**5. Conclusions**

Regional genetic maize diversity was explored based on the race classification approach using selected ear and grain traits. Eight race complexes were identified that represent the maize diversity in the region of study. There are local populations with a wide and specific adaptation; for those wide adapted populations a crop improvement selection scheme was applied, whereas, on the specific adapted populations, a strategy for conservation and use could be implemented. Genetic introgression to a native population and further selection criteria has been useful to develop a novel variety JAGUAN adapted to regional environmental conditions. Genetic combinations among selected populations that represent the genetic diversity within the region have been identified as potential allele donors to improve genetic materials to mitigate the alterations associated to the climate change effect, particularly in populations adapted to highland altitudes.
