Effects of Seed Rate and Row Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of Teff (Eragrostis tef [Zucc.] Trotter.) in Kiltu Kara Distirct of Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Teff is a major staple cereal crop in Ethiopia. However, its productivity is limited due to lack of appropriate sowing methods and utilization of improper seed rate are among the major once. Hence, a field experiment was conducted in Kiltu Kara District to determine the effects of seed rate and row spacing on yield and yield components of teff. Four levels of seed rates (10, 15, 20 and 25 kg ha-1) and three rows spacing (15, 20 and 25cm) used and combined 12 treatments in total. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement in three replications. All yield components teff were significantly affected by different row spacing except straw yields of teff. The interaction of seed rate and row spacing showed significant difference for yield and yield components of teff. Significantly higher mean values of teff were found by the interaction of 10 kg seed rate ha-1 and 25 cm row spacing. Significantly higher panicle length (36.9), number of tillers per plant (5), number of productive tillers per plant (4) of teff was recorded from interaction of 10 kg seed rate ha-1 and 25 cm row spacing. Higher dry biomass (2591 kg ha-1) and grain yields (1267 kg ha-1) of teff were recorded from interaction of 10 kg seed rate ha-1 and 25 cm row spacing. Mean of highest harvest index (49%) of teff was recorded from interaction of 10 kg seed rate ha-1 and 25cm row spacing as compared to others. Significantly higher straw yields (1488 kg ha-1) was recorded from interaction of 15kg seed rate ha-1 and 20 cm row spacing as compared to other treatment combinations. Therefore, the use of 10 kg seed rate ha-1 together with 25 cm row spacing was the optimum seed rate and row spacing and 10 kg ha-1 was profitable for the production of teff. To make definite conclusion further research for more seasons and location is required to give recommendation for the study area.