Evaluating the Performance of Tef Genotypes for Improving Yield on High Potential Areas

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter], is a staple food crop of Ethiopians that originated and diversified in Ethiopia. It has existed in Ethiopia throughout recorded history. Annually, it occupies more than 3.02 million hectares thereby ranking first among all cereals cultivated in the country. However, the national average yield of tef is low 1.8 t ha [1]. The use of unimproved local cultivars and biotic and abiotic stresses are partially attributed to the low yield of the crop. Thus, the experiment was designed to develop high yielding and desirable quality improved varieties of tef suitable for diverse agro-ecologies and farming systems together with farmer’s opinion. Twenty tef genotypes including two checks were laid out in randomized complete block design using four replications for two years (2018 and 2019) at seven locations (viz. Debre Zeit (black soil), Minjar, Adadi Mariam, Adet, Axum, Ginchi and Holeta).The combined data analysis across locations and over the years indicated that the genotypes DZ-01-974 X GA-10-3 RIL 109 and DZ-01-974 X GA-10-3 RIL 104 performed better than the two checks and other test genotypes.During participatory variety selection farmers overwhelmingly selected the very white seed varieties DZ-01-974 X GA-10-3 RIL 104, DZ-01-974 X GA-10-3 RIL 109 and DZ-01-974 X GA-10-3(RIL NO. 93) respectively. Farmers were selected the genotypes formeet their selection criteria's and market purposes, indicating that tef is a cash crop. The genotype DZ-01-974 X GA-10-3 (RIL NO. 109) and DZ-01-974 X GA-10-3 RIL 104 were very stable genotype with best performance in all tested environments, respectively.

tef; white seed colour; late mature