Comparative Evaluation of Transplanting and Sowing on Growth and Yield of Tef (<i>Eragrostis tef </i>(Zucc.)) at Jimma and Buno Bedele South Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted for four consecutive years (2013-2016) under rain-fed conditions in South Western part of Ethiopia, to evaluate the time of transplanting and direct planting of different seed rates either in row or broadcast for improving growth and yield of tef. The experiment had two time of transplanting tef seedling (at 10 and 20 ahead of planting); five tef seed rates (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 kg ha^-1) planted in rows and two tef seed rates (5 and 25 kg ha^-1) planted in broadcasting. The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Over year and locations mean results revealed that all parameters (number of tiller per plant, plant height, Panicle length, lodging percent, grain yield, aboveground biomass, straw yield and harvest index) were significantly affected by different planting methods (transplanting, row planting and broadcasting) and seed rates. Seedlings raised in nursery for 10 days ahead of planting then transplanted to plots at sowing time gave the highest number of tillers per plant, plant height, panicle length, grain yield, straw yield and above ground biomass. Whereas, the lowest seed rate 5 kg ha^-1 with both broadcasting and row planting gave the lowest grain yield, straw yield, above ground biomass and also lodging percent. Broadcast seeds at the rate of 25 kg ha^-1 gave the lowest number of tillers per plant, plant height and panicle length and gave the highest lodging percent. These results indicated as the seed rate increases the problem of lodging of tef increases. The Partial budget analysis revealed that the higher net benefit and higher marginal rate of return were obtained from drill seeds in rows of 20 cm apart at the rate of 10 kg ha^-1 and broadcast seed at rate of 25 kg ha^-1 with values of 4004% and 3351%, respectively. This is, therefore, drill seeds in rows of 20 cm apart at the rate of 10 kg ha^-1 and broadcast seed at rate of 25 kg ha^-1 can be used to high and economic yield of tef at South Western parts of Ethiopia.