Evaluating the Performance of Tef (Eragrostis Tef [Zucc.] Trotter) Varieties Under Varying Rates of Blended NPSB Fertilizer in the Tembaro Area, Central Ethiopia

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] plays a crucial role in achieving food and nutritional security in Ethiopia being predominant staple food. Lack of high yielding varieties suitable to the area and inadequate site-specific blended fertilizers are the major constraints to higher tef productivity. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during 2020 main cropping season to identify high yielding variety and determine economically feasible blended NPSZnB fertilizer rate at Farmers Training Center in Ucha Kebele, Haro Limmu district. Experiment included five different NPSZnB fertilizer rates (0, 50,100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) and three Tef varieties (Negus, Tesfa and local). Treatments were factorially combined and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that thousand seed weight of Tef was significantly influenced by main effect of varieties, blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates and their interactions. Panicle length, dry biomass yield, lodging index, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of Tef were significantly (P<0.001) affected by main effect of blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates and the interactions of the two factors, while the panicle length, dry biomass yield, lodging index and grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of Tef were significantly (P<0.01; 0.05) affected by main effect of varieties respectively. Highest (118.20 cm) plant height, dry biomass yield (9. 64 t ha-1), straw yield (7.02 t ha-1), grain yield (2.62 t ha-1), thousand seed weight (0.42 t ha-1) and harvest index (27.1%) were recorded from Tesfa variety with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Similarly, the highest (7.42 t ha-1), straw yield, dry biomass yield (9.76 t ha-1), grain yield (2.34 t ha-1), thousand seed weight (0.4 g) and panicle length (44.20 cm) were recorded from Tesfa variety with application of 200 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate and the highest total number of tillers (10.1) and effective number of tillers (9.7) were recorded with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Grain yield of Tef showed increment by 91.22% with the application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 with Tesfa variety over the control. Highest net profit of ETB 83229.4 with marginal rate of return of 1553.71% was recorded from Tesfa variety with application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Therefore, farmers of the study area should use Tesfa variety based on the grain yield and net profitability benefits achieved with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 fertilizer rate to enhance Tef production and productivity.

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is one of the most important cereal crops and predominant staple food in Ethiopia. However, its productivity is constrained by a number of problems, lack of site-specific fertilizer recommendation and high yielding varieties are crucial in the study area. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during 2020 main cropping season to identify most productive variety and determine most economically feasible blended NPSZnB fertilizer rate at Farmers Training Center in Ucha Kebele, Haro Limmu district. The experiment included five different NPSZnB fertilizer rates (0, 50,100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) and three Tef varieties (Negus, Tesfa and local). The treatments were factorially combined and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Days to 50% heading, days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height and thousand seed weight of Tef were significantly influenced by main effect of varieties, blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates and their interactions. Panicle length, dry biomass yield, lodging index, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of Tef were significantly (P<0.001) affected by main effect of blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates and the interactions of the two factors, while the panicle length, dry biomass yield, lodging index and grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of Tef were significantly (P<0.01; 0.05) affected by main effect of varieties respectively. Highest (118.20 cm) plant height, dry biomass yield (9. 64 t ha-1), straw yield (7.02 t ha-1), grain yield (2.62 t ha-1), thousand seed weight (0.42 t ha-1) and harvest index (27.1%) were recorded from Tesfa variety with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Similarly, the highest (7.42 t ha-1), straw yield, dry biomass yield (9.76 t ha-1), grain yield (2.34 t ha-1), thousand seed weight (0.4 g) and panicle length (44.20 cm) were recorded from Tesfa variety with application of 200 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate and the highest total number of tillers (10.1) and effective number of tillers (9.7) were recorded with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Grain yield of Tef showed increment by 91.22 % with the application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 with Tesfa variety over the control. Highest net profit of ETB 83229.4 with marginal rate of return of 1553.71% was recorded from Tesfa variety with application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Therefore, farmers of the study area should use Tesfa variety based on the grain yield and net profitability benefits achieved with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 fertilizer rate to enhance Tef production and productivity. However, this experiment was conducted only for a single season and site, further study has to be done under different seasons and agro-ecologies to make more reliable recommendations.

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is the principal Ethiopian small grain cereal. Poor soil fertility management limits the production and productivity of tef. This study was designed to determine the optimum level of phosphorous (P) for better tef performance. The field experiment was conducted Ezha in Guraghe and Goro in South West Shewa in 2020/21. Seven levels of phosphorus (0, 23, 34.5, 46, 57.5, 69 and 80.5kg/ha) were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Quncho, a commonly cultivated tef variety was used in the experiment. Analysis of the data revealed significantly (P < 0.05) higher grain yield (2074.5 and 2149.3 kg ha -1 ) from the treatments of 69 and 80.5 P, respectively ; while, significantly (p < 0.05) lower grain yield (629.5 kg ha -1 ) was obtained from nil. To evaluate the feasibility of treatments with view of farmers’ practices, a partial budget analysis was conducted on grain yield of tef and consequently the highest marginal rate of return were obtained from fertilization of 69 and 80.5 P.. Therefore, based on the data obtained from the experiment, application of 69 P was recommended as management options for the production of high tef potential area of Ezha in Gurage and Goro in South West Shewa, Central Ethiopia. Key w ords: Tef, Phosphorus, Response and Fertilizer DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-10-01 Publication date: May 31 st 2022

Tef is a foremost staple cereal crop with substantial contribution in the GDP of Ethiopia. Tef grain is highly nutritious gluten-free as well as high quality forage. However, lack of improved tef varieties reduced the production and productivity of tef in Assosa areas. Hence, the objective of this study is to demonstrate and create awareness about the recently released improved tef varieties for target area. The three recently released improved tef varieties (Dursi, Ebba, Areka-1) and standard check Quncho variety was evaluated on plot size 10m by 10m at adjacent plots. The highest grain yield (1413.68 kg per ha) was obtained by Dursi variety while the lowest grain yield (894.24 kg per ha) was recorded by Quncho variety. The demonstrated tef varieties were Dursi, Areka-1 and Ebba had yield advantage over standard check (Quncho) variety by 36.74%, 14.33% and 9.63%, respectively. Based on selection criteria such as grain yield, plant height, panicle length, diseases resistance and seed color farmers were selected Dursi variety. Based on grain yield obtained and farmers’ selection criteria we recommended that Dursi tef variety will give better yield for target area.

Tef is a stable crop in Ethiopia in which its yield is constrained by poor soil fertility management. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years during 2016 and 2017 on clayey textural soil to assess the effect of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of tef. Accordingly, field experiment with four levels of vermicompost (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) and four levels of NPS (0, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial combination with three replications. A tef variety, qunco was used as test crop. Analysis of the data revealed that highest grain yield (2269.80 kg ha-1) was obtained from the treatment of 4 t vermicompost ha-1+150 kg NPS ha-1. Significantly highest straw yield (6480.60 kg ha-1) was obtained from the treatment of 6 t vermicompost ha-1+200 kg NPS ha-1, but statistically similar with 4 t vermicompost ha-1 +150 kg NPS ha-1. To evaluate the feasibility of the treatments with view of farmers’ practices, a partial budget analysis was conducted on straw and grain yield of tef and accordingly the highest marginal rate of return 4184% were obtained from combined fertilization of 4 t vermicompost ha-1 and 150 kg NPS ha-1. Therefore, based on the data obtained from this study application of 4 t vermicompost ha-1 and 150 kg NPS ha-1 will be recommended as profitable for the production of tef at Beles kebelle Tahtay Koraro district. Key words: Integrated nutrient management, NPS fertilizer tef yield, vermicompost.

Double-cropping of cereals with legumes is a usual practice by small-holder farmers in southern parts of Ethiopia but crop compatibility and sequencing are the major problems for their soil fertility as well as profitability. Thus, it was important to conduct research on double cropping systems that can make the farmers more profitable on small land to reduce crop failure with current climate change. Thus, an experiment was done to evaluate the effects of these crops as double cropping on the productivity of tef and to evaluate the agronomic and economic value of common bean-tef in double cropping system for an improved production system at Shashemene district during the cropping season of 2022 and 2023 using RCBD design. The experiment consisting of twelve treatments including one common bean and three N rate with three tef varieties was sowed as the preceding and succeeding crop respectively and three sole tef varieties used as a control. The preceding crop the Hawassa dume common bean variety had 8 ton/ha dry biomass and 35 Qt/ha grain yield. The variance analysis showed that all the growth and yield parameters of tef except harvest index were significant such as Plant Height, Panicle Length, Straw Yield, Biomass yield, Grain Yield (p<0.05).

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of three rows spacing, four levels of N and P2O5 fertilizer rates and their interaction on growth parameters, yield and yield components of tef during meher cropping season of 2015 at the research farm of Ambo University. Treatments were: three level of row spacing viz. 10cm, 20cm and 30cm and four levels of N and P2O5 fertilizer rates (50/50, 60/60, 70/70 and 80/80kg of N/P2O5 ha−1) with application of DAP as basal dose and Urea after 21 days of sowing. Highest growth parameters recorded were 10.9 for effective tillers for 80/80 kg N/P2O5 ha−1 with 10cm row spacing, 111cm in plant height, 37cm in panicle length at 50% flowering, 45cm in panicle length at 90% maturity for 80/80 kg N/P2O5 ha−1 with 20cm row spacing plant−1 respectively. Highest yield and yield components recorded were 3766.7 kg ha−1, 7350 kg ha−1, 11166.7 kg ha−1 and 34% in treatment of 80/80 kg N/P2O5 ha−1 with 10cm row spacing for grain yield, straw yield, biomass yield and harvest index respectively. Yield components were affected significantly by treatments with highest results observed in their interaction effects, where increments were 41.7% kg ha−1, 113.21% kg ha−1, 35.28% kgha−1 and 55.45% kg ha−1 for grain harvest index, yield, straw yield and biomass yield respectively from 80/80kg of N/P2O5 with 10cm spacing. Economic partial budget analysis shows that with 80/80 kg of N/P2O5 ha−1 fertilizer rate at 10cm row spacing resulted in maximum relative net return of ETB 50178ha−1 followed by ETB 48017 ha−1 for 70/70 kg of N/P2O5 ha−1 and ETB 38121 ha−1for 60/60 kgN/P2O5 ha−1.

Eight Tef varieties including local checks were evaluated with the objective of selecting adaptable, best performing varieties and to assess farmers’ criteria for Tef variety selection during 2008 and 2009 cropping season at Areka and Hossana stations of Areka Agricultural Research center in the Southern region of Ethiopia. In the study the Tef varieties namely Koye, Gimbichu, Quncho, Dega Tef, Keytena, Amarach and Ajora-1 were collected from the Federal and regional Research center along with local checks, Ethiopia, and Regional Agricultural Research Institute. These materials were put into trial at Areka Agricultural Research center station farms at Areka and Hossana of Wolayta and Hadiya Zones. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Each plot measured 3 m × 3 m with 1 m between plots and 1.5 m between blocks. Sowing was done within the last week of July to 1st week of August 2008 and 2009. Data on various characters, such as plant height, panicle length, days to heading, and days to maturity and grain yield. Data was subjected to analysis of variance and there was highly significant difference (p<0.01) among the varieties for grain yield and some of agronomic traits. The results for the trials indicated that there were significant yield differences between the local check and the released varieties at two stations. At Areka, the combined analysis of variance over years indicated that varieties Koye, Amarch and Quncho gave the highest grain yield viz., 988.7, 984.3 and 958.7 kg/ha respectively. Similarly, at Hosanna, varieties Gimbichu, Quncho and koye out yielded other varieties and had yield advantage of 31.9, 25.14 and 15.14% over local variety, respectively. Both combined across locations over year’s analysis and farmers’ assessments identified two varieties Quncho and Koye as potential varieties for wider production. This result also indicated that farmers were as capable as Researchers in varietal choice. Therefore, based on objectively measured traits (grain yield, days to maturity, plant height, panicle length, days to heading and farmers’ preference, Koye and Quncho are recommended for wider cultivation in Areka and Hossana areas of south Ethiopia while varieties (Amarach and Gimbichu) showed specific adaptability for Areka and Hossana areas respectively.

Tef is a small-seeded staple crop endemic to Ethiopia. However, its yield is low, constrained partly due to improper agronomic practices and lodging. Thus, during the 2019–2020 cropping season, a field experiment was carried out at Reef Tokko Taanne Hamilee in Hababo Guduru district, Western Ethiopia to examine the effects of seed rate and inter-row spacing on growth, phenology, yield, and lodging severity of tef crop. Three levels of seed rates (10, 15, and 20 kg ha−1) and three styles of row spacing (10, 15, and 20 cm) were combined in a factorial combination in a randomized block design with three replications.Tef variety called ‘Guduru’ was used as planting material. The result showed that seed rate and inter-row spacing had significant (p < 0.01) effects on all phenological and yield-related characteristics studied. Moreover, days to heading, days to maturity, grain yield and harvest index were significantly affected by the interaction effects of both seed rate and inter-row spacing. Higher days to heading (68 days) and days to maturity (127 days) were recorded at a seeding rate of 20 kg ha–1 and10 cm inter-row spacing. Tef variety (Guduru) was taller (127.2 cm) under 10 kg ha–1 seed rate as compared to a higher seed rate of 20 kg ha–1 (120.8 cm). The highest dry biomass yield (51.3 kg plot−1) was obtained from a seeding rate of 20 kg ha−1 in combination with 20 cm inter-row spacing. Besides this, the maximum mean grain yield (19.8 kg plot−1) was recorded from 20 kg ha−1seed rate and 15 cm inter-row spacing to achieve a higher yield in the study area. Furthermore, the highest straw yield (35.99 kg plot−1) was produced from the highest seed rate of 20 kg ha−1, whereas the smallest inter-row spacing (10 cm) produced the highest straw yield (33.5 kg plot−1). The maximum harvest index (56.1%) was obtained from 20 kg ha−1 seed rate and 15 cm inter-row spacing, a similar treatment combination as in the case of grain yield. 10 kg ha−1 seed rate and 20 cm inter-row spacing showed lowest lodging severity (24.1%) and (32.3%), respectively. The result suggests that sowing of tef at 20 kg ha−1 seed rate combined with 10 cm inter-row spacing which resulted in higher grain yield, straw yield and harvest index, could be recommended in the study area to achieve higher tef production.

Early cessation of precipitation, low soil moisture, light‐textured soil, and inadequate water‐holding capacity limit tef (Eragrostis tef) yields in the semiarid regions of Ethiopia. To address these challenges, this investigated the impact of water conservation methods on soil moisture retention and tef productivity. Four soil water conservation methods—ridge and furrow (RF) with tied, broad bed and furrow with tides, mulching, and traditional farmer practices and three tef varieties (Boset, Simada, and Tseday)—at two locations were evaluated. The treatments were arranged in a split‐plot design with three replications. The water retention methods were split plots by three tef varieties. Soil water conservation influenced maturity date, biomass yield, plant height, and panicle length. In contrast, the interaction effects of water conservation methods and variety only influenced heading date. The ridged and furrow treatment resulted in a grain yield of 1823 kg ha⁻¹, a biomass yield of 8406 kg ha⁻¹, and soil moisture content of 20.8% at the flag leaf stage, decreasing to 17.2% at the grain filling stage. These findings suggest that RF water conservation method can help farmers to mitigate the impact of drought on tef production.

Soil fertility decline is one of the principal factors contributing to low productivity of crops and food insecurity in Ethiopia. The information available with regards to effect of blended fertilizer type and rates on growth and yield performance of bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. ) for optimum production on loam soils of Wondo district is very limited. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted on loam soils of Wondo district Bachel Gigissa Peasant Association Farmers training center during 2018 cropping season to assess the effect of different blended fertilizer types and rates on growth, yield and yield components of bread wheat. The treatments studied consist of: control and three blended fertilizer formula NPS, NPSB, and NPSBZn each with four different rates (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha -1 ). Recommended rate of Urea (100 kg ha -1 ) was used equally for all treatments in spilt application and Danda’a variety was used as a test crop. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Soil and crop data were collected and analyzed using the SAS statistical package program version 9.4 and LSD at 5% probability level was used to establish the difference among the means. The soil result revealed that the experimental soil site texture was classified as loam. The highest (30.06 kg kg -1 ) agronomic efficiency obtained from150 kg ha -1 NPSB. The results revealed that application of blended fertilizers (NPS, NPSB and NPSBZn) delayed days to flowering, and physiological maturity by (13, 9, 10) and (15, 14 and 11) days, respectively as compared to control plot. Leaf Area Index and Straw yield were significantly (p ≤0.01 ) affected by the application of different blended fertilizer rates and significantly (p ≤0.05) by the main effect of blended fertilizer types and interaction effect. Grains per spike and grain yield were significantly (p ≤0.01 ) affected due to the main effects of blended fertilizer types and rates, they were also significantly (p ≤0.05) affected due to the interaction effect. Above ground biomass was significantly (p ≤0.01 ) affected due to main effect of blended fertilizer rates and the interaction effect however, non-significant (p &gt;0.05 ) due to blended fertilizer types. This study also revealed that, blended fertilizer types and rates significantly (p ≤0.05 ) affected DH, NFTm -2 , DPM, PH, SL and HI while TSW was significantly (p ≤0.05 ) affected only by the main effect of blended fertilizer rates. Blended fertilizers had improved Agronomic nutrient use efficiency of wheat as compared to the control treatment. The highest (6.17t ha -1 ) grain yield was obtained from 200 kg ha -1 NPSB +100 kg ha -1 urea application followed by (6.11 t ha -1 ) from150 kg ha -1 NPSB + 100 kg ha -1 urea, while minimum (1.95t ha -1 )grain yield was attained from the control treatment. However, the application of 150 kg ha -1 NPSB + 100 kg ha -1 urea had highest marginal rate of return (MRR %) and Net benefit. Therefore, it would be advisable to use blended fertilizer 150 kg ha -1 NPSB + 100 kg ha -1 , for wheat production in Wondo area. Furthermore, based on yield, net benefit and relatively low total cost of production the farmers of Wondo area also can use 100 kg ha -1 NPSB+ 100 kg ha -1 urea. However, since the experiment was conducted only for one season and one site, repeating the trial at different site as well as in the same experimental site would be important in order to draw sound recommendation. Keywords: Blended fertilizer, Grain yield, Net benefit, Nutrient use efficiency DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-13-03 Publication date: July 31 st 2022

Little is known about soil nutrient practice effects on soil moisture under cereal cropping systems. The objective of this research was to evaluate soil moisture content (SMC) response to short-term nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer rates applied on tef crop varieties and their interactions. A rain-fed fertilizer experiment using tef varieties as the test crop was conducted for two years (2012-2013) in the Chromic Cambisols of northern Ethiopia. The experimental design was laid down in randomized complete block design with three replications. Two treatment factors, namely, fertilizer (four N + P rates) and variety (three tef varieties), were tested. Soil samples were taken at different tef crop growth stages or days after sowing time (DAS) to determine SMC using the gravimetric method. Data were analyzed at a probability level of 0.05. The fertilizer treatments significantly affected the SMC determined at the different tef growth stages and cropping seasons. The highest SMC was determined at 33 DAS (51 m3·m−3), but SMC decreased with increasing fertilizer rates. A higher SMC response to local tef variety than improved variety was found across all the growth stages and cropping seasons. There were also significant differences in SMC among the treatment interactions determined at the different growth stages and across the years. The paired mean differences in SMC due to the treatments between the two years were strongly correlated (r &gt; 0.90, P=0.001). For SMC response being effective to fertilizer and its interaction effect with variety, it is suggested that soil management practices that improve moisture such as organic sources should be integrated with the inorganic fertilizer in the conditions of Chromic Cambisols in northern Ethiopia.

Tef is one of the major crops grown at Abashgie District, Southern Regional State; however, its productivity is low due to lack of balanced nutrient. An experiment was conducted in Guragie Zone, Abashgie District on farmers’ field in 2018/-2019 G.C cropping seasons, to evaluate different blended fertilizer types and rates on yield and yield components of Tef. The Tef variety “Boset” was tested at three types of different blended fertilizers that have three rates per each blend, that is NPSB (150,200 and 250) kg ha-1, NPSZnB (160, 213 &amp; 267) kg ha-1 and NPSZnBFe (160,213 &amp; 267) kg ha-1 adjusted with different rate of urea. The experiment consisted of ten treatments including control and arranged in RCBD with three replications. Results showed a significant response to all tested growth and yield parameters. The highest grain yield (2660 kgha-1) was obtained from application of Treatment 10 (267 kg NPSZnB+ 152 kg urea ha-1 +Fe) which is not statistically different from Treatment 9 (213 kg NPSZnB + 122 kg urea ha-1) + Fe) and Treatment 7 (213 kg NPSZnB + 122 kg urea ha-1) which gave (2470 kgha-1) and (2500 kgha-1) respectively. The lowest grain yield (480 kg ha-1) was obtained from control. According to economic analysis results, seven treatments were selected as dominant over others and treatment 9 (213 kg NPSZnB + 122 kg urea ha-1 + Fe) showed low cost, good net benefit and acceptable MRR which is better compared to others. Therefore, based on the results, application of treatment 9 (213 kg NPSZnB + 122 kg urea ha-1 + Fe) was recommended for better production of tef at Abashgie District.

Tef is a gluten‐free cereal grain that provides a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, high in fiber and minerals, especially iron and calcium. Tef is becoming a popular health food worldwide due to its consumption, which can help manage celiac disease and possibly prevent and control iron deficiency and diabetes. The study’s objective was to verify the best‐performing tef varieties in different environments using a multivariate analysis. The trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times in three environments using 12 improved tef varieties. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis indicated that grain yield and other agronomic traits differed significantly (p &lt; 0.001) among the tef varieties. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) ANOVA showed that the grain yield was attributed to the genotypes (G) (27.44%), environments (E) (59.84%), and genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GEI) (12.72%) of the total variation. The result also showed that grain yield was influenced by interactions between variety and environment. Accordingly, Negus and Dagem varieties performed best at Goro, while Washera and Ebba varieties were yielded high at Wolkite, and whereas, Mena variety was best at Emedeber, showing location specific adaptability. Most stability procedures are recommended with the varieties Washera, Negus, and Ebba for high grain yield and wider adaptability. In summary, Washera and Negus varieties were the top performing tef varieties across all testing locations, while Felagot had the lowest yield. Tef production can be enhanced by growing these identified varieties in their suitable production areas. With further demonstrations, these varieties can be used for scaled up for large scale cultivation to improve yield and support food security.

Tef is the most important and wider adaptable cereal crop in Ethiopia. The most limiting tef productions are low yielding cultivars, biotic such as pest and diseases and abiotic such as drought, fertility depletion and inappropriate agronomic practice and difficulty nature of tef for mechanization. The objective of the study was to evaluate the adaptability of early maturing tef varieties. Tef varieties were evaluated for their earliness and adaptability at three locations and over two years. The trial included 8 varieties and one local check with the design of RCBD in three replications. The analysis of variance showed that there was significant difference (P&lt;-0.001) between genotypes and locations for the days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, panicle length, grain yield and (P&lt;-0.05) for biomass yield. However, it does not provide evidence for interaction between the varieties and locations on all traits except for days to maturity. Simada was early maturing and well performing, following Boset. Therefore, cultivation of both varieties enhances the production of tef in the study areas and similar agro-ecologies. Allocation of varieties to their niche might increase the productivity of tef. In general, evaluation tef varieties in the right place and development of target variety for earliness and yield performance increase production in the region as well as the nation. Further work needed breeding to develop drought tolerant and higher yielding.