Register and Popularize of “Begna” Newly Released Durum Wheat (<i>Triticum turgidum L.</i>) Variety for Southeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Developing new durum wheat varieties with high yielding, quality, stress tolerant, uniform and stable is the most important of breeders goal. Benya is commercial name given to a newly released durum wheat variety originated from ICARDA. Twenty durum wheat genotypes were tested under regional variety trial along with two standard checks (Bulala and Dire) and with local check (Ingilize) for two successive years (2019 and 2021) across three environments namely; Sinana, Agarfa and Ginir representing Southeastern Ethiopia. Data analysis of yield showed that, Begna gave highest mean yield up to 4.94t ha^-1 compared to nineteenth test entries. Moreover, Begna showed more stable grain yield performance, standard quality, disease tolerant, uniform, high protein and gluten content, high biomass and it is early maturing variety. Farmers and others stakeholders were allowed participatory variety selection and Begna is their preferred variety in the trial. Under variety verification it was evaluated both on farmers’ field and research station along with Tasfaye standard check and Ingilize local check during 2021/2 cropping season. Finally Begna was officially released in 2022 for high and mid altitude of Southeastern Ethiopia. It is commercial variety and offers new hope for farmers in rust-prone regions.