Evaluation of the Adaptability and Acceptability of Improved Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties in Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

The adaptability and acceptability of two improved and one respective promising variety (45/72) of cassava was carried out in Jimma, Agaro and Gera stations during 2009/2011 cropping season. The objective of the study was to test the adaptability, acceptability of the technologies, create awareness to the farmers and evaluate the yield potential of the varieties by yield and farmers’ evaluation criteria . The pooled analysis of variance showed mean square due to varieties showed very highly significant variation (P < 0.01), root diameter(cm) and stem girth(cm) and significant variation (P< 0.05) for number of verticals/hill, canopy diameter (m), root length (cm), weight of above ground plant biomass(kg) and dry matter yield (kg/plot). Highly significant location effect on all traits, except root diameter and stem girth, shows that these traits were highly influenced by change in the environment. Based on the mean data, variability in all traits over locations were varying; ranged from 96 to 209 cm, 3-5, 102-213 cm, 23-56 cm and 1.6-2.8cm for plant height at first branch, number of verticals/hill, canopy diameter(cm), root length(cm) and stem girth(cm) respectively. This shows there exists sufficient variability to develop high yielding cassava variety for production in these districts. The pair-wise comparison of varieties by farmers showed that Variety Kello was selected at the first rank in all tested environments by its merits. Qulle took the second place after variety (Kello) in Jimma and Agaro districts and the third in Gera.