Interactive effects of seed rate, sowing method, and variety on Teff (Eragrostis tef) yield, yield components, and lodging trait performance in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

Teff (Eragrostis tef) occupies close to three million hectares of agricultural land in Ethiopia, nonetheless, realized yields remain substantially below the crop’s inherent genetic yield potential. Thus, this study aimed to examine how different sowing rates and methods impacted productivity of teff varieties in Mojana Wodera Woreda. The treatments included three varieties of teff (namely, Quncho , Kora and Abolse (local variety), three sowing rates (10, 15 and 20 kg ha −1 ), and three sowing methods (15 cm and 20 cm spacing between rows and broad casting). The interaction effect of seed rate, sowing method and variety significantly affected crop growth and yield parameters (P < 0.01). The tallest plant (128.33 cm) was achieved from variety Quncho combined with 20 cm row spacing and at a seed rate of 10 kg ha –1 . Quncho sown at a rate of 10 kg ha –1 with a row spacing of 15 cm produced the maximum amount of aboveground biomass yield (10.76 t ha –1 ). Furthermore, the highest lodging index (44%) was recorded when variety Quncho was sown with a broadcasting method at the highest seed rate of 20 kg ha –1 . The main effect of seed rate, sowing method and variety significantly affected days to 50% heading (P < 0.05), panicle length and grain yield (P < 0.01). Variety Kora significantly took longer time (59.18) to reach 50% heading than variety Quncho and Abolse . Increasing row spacing to 20 cm prolong the time for 50% heading of teff varieties, while sowing teff variety at a a rate of 15 kg ha –1 also significantly increased the days to heading. Quncho produced the largest panicle length (45.14 cm) and yield (2.47 t ha –1 ) which is 15.96% higher than variety Kora and 26.67% higher than the grain yield obtained from the local Abolse variety. Furthermore, sowing teff at a row spacing of 20 cm produced the maximum panicle length (44.46 cm) and yield (2.32 t ha –1 ). As to the seed rate, thhe highest grain yield and largest panicle were when teff was seeded at 10 kg ha –1 .