Abstract
Botanists and plant biologists have long asserted maize (Zea mays L.) cannot be cultivated above 3,600 masl. Multidisciplinary evidence has documented an abundance of a particular variety of maize called tunqu by indigenous Aymara speaking populations and cultivated on terraces between 3810 to 4100 masl around the Copacabana Peninsula, in the Lake Titicaca Basin, Bolivia. This is the only known maize variety in the world cultivated above 3600 masl. The Titicaca Basin was transformed by various ancient cultures and civilizations and pre-Columbian landscape modifications such as raised fields and terraces. Such modifications were primarily geared to the cultivation of food crops.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
