Bread Wheat Variety Adaptation for Irrigated Farming Systems of Amhara Region

Abstract

Twenty bread wheat varieties were evaluated with the objective of selecting adaptable and best performing bread wheat varieties for vertisol areas of North Gondar with the participation of farmers under irrigation condition. The trial was conducted at Dembia District of north western Ethiopia during 2011 and 2012 off seasons. Randomized complete block design was used in the two seasons. At Dembia, the combined analysis of variance over years indicated that varieties bobicho and shina gave relatively higher yield with (6223kg/ha) and (5422kg/ha) respectively. Dinknesh and KBG-01 were found to be the early to mature (124 days) whereas Digalu and Kubsa were the later type of all the varieties in both years. The spearman rank correlation analysis at both Districts showed statistically significant correlation (P<0.01) among farmers and breeders with objectively measured quantitative trait (grain yield). This result also indicated that farmers were as competent as breeders in varietal selection. Therefore, based on objectively measured traits (grain yield, days of maturity and yellow rust resistance) and farmers’ preference Bobicho and shina are recommended with their production packages for Dembia and similar areas which were under irrigation condition.