Improved Bread Wheat Varieties Research Articles

Drivers of female farmers’ adoption of improved bread wheat varieties in Emba Alaje district, Northern Ethiopia

Drivers of female farmers’ adoption of improved bread wheat varieties in Emba Alaje district, Northern Ethiopia

Farmers’ Varietal Perception towards Improved Bread Wheat Technologies in Ethiopia: an Implication for Bread Wheat Technology Development

This study was proposed to analyze farmers’ varietal perception of bread wheat. From Meket district, four kebeles were randomly selected to achieve the above objective. The study uses cross-sectional data collected from randomly selected 214 farming households through an interview schedule. Fourteen Likert items were included in two categories as advantages and disadvantages of the technology. Five-point Likert scale was used to analyze varietal perceptions. One-way ANOVA was employed for testing the overall mean differences among bread wheat technology adoption categories. In addition, the Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to analyze item relative importance. Farmers supported improved bread wheat varieties for specific attributes such as, high marketability, early maturity, better grain yield, grain color, food quality, and storability were found to be taking the average score of 4.43, 4.43, 4.33, 4.01, 3.85, 3.45, and 3.26, respectively. Whereas, improved bread wheat varieties were perceived to be unsuitable for shattering problems, straw quality, and low yield performances in poor soil types. Therefore, breeding objectives should be oriented towards improving bread wheat variety traits related to shattering and straw quality. Limitation of labor is one of the major reasons for the low adoption rate of row planting. Hence, machinery should be carried out to promote row planting of bread wheat. Moreover, the study indicates the need to entertain farmers’ perception of bread wheat technologies for creating wider adoption.

Sources of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed in northwest Ethiopia

Smallholder farmers in Ethiopia are involved in multiple seed sources to access bread wheat seed. The present study was conducted in Baso Liben district, northwest Ethiopia, with the objectives of identifying the existing seed sources, factors affecting the use of improved bread wheat seed, and assessing practitioners’ (farmers and experts) suggestions to improve the existing bread wheat seed sources. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 108 farmers and five local experts using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a line-by-line examination of the transcripts of the FGDs. Results revealed that both formal and informal seed sources are available in the study area where farmers can access bread wheat seed. 41.5% of farmers utilized farm-saved seeds from the previous cropping season. The rest was accessed from neighboring farmers (11.4%), relatives (7.5%), and formal seed suppliers (39.6%). Yield advantage, disease tolerance, market value, and food quality were found to be the most common criteria in making the decision to use improved bread wheat varieties. The study confirms that both formal and informal seed sources are important in improving seed access to farmers. Hence, the importance of informal seed sources should be well-considered in policy development. Moreover, the government and development partners need to develop a mechanism to integrate both the formal and informal seed systems to improve seed availability.

Participatory Varietal Evaluation and Grain Yield Performance of Improved Bread Wheat Varieties

The activity was conducted in Guagusa-shikudad district using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to evaluate the agronomic performance of four improved bread wheat varieties and their acceptability among local farmers. The agronomic traits such as days to 50% heading, days to 85% maturity, plant height, spike length, 1000 seed weight and grain yield were collected and subjected to a statistical analysis using SAS 9.4 statistical software. The varieties differed significantly for all traits except for their grain yield. Relatively, the highest grain yield was recorded by the variety ‘’Lemu’’ (2721kgha -1 ) followed by the varieties ‘’Ogolcho’’ (2665kgha -1 ), Wane (2649kgha -1 ) and ‘’Hidasse’’ (2342kg ha -1 ) respectively. The varieties were also qualitatively evaluated considering their resistance to disease and lodging. Farmers’ preference analysis through participatory varietal selection (PVS) approach using two different gender-based farmers discussion groups (FDG) confirmed that the varieties ‘’Lemu’’ and ‘’Wane’’ ranked 1 st and 3 rd respectively by both women and men FDG. The variety ‘’Ogolcho’’ ranked 4 th and 2 nd by men and women FDG respectively. Generally, Lemu, Ogolcho and Wane were selected by the FDGs for their better grain yield, 85% physiological maturity, better tillering capacity, strong stem, resistance to disease and lodging, better biomass yield, larger grain size, and longer spike length when compared to the standard check called Danda’a which is widely cultivated in the testing location. Therefore, based on the above result, the variety ‘’Lemu’’, ‘’Ogolcho’’ and ‘’Wane’’ are recommended to be demonstrated and disseminated in the small hold farms of Guagusa-Shikudad district and other agro-ecologically similar areas of Ethiopia. Keywords: Bread wheat varieties, Participatory varietal evaluation, Grain yield performance. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-13-02 Publication date: July 31 st 2022

Factors influencing adoption of improved bread wheat technologies in Ethiopia: empirical evidence from Meket district

This study was conducted in Meket district of Amhara National Regional State in northern Ethiopia. Cross-sectional data was used for the study, which was collected from 214 randomly selected agricultural households using a structured interview protocol. With the help of the double hurdle model, factors were identified that influence the probability of adoption and the intensity of use of improved bread wheat varieties and associated technologies in the study area. The first hurdle of the model suggests that the number of oxen in the household, cell phone ownership, the level of education of the head of the household, and access to extension services significantly influenced the likelihood of improved adoption of bread wheat varieties. The intensity of the improved adoption of bread wheat varieties was significantly linked to ownership of the main plots, participation in farm demonstrations, awareness of the shattering problems of local bread wheat varieties, and the annual income of the household. The results of this study highlight the importance of economic (such as the number of oxen) and institutional (such as access to advice) factors in relation to agricultural advice and communication, participation of farmers in farm demonstrations, wealth creation and the recognition of the farmers' perception of improved attributes of bread wheat varieties. Development interventions should aim to target such economic, institutional and psychological factors in order to promote wider adoption of improved bread wheat technologies.

Pre-extension Demonstration and Evaluation of Bread Wheat Varieties in Metta and Jarso Districts of East Hararghe Zone

The study was focused on demonstration of bread wheat technologies major wheat growing area in east Hararghe .The objectives were to evaluate and demonstrate improved bread wheat variety with their production package to the farmers and assess farmers’ feedback towards improved bread wheat technology. The activity was conducted in main cropping season 2019-2020 for two year at Jarso and Metta districts. A total of fourty (40) trial farmers were selected from two potential bread wheat growing Districts (Jarso and Metta). Four FRG having 60 farmers were established. Two improved bread wheat varieties along with local check (Senate, Liban and Local) were planted on the plot of 10mx10m per trial farmers. Yield data, economic data, farmers’ perception and preferences were collected and yield data were analyzed by using ANOVA. The results of ANOVA showed that yield of improved bread wheat showed statistically significant at 0.01% the probability level of between improved and local treatments. The yield performance of the improved varieties (Senate,Liban and local) were 36.83, 30.27 and 25.47 qt/ha at Afgug and 39.14,33.23 and 28.35 qt/ha at Dursitu Bilsuma respectively. Farmer preference of improved & local variety with improved management ranks Sennate 1 st and Liban 2 nd at both Jarso and Metta respectively. Generally, sennate with recommended package showed higher yield advantage than liban and local. Therefore senate variety it is recommended for further scaling up. Keywords: Bread Wheat, Demonstration, Senate, Liban,Metta and Jarso DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/112-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2022

Response of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties to Blended Fertilizer Rates on Quality Attributes and Economic Advantages

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) quality is an important component of the crop productivity as it improves both food security and income sources for farmers. However, its grain quality and economic yields are mainly constrained by poor soil fertility and lack of site specific fertilizer recommendation in the study area for specific variety. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in Tiyo district of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia, on farmer's field in 2018 main cropping season in response of bread wheat varieties to blended fertilizer rates on quality attributes and its economic advantages. Factorial combination of two improved bread wheat varieties (Wane and Kingbird) and seven fertilizer treatments [Control, Recommended NP (150 kg ha-1 TSP (69%P2O5 ) + 158.7 kg ha-1 Urea (73 N)), 100 kg NPSB + recommended urea (46 kg N) , 150 kg NPSB + recommended urea, 200 kg NPSB + recommended urea, 250 kg NPSB + recommended urea, 300 kg NPSB + recommended urea.] were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that grain protein content and hectoliter weight were significantly affected by the main effect of varieties and fertilizer rates with highest grain quality obtained from Wane variety at 200 kg NPSB + 100 kg Urea ha-1 , and recommended NP fertilizer application. The partial budget analysis results revealed that the application of 200 kg NPSB ha1 + 100 kg Urea ha-1 on Wane and Kingbird varieties gave maximum marginal rates of return of 992.8% and 546.3% with highest net benefits respectively. Therefore, application of NPSB at the rate of 200 kg NPSB ha-1 + 100 kg Urea ha-1 in the production of Wane and Kingbird varieties produced better bread wheat quality and economic advantages for the experimental area of wheat production.

Pre-Extension Demonstration of Improved Bread Wheat Varieties with Their Production Packages in High land Area of Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The study was basically focused on demonstration of bread wheat technologies for wider demand-driven technology diffusion in major wheat growing area in high land of eastern Amhara. The objectives were in order to evaluate and demonstrate improved bread wheat variety with their production package to the farming community and assess farmers and extension workers reaction towards improved bread wheat technology. The activity was conducted in main season 2019/2020 at Jama and Meket districts. The fact that wheat production and productivity in the region as well as in the particular study area low because farmers are using low yielding, disease and pest resistant local varieties. The improved bread wheat variety was demonstrated along with the local variety at 12 farmers' fields. Yield data, economic data, farmers’ perception and preferences were collected throughout the demonstration stages and data were analyzed by using ANOVA, partial budget analysis and preference ranking. The results of ANOVA showed that yield and yield related parameters statistically significant at the probability level of 0.01% and 0.05% among treatments. The highest mean yield was recorded from "Hibist" with improved management 2.49 ton/ha and 1.42 ton/ha at Jama and Meket districts respectively followed by local with improved management and the lowest was from local with farmers practices. Furthermore, the result of partial budget analysis show that the use of improved and local variety with recommended package more profitable with the MRR of 1.96 and 0.81 than farmer practices at Jama district and 74.26 and 9.26 at Meket district respectively. Farmer preference analysis improved & local variety with improved management ranks 1st and 2nd at Jama respectively while reverse at Meket and lastly ranks farmer practices at both districts. Generally, improved bread wheat with recommended package has higher yield advantage, financial feasibility and social acceptance than control and farmer practices, it is recommended to be scale out for further dissemination.

Evaluation of Yield and Yield-Related Trait on the Performance of Bread Wheat Varieties with their Production Package in Atarimesk and Maibar Watershed Wollo, Ethiopia

The trial had been conducted using farmer preference and analysis of variance at two locations in Atarimesk and Maibar (top, middle and downstream) watershed. It was replicated three times in each location per farmers and would provide five improved bread wheat varieties and one local variety totally of six varieties. The plot sizes of each variety were 4m*3m and the planting methods were in raw 125 kg/ ha at farmer planting time. The spacing between rows and plots will be 0.2m and 0.5m respectively. Analysis of variance over the two locations revealed that highly significant difference (0.01) over in days to heading, and grain yield, and Analysis of variance in maibar location days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, thousand seed weight, and grain yields were highly significant. In Atarimesk location days to heading and grain yields were highly significant. But days to mature, spike length, and thousand seed weight were non-significant. Variety. Tsehay and sorra took the short number of days to head and mature, these help to escape drought occurrence in eastern Amhara. As far as disease reaction is concerned, Variety Tsehaye no disease incidence in two locations. But variety sorra shows five percent incidence with less than five percent severity in one farm, only one replication. Farmers were select variety sorra and Tsehay by their own selection criteria. From the analysis of variance, Variety sorra and Tsehay 34 kg/ha and 27 kg/ha give yield advantage over the local variety respectively. Therefore, Variety Sorra and Tsehay are recommended for further production in Maibar, Atarimesk and similar agro-ecologies.

Farmers\u2019 preferred traits and perceived production constraints of bread wheat under drought-prone agro-ecologies of Ethiopia

BackgroundBread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a valuable commodity crop for local, regional and global markets. In Ethiopia, wheat ranks third after maize (Zea mays L.) and tef (Eragrostis tef Zucc.) in terms of total production, and fourth after maize, tef and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in areas of cultivation. The major wheat-producing areas are mainly found in the mid-altitude (1900 to 2300 m above sea level) and high-altitude (2300 to 2700 m above sea level) regions of the country that are regarded as high-potential environments due to their high and reliable rainfall. However, wheat is widely adapted and grows in diverse environments. It is produced mainly under rainfed condition by small-scale farmers. The country is ranked first in wheat production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) followed by South Africa, Sudan and Kenya. However, the average productivity of the crop is 2.4 tons ha–1, which is lower than the global (3.4 tons ha–1) average, which is due to low adoption of new improved varieties. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ preferred traits of bread wheat variety, factors influencing their adoption for new improved variety and perceived production constraints of wheat under drought-prone agro-ecologies of Ethiopia.MethodologyThe study was conducted in selected districts of Arsi Zone in the Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia during 2018. A multistage random sampling was employed to arrive at household level. Data were collected based on primary and secondary sources. Relationships were examined through frequency, percentages and Chi-square values within and between districts for variables considered. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) analysis was used to identify the varietal attributes that are most preferred by the farmers. Binary logistic regression model was used to determine the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of improved varieties. Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) was computed to identify the most important production constraints perceived by the farmers in the study areas.ResultsHigh grain yield was the most preferred trait as perceived by the farmers in the study areas followed by stress adaptation (drought and heat stress tolerance), disease resistance and early maturity. The binary logistic regression model showed socio-demographic characteristics, such as education had positive and significant (p < 0.01) effect on adoption of new improved bread wheat varieties. Gender and access to extension officers affected the adoption negatively and significantly (p < 0.05). Varietal attributes, such as early maturity (p < 0.01) and plant height (p < 0.05), had positive and significant effects on adoption of new improved varieties, while adaptation and baking quality had negative and significant (p < 0.05) influences on the acceptance of the new improved varieties. Moisture stress, disease (especially rust) and the high cost of fertilizers were, in order, first-, second- and third-ranked production constraints in the study areas.ConclusionsFarmers had different variety-specific trait preferences. Grain yield, rust resistance, adaptation to drought and heat stresses, and early maturity were the most farmer-preferred traits. Socio-demographic factors, such as gender, education level and access to extension officers, influenced variety adoption by the farmers. Early maturity, plant height, baking quality and stress adaptation were the major varietal characteristics contributing towards adoption of new improved bread wheat varieties. Drought stress, disease (especially rust) and the high cost of fertilizers were among the major constraints of wheat production identified by the farmers. This study can serve as a guide for future wheat breeding programmes incorporating farmer-preferred traits, including stress adaptation (drought and heat tolerance). This will enhance adoption of newly developed improved varieties and for sustainable production and food security of smallholder farmers in drought-prone areas. Future wheat improvement and extension programmes of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) should involve marginal wheat-growing environments to boost adoption of new improved varieties and the production potential of the crop.

Analysis of extension gap among improved bread wheat producer’s farmers found at Arsi Robe District of Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

This study reports the analysis of agricultural extension gap among four improved bread wheat varieties at Arsi Robe district, Arsi Zone, along with their management practices under farmers ’condition to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skill on bread wheat production.

Performance evaluation and participatory varietal selection of improved bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties, the case of Debre Elias District, Northwestern Ethiopia

Bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) is an economically important and widely grown crop in Ethiopia. It is the dominant crop grown in Debre Elias district. However, its annual productivity is very low due to biotic (diseases & pests) and abiotic factors (climate change i.e. temperature & rainfall variability), the limited use of local varieties, and more dominantly one improved variety Kekeba for repeated years. Hence, this experiment was conducted in Debre Elias district in the 2018/2019 cropping season at two Kebeles (Guay and Tijagotir) to identify farmers' preferences and selection criteria and best performing and rust disease-resistant varieties among the tasted “ten bread wheat varieties” through farmers' participation. Ten improved bread wheat varieties, including standard check, were used as treatments. The treatments were arranged in randomized completed block design with three replications for mother trial and farmers were used as replication for baby trials. Farmers' evaluation was made at flowering and maturity stages by using both direct-matrix for varieties and pair-wise ranking for traits. The analysis of variance of agronomic and rust disease traits indicated that the presence of highly significant (P < 0.01). Varieties namely; Abola (4.02 ton-ha −1 ) followed by Ogoloncho (3.89 ton-ha- 1 ) was highest yielding and immune to rust diseases than the standard check (Kekeba = 2.85 ton-ha −1 ) in the mother trial. Similarly, Abola (3.99 ton-ha −1 ) followed by Ogoloncho (3.87 ton-ha −1 ) was the highest yielding over the standard check (Kekeba = 3.18 ton-ha −1 ) and the other varieties tested in the baby trial. Accordingly, two varieties (Abola and Ogoloncho) ranked 1st and 2nd in the direct matrix scoring by farmers. Moreover, this study indicated that participatory varietal selection is a viable method to gain greater insight into farmers’ perceptions, preferences, merits, and shortcomings of bread wheat varieties. Therefore, based on the results of this study, Abola and Ogoloncho are recommended for production, multiplication as well as distribution to farmers through both formal and informal seed systems in both locations of the study area.

Determinants of adopting improved bread wheat varieties in Arsi Highland, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: A Double-Hurdle Approach

The improvement of agricultural productivity using technology is an important avenue for increasing output and reducing poverty in sub-Saharan countries. However, the low adoption of high yield varieties has been identified as one of the main reasons for low productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, the study examined the effect of demographic, socioeconomic and institutional factors affecting adoption and adoption-intensity of improved wheat varieties (IWVs), using data obtained from randomly selected farm households in the Arsi Highland of Ethiopia. We estimated a Double hurdle model to analyze the determinants of the intensity of IWVs adoption, as adoption and use intensity were two independent decisions influenced by different factors. The results also show that Double hurdle model is more appropriate than the Tobit model. Empirical estimates of the first hurdle reveal that wheat farming experience, distance to cooperatives, renting a tractor and combine harvester, Urea application, and net income from the wheat grain sale all significantly increased the likelihood of IWVs adoption. Estimates of the second hurdle revealed that the decision to use the optimal intensity of IWVs by smallholder farmers was influenced by seed availability, row planting, and distance to cooperative all significantly and positively. The intensity of adoption was also found to be negatively related to the proportion of farmland allotted for wheat production. Accordingly, policies and interventions that are informed about such factors are required to accelerate the adoption and adoption-intensity of IWVs in Ethiopia to realize a wheat Green Revolution and fight food insecurity in a sustainable manner.

Evaluating the Performance and Profitability of Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L) Varieties under Farmers Training Center at Hitosa District,Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and profitability of improved bread wheat varieties at Seruanketo kebele of Hitosa district,Arsi Zone. Along with their management practices under farmers’ Training center (FTC) field to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skill on bread wheat production performance and it profitability. The varities used to demonistrate were Four improved bread wheat varieties namely DAKA,Wane(check),Lemu &amp; Honkolo. According to the results, an average yield of 52 qt/ha, 40 qt/ha 36 qt/ha and 30qt/was harvested from DAKA,Honkolo,Wane &amp; Lemu varieties respectively. DAKA variety had a 44.4 %yield advantage over the standard check (Wane) and Honkolo had a 11.1% yield advantage over the standard check and the variety Lemu had a negative -16.6%% yield loss or below the standard check and the Autors conclude that both DAKA&amp; Honkolo varities are the first and second option for the farmers whereas the variety Lemu is not recommended due to low productivity in the study area and others areas having similar agro ecologies.Economic analysis showed that DAKA had the highest net benefit (110,647 bir/ha) followed by Honkolo(77046.75 bir/ha),Wane(66171 Bir/ha) and variety Lemu had a (50,671 Bir/ha) had the lowest net benefit. Based on the rules of decision making and the yield advantages on the bread wheat varieties the tested varieties met the requirements for recommendation, Therefore, DAKA and Honkolo varieties in addition to Wane (The standard check) were recommended for Seruanketo kebele and other areas with similar agro-ecological conditions in the South eastern districts. Keywords: Bread wheat, Pre-extension, Demonstration, Farmer Training Center (FTC) DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-12-04 Publication date: December 31 st 2020

Participatory Evaluation and Selection of Improved Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum. L) Varieties in Northern Ethiopia

Participatory variety selection trials were conducted in 2018 G.C in Laelay-maichew, Tahtay-maichew and Ahferom districts of central zone of Tigrai to evaluate the performance of improved bread wheat (Triticum aestivum. L) Variety and to assess farmers’ criteria for bread wheat variety selection. Six improved bread wheat varieties (Mekelle-1, Mekelle-2, Ogolcho, Kingbird and Hedasse) including the most popular variety ‘Kakaba’ were used for the study at eighteen farmers (six from each district). The experiment was laid out using randomized complete block design at baby trial with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among the tested varieties for most of the agronomic traits except for kernels per spike and harvest index in all the tested locations. In the preference ranking, farmers used their own traits of interest which were very important in their wheat varieties for selection. Hence, common criteria’s identified by the farmers to select the best varieties were; grain yield, biomass yield, earliness, disease resistance, spike length and seed size. Accordingly direct matrix ranking by farmers showed that Ogolcho was top ranked both at L/maichew and Ahferom followed by Kakaba, however Mekelle-1 was first ranked followed by Kakaba at T/maichew. Therefore farmers of L/maichew and Ahferom were recommended to use Ogolcho and Kakaba, whereas Mekelle-1 was recommended for T/maichew.

Performance evaluation of released bread wheat varieties at mid altitude areas of Southern Ethiopia

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most important cereal occupying a protruding position among major food crops in the world in terms of acreage and production and is an important cereal crop which is receives the most attention of specialists in plant breeding and production in the world wide in general and in Ethiopia in particular. And also a number of improved bread wheat varieties have been released by different research centres for different agro-ecology in Ethiopia. Evaluate the performance of different bread wheat varieties at diverse agro-ecology is an important for effective selection of the variety. This experiment was conducted on ten bread wheat varieties against local check (Digalu) at Meskan and Dalocha wereda with the objective of identify and recommend high performance in terms of yield, insect pest tolerant, and stable varieties. The varieties were assigned in randomized complete block design with four replication. Data were collected on six major agronomic traits. Based on the mean separation, the highest average grain yield was recorded from Hidasse and Ogolcho varieties with 5210 and 5080 kg/ha respectively. However the lowest average yield (3220kg/ha) was recorded from Digalu variety. In both locations Digalu variety provided the lowest yield due to high susceptibility for stem rust. Statistically, the variety Hidasse gave the highest number of tillers per plant and the tallest spikes length at both locations those are positive contributions to grain yield. There were significantly positive and negative correlations between traits. In this study, it is found that there is 38.19% increment of yield for using Hidasse variety (high yielder) as compared to Digalu variety (low yielder) at the study area. Therefore, farmers located at the study areas are recommended to use Hidasse variety to increase bread wheat yield.

Effects of Blended Fertilizer Rates on Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Varieties on Growth and Yield Attributes

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important food crop and source of income for farmers at Tiyo district in Eastern Arsi, Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted at Tiyo district on farmer's field in 2018 main cropping season to evaluate response of bread wheat varieties to blended (NPSB) fertilizer rates. Factorial combination of two improved bread wheat varieties (Wane and Kingbird) and eight treatments [Control, Recommended NP (150 kg ha -1 TSP (69%P 2 O 5 ) + 158.7 kg ha -1 Urea (73 N)), 100 kg NPSB (18.1N + 36.1P 2 O 5 + 6.7S + 0.71B) , 100 kg NPSB + recommended urea (46 kg N) , 150 kg NPSB + recommended urea, 200 kg NPSB + recommended urea, 250 kg NPSB + recommended urea, 300 kg NPSB + recommended urea.] were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed seedling density, plant height, and harvest index were significantly affected by the main effect of fertilizer rate. Days to heading, days to maturity, spike length, seeds per spike, thousand kernel weight and straw yield were significantly affected by the main effect of varieties and fertilizers rates. Grain yield, aboveground dry biomass and number of productive tillers were significantly affected by the interaction effect of varieties and fertilizer rates. The highest seeds per spike (53.9 ), thousand kernel weight (37.3 g), and straw yield (9071.7 kg ha -1 ) were recorded from 300 kg NPSB ha -1 application along supplementary urea. Higher grain yield was harvested from Wane (4236 kg ha -1 ) variety at 300 kg NPSB ha -1 fertilizer rate. Therefore, application of NPSB at the rate of 300 kg NPSB ha -1 in the production of Wane and 200 NPSB kg ha -1 in the production of Kingbird varieties was economically beneficial and recommended for around Kulumsa area. Keywords: Blended fertilizers; economic benefit; yield; main effect DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-15-01 Publication date : August 31 st 2019

Evaluating Agronomic Performance and Yield Stability of Improved Bread Wheat Varieties Across Low Moisture Stress Areas of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia

In Ethiopia, many low moisture stress tolerant bread wheat varieties that consistently have high yield in a variety of environments had been developed by different research centers. However, none of these cultivars are tested and selected for low moisture stressed areas of Guji Zone. As a result, the study was conducted at two mid land districts of Guji Zone (Adola and Wadera) at six testing sites (Dufa, Gobicha, Kiltu Sorsa, Chalo Sigida, Tulam and Andoya Haro) to evaluate the performance and yield stability of eight released low moisture stress tolerant bread wheat varieties in different low land areas of Guji Zone prior to varietal recommendation. Seven low moisture stress tolerant improved bread wheat varieties (Adel Werer, Amibara, Fantale, Gambo, Lucy, Mekele 01 and Mekele 02) were used as testing materials with local check (farmers variety. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated presence of highly significant differences at (P≤0.01) among the evaluated bread wheat varieties, the testing sites and GEI for most of the characters studied. Different parametric and non-parametric stability models were used to assess stability and yield performance of the evaluated varities across the testing environment. The highest grain yield (25.66qt/ha) was recorded for Mekele 02 followed by Mekele 01 (24.13qt/ha). But, low yield of 10.0qt/ha was obtained from local (control) variety. Therefore, based on the agronomic performance and yield stability analysis, variety Mekele 02 followed Mekele 01 were high yielding and comparably stable across the tested environments and then recommended for production to the study areas.

Bread Wheat Varietal Development and Release in Southeastern Highlands of Ethiopia

Four improved bread wheat varieties; Mandoyu (WORRAKATTA/PASTOR), Sanate (14F/HAR1685), Obora (UTIQUE96/FLAG-1) and Dambel (AGUILAL/3/PYN/BAU//MILAN) are developed from ICARDA materials and released in 2014 and 2015, respectively for highland and mid altitude areas of Bale and similar agro-ecologies. The new varieties were tested along with three standard checks (Madawalabu, Sofumer and Tusie) and one local check (Hollandi) at three environments in 2011 to 2012 and 2012 to 2013, respectively during main cropping seasons. The two years data of regional variety trial combined over locations and years provide the newly released varieties showed that superior in grain yield performance, stability, and wide adaptation. The four newly released varieties have good protein content, good physical grain quality, resistant to stem rust, moderately susceptible to yellow rust, moderately resistant to septoria leaf blotch and comparable for leaf rust disease with the checks. The variety Mandoyu, Sanate, Obora and Dambal have been demonstrated and are being cultivated by farmers for production purpose. Hence, the cultivation of these newly released improved bread wheat varieties in the highland and mid altitude areas of major wheat growing environments of the country is highly recommended. This new variety given local name Mandoyu, Sanate, Obora and Dambel, respectively.

Pre-extension demonstration of improved bread wheat technologies in Ginnir district of Bale zone, Southeastern Oromia, Ethiopia

Participatory on-farm demonstration of bread wheat varieties were carried out with the objectives of evaluating and selecting the best performed improved bread wheat technologies under farmers’ condition and to build farmers’ knowledge and skill of wheat production and management packages in Ginnir district of Bale Zone. A total of ten (10) participant farmers were selected from two wheat growing potential kebeles of Ginnir district to carry out the demonstration activity. One FRG/FREG having 20 member farmers was established at each kebele. Two improved bread wheat varieties (Bika and Ogolcho) were compared (demonstrated) with one standard check (Dhakaba) on plot size of 32mx32m (1024m 2 ) by using each farmer’s field as replication. All recommended agronomic practices were equally applied to all the plots and the fields were closely supervised and managed well. Participatory training was given for a total of 176 participants on important agronomic practices and disease control measures. At maturity stage of the crop, the varieties were jointly evaluated with a team composed of researchers, farmers, development agents and experts. Tillering capacity, disease tolerance, spike length, seeds per spike, plant height, seed color and size, early maturing, adaptability to their locality, uniformity, crop stand and overall yield were the selection criteria identified by the participants for selecting the best performing variety/ies. Agronomic data and yield data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics in order to evaluate the performance of the varieties. With regard to yield, 54.5 qt ha -1 , 47.5 qt ha -1 and 40 qt ha -1 were obtained from Ogolcho, Bika and Dhakaba, respectively. Besides; Ogolcho has 36.25% and 14.74% yield advantage over Bika and Dhakaba, respectively. Whereas, Bika has 18.75% yield advantage over Dhakaba. Thus, Ogolcho ranked first followed by Bika and both varieties were recommended to scale up/out in Ginnir district and other similar agro-ecologies of Bale zone.