Adaptation Trail of Garlic (<i>Allium sativum</i> L.) Varieties in the High Land of Eastern Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Garlic (<i>Allium sativum</i> L.) belongs to the family Alliaceae and is the second most widely used Allium next to onion. Eastern Hararghe has a considerable potential agro ecology which is suitable for garlic production. However, lack of improved and adaptable varieties of this crop is the major production constraints to study area. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2019 and 20120) during the cropping season on farmers’ land at Kombolcha and Gursum districts. The objective of the study was to identify adaptable, high yielding and diseases tolerant garlic varieties for study area and similar agro ecology. The treatments arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were consisted of five garlic varieties (Chelenko I, Kuriftu, Tsedey 92, HL and Chefe) and one local check. The result of the study showed significant differences among varieties for all the recorded traits except days to maturity. Among the varieties, Tsedey 92 provided about 54.3% and 13.3% yield advantages over the local and standard check, respectively. Also Tsedey 92 was tolerant to rust disease than other varieties and local cultivar. Therefore, for sustainable garlic production and productivity in study area Tsedey 92 was recommended and need to be demonstrated.