Seeds multiplication by participatory activity: Strengthening popcorn in situ-on farm conservation in Anchieta municipality, Southern Brazil

Abstract

This work exposes the interchange experiences of practical and traditional techniques between
the MMC/SC and NEABio/UFSC. The first part of the project ‘biochemistry evaluation
of popcorn landraces, a participatory activity of seeds multiplication’ aimed to add scientific
knowledge to farmer´s traditional one, strengthening popcorn in situ-on farm conservation in
Anchieta. This participatory activity allowed more than the material achievement for grain biochemical
analysis. It allowed the traditional, technique knowledge addition and an efficient tool
to encourage in situ-on farm popcorn conservation. The activity also emphasized the importance
of experiential exchange at the farmer’s properties, in the professional training of in plant
genetic resources students.