Evaluation and Participatory Selection of Newly Released Variety for Tef Growing Areas of Benishangul Gumuz Region

Abstract: Tef Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) r) is a panicle bearing C4 self-pollinated cereal that originated and diversified in Ethiopia. Urbanization displaces the major tef production belts of the country resulting a serious threat to this an income-generating preferred endemic grain and emerging global commodity. Tef should now expand its horizons to all suited agro-ecologies and poise the country to take advantage of the emerging global opportunities. So, the aim of the study was to evaluate the best performing improved tef variety/es and advances the outstanding and tef variety/ies via participatory variety selection to large scale demonstration by incorporating farmers’ selection criteria. To strengthen the partnership of tef growers in order to enhance adoption levels and reduce limited technology outreaching. The trial was composed of 12 newly released tef variety including one standard check and one local check. As results of combined analysis of the two year data indicated that there was high (p≤0.01) significant difference among most of the varieties at variable traits. Accordingly; 50% heading, 95% maturity, Plant height, panicle length, grain yields exhibit significant difference indicates the presence of large genetic variation among the genotypes and further improvement through simple selection is possible; whereas lodging index and shoot biomass were non-significant indicating no genetic variability between genotypes in these two traits which insures further improvement of the varieties with this traits is limited success. Thus; DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse) 1335.9 (kg/ha), Areka-1 1257.1 (kg/ha), and Quncho 1071.3 (kg/ha) revealed the highest grain yield. Farmers’ visual selection of the varieties based on grain yield, white seed color, panicle length, low loading index, and high shoot biomass and plant height was practiced. Thus; farmers’ selected DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse) 65 total scores, Quncho 52 total scores and Areka-1 39 scores respectively with rank of one to third as overall preference of the farmers. The three varieties DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse), Quncho and Areka-1 were recommended in that DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse), and Areka-1 on the yield advantage of the varieties and Quncho for the honor of farmer’s preference by common discation and similar consensus based on the results of field experiment and farmers preference.