Evaluation of Tef Varieties for Resistance to Shoot Fly (Atherigona Hyalinipennis) in Silte Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Tef (Eragrostis tef) is one of the major cereal crops and the most important staple food crop of Ethiopia, where it originated and diversified. Tef shoot fly (Atherigona hyalinipennis) is one of the major pest problems in tef growing areas, causing more than 90% of panicle damage. The aim of the study was to evaluate shoot fly damage and incidence in various tef varieties for their tolerance. Ten tef varieties, including the local variety, were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Sankura research site during the main cropping season. The results of the analysis revealed significant differences among genotypes for all tested parameters. The white head and shoot fly damage levels were higher in the Simada variety (WH = 4.11 and SDL= 1.94, respectively) than in the other varieties. The lowest number of white head and shoot fly damage levels were obtained from the Dukem (NWH = 2.11) and Bishoftu variety (SDL = 1.05). The Bora variety had a higher grain yield (GY = 3.20 kg/ha), whereas the lowest grain yield was obtained from the Simada variety (GY = 0.212 kg/ha). Tef damage (white-headed) due to tef shoot fly ranged from 1.05 to 1.94%. Thus, all the tef genotypes were grouped under the resistance category. However, the Bora variety, with low tef shoot fly infestation and higher grain yield than the other treatments, is recommended in tef growing areas of the study site.