Evaluation and Selection of Improved Teff (Eragrostis teff) Varieties for Their Adaptability in Western Hararge Zone

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in three districts of western Hararghe zone at Daro Lebu, Habro and Oda Bultum in 2016/2017 cropping season in order to identify and promote well adapted improved tef variety/s. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The most important data of the trial like days to50-% flowering, plant height, panicle length, maturity date, biomass harvest index and yield kg/ha were collected. The collected data was analyzed using Genstat statistical software and means were separated using least significance difference. Combined analysis of data revealed that, varieties varied significantly at (P <0.05) for grain yield kg/ha and maturity date highly significance difference at (P<0.01) for plant height and days to 50% flowering and the rest parameters were showed no significance difference. Gimbichu and Boset were the two varieties showed relatively better yield with a value of 1794 and 1789 kgha^-1 respectively. Kena, Guduru and Dega tef were the least performing varieties interms of grain yield than standard checks kuncho having a value of 1271, 1576, 1573 and 1731kgha^-1 respectively. As a whole the performance of tef varieties were under their potential due to rain fall variability during the growth period. Generally, Gimbichu and Boset were the two varieties showed better performance with their mean yield and other measured traits. Therefore, these two varieties were recommended for further evaluation on farmer’s field.

Keywords: Tef Variety, Grain yield, adaptation,