Rhoné, Y. Rousselle, M. Thomas and I. Rice, E. 2004. “Conservation and Change: Goldringer. 2011. “Dynamic Manage- A Comparison of In-Situ and Ex-Situ Acknowledgement ment of Crop Diversity: From an Exper- Conservation of Jala Maize Germplasm Funding for this research was provided imental Approach to On-farm Conser- in Mexico.” Ithaca: Cornell University. by the CGIAR Genebank Platform, vation.” Comptes Rendus Biologies CIMMYT, and the Crop Trust through the 334(5-6), 458–468. Smale, M., M.R. Bellón and J.A. Aguirre-Gomez. 2001. “Maize Diversity, 2018 Genebank Impacts Fellowship. We Hernandez-Guzman, A. 2007. Raza Jala; Variety Attributes, and Farmers’ Choices gratefully acknowledge CIMMYT staff for maíz único en el mundo y en peligro de in Southeastern Guanajuato, Mexico.” providing information and sharing their extinción. II Foro Internacional Biolóligo Economic Development and Cultural expertise. We also thank survey respon- Agropecuario. 24 al 27 de Septiembre Change 50(1), 201–225. dents for taking the time to share their knowledge and ideas with us.

Additional details can be found in the paper on which this brief is based: Ocampo-Giraldo, Vanessa, Denise Costich, Caro- lina Camacho, Melinda Smale, Nelissa Jamora. 2019. Dynamic Conservation: Rematriating the Giant Maize Jala. Genebank Working Paper No. 9. CGIAR Genebank Platform, CIMMYT and the Crop Trust.

AUTHORS

Vanessa Ocampo Giraldo Denise Costich Nelissa Jamora Genebank Impacts Fellow Centro Internacional de Maíz y Trigo Crop Trust [email protected] Carolina Camacho Melinda Smale Centro Internacional de Maíz y Trigo Michigan State University

4 GENEBANK IMPACTS BRIEF . NO. 5