Performance Evaluation of Desi Chickpea (<i>Cicer arietinum</i> L.) Varieties Through Participatory Variety Selection South Gonder Zone, North Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Chickpea is a multi-functional crop, has an important role in the diet of Ethiopian small-scale farmers' households, and also serves as a protein source for the rural poor who cannot afford to buy animal products. Though many improved chickpea varieties were released by different research centers depending on breeding objectives. Participatory Variety Selection was conducted during 2019/2020 in both Simada and Libokemkem districts of south Gonder Zone, Ethiopia. To assess the performance of chickpeas) varieties and to evaluate farmers' selection criteria for chickpeas. Seven desi-type chickpea varieties with one local check were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The combined Analysis of Variance for stand count at germination, stand count at harvest, days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, grain yield per hectare, and hundred seed weight showed high significant (P< 0.01) difference for genotypes and the combined analysis of variance for stand count at germination, stand count at harvest, days to flowering, plant height, number of seeds per pod, and grain yield revealed significant (P<0.01) difference for location. The study also revealed that in some cases the researchers' selection criteria were identical to farmers' preferences. These parameters include Disease reaction, Branch number, pod size, adaptability, and early maturity. Hence, including farmers' preferences in a variety selection process is paramount important. Therefore, based on attentively measured parameters, farmers' favorites, and the agro-ecologies of the site the varieties Minjar and Fetenech are selected for the area. The varieties Minjar and Fetenech should also be considered by farmers for their preference in the study area.