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© 2020 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

PHENOTYPIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF IMPROVED TEF (Eragrostis tef L) 
GENOTYPES IN NORTH GONDAR   

 

 

 Melle Tilahun 
Tagele1+ 

 Tesfaye Jorgi2 

 

1Adet Agricultural Research Center/ Amhara Agricultural Research 
Institute, Ethiopia. 

 
2Gondar Agricultural Research Center/ Amhara Agricultural Research 
Institute, Ethiopia. 

 
 

 
(+ Corresponding author) 

 ABSTRACT 
 
Article History 
Received: 20 November 2019 
Revised: 30 December 2019 
Accepted: 4 February 2020 
Published: 9 March 2020  
 

Keywords 
Tef 
Variety 
Grain yield 
Adaptation 
Farmers’ preference 
Farmers’ participation. 

 
Ten improved tef varieties including the local check were evaluated with the objective 
of selecting adaptable and best performing tef varieties in North Gondar. The trial was 
conducted at Takusa and Gondar Zuria woredas of north Gondar zone of Amhara 
region during 2017 cropping season. The design was randomized complete block 
design with three replications. In Takusa, the mean grain yield of some improved 
varieties was higher than the local check. Varieties Dz-01-974 and Quncho gave the 
highest yield, (3226kg/ha) and (2944.3kg/ha) respectively. Similarly in Gondar Zuria 
woreda, some improved varieties were relatively better than the local check and variety 
Dz-01-974 and Quncho gave the highest yield (2449.3kg/ha) and (2084kg/ha) 
respectively. The yield in Gondar Zuria was relatively lower than Takusa woreda. This 
may be due to the fact that Gondar Zuria woreda is characterized by terminal moisture 
stress. Generally the combined analysis over location revealed that varieties Dz-01-974 
and Quncho gave the highest yield and no significant difference observed among 
varieties in their maturity period and relatively higher yield. Therefore Dz-01-974 and 
Quncho were recommended for their high yielding potential and farmer’s preference 
with their production packages. These two varieties were recommended for production 
in Gondar Zuria, Takusa and similar agro ecologies.  
 

Contribution/Originality: This work investigates the impact of genotype choice for climate change adaptation 

and for farmers resilient to climate variability. 

 

1. INTRODUCTION 

Tef (Eragrostis tef /zucc. /Trotter) is originated in Ethiopia and it’s diversity is in Ethiopia [1]. It is a 

staple food crop covering a large area of arable land (32% of the total cultivated land) [2]. It is adapted to 

various agro ecologies of the country. It can grow well in areas where production of other cereals is  difficult. Its 

grain provides about two-thirds of the daily dietary protein intakes of most Ethiopians [2].  

It has the ability to tolerate drought and water lodging. The resistance of tef to storage insects makes it a 

valuable crop under adverse situations. It has a multitude of uses other than its use as Ethiopians staple food 

injera. It is also used for preparation of local beverages. The straw is the most preferred feed for livestock. 

Being the first preference of Ethiopians for food, and livestock for feed, it fetches premium prices on market [3-

5].  However, the grain yield of   the current genotypes in Amhara region (900.1 kg/ha) is below the national 

average yield of tef (1700 kg/ha) on farmer fields [6].   

Current Research in Agricultural Sciences 
2020 Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 1-5. 
ISSN(e): 2312-6418 
ISSN(p): 2313-3716 
DOI: 10.18488/journal.68.2020.71.1.5 
© 2020 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4124-889X
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0493-9731
https://www.doi.org/10.18488/journal.68.2020.71.1.5


Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2020, 7(1): 1-5 

 

 
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© 2020 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Currently productivity of tef under farmers’ condition is very low. Hence, developing improved varieties 

which are relatively high yielding and early maturing than the existing local cultivars has been one of the 

priorities given due emphasis.  

Tef, Eragrostis tef /zucc. /Trotter, belonging to the grass family poaceae, is one of a significant cereal crop in 

only one country in the world-Ethiopia [2]. Its grain provides about two-thirds of the daily dietary protein intakes 

of most Ethiopians. It is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia that occupies (32%), the largest 

cultivated area under cereals and 26% of the whole area cultivated to annual field crops by covering about 2 million 

hectares of land annually [6]. Tef is adapted to environments ranging from drought stress to water logged soil 

conditions. It can be grown at altitude ranging from sea level to 3000m above sea level, with the maximum 

production occurs between1700 and 2400m.  

Even though research efforts in the last few decades developed important genotypes to develop high yielding 

varieties, its productivity and farmers accesses to these improved genotypes is limited. Development of improved 

variety and appropriate agronomic practices, and cropping systems would greatly contribute to overcoming 

production constraints and improving productivity of tef [7]. Therefore, this experiment was conducted with the 

objective of evaluating and selecting improved tef varieties for their adaptability, and to select relatively high 

yielding and early maturing varieties and increasing farmers’ awareness and their access to improved tef varieties.  

 

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS  

2.1. Area Description  

Gondar Zuria: The experiment was conducted on the farmers’ field. The trial site was located between latitude 

120 25’ 14.9’’ N and longitude 0370 36’ 18.5’’ E at an elevation of 2104 meters above sea level. It has a moist 

tropical climate and the mean monthly maximum temperature ranges from 25.3 °C to 32 °C with a mean value of 

28.5°C, while the mean monthly minimum temperature ranges from 10.6 °C to 16.1 °C with a mean of 13.6 °C. 

Based on 20 years (2005-2015) data, the total annual rainfall ranges from 641 mm to 1678 mm with an average of 

1052 mm. Farmers reported that the rainfall is decreasing year after year, unpredictable in onset and with erratic 

distribution. This nature of the rainfall is heavily influencing crop production and livestock husbandry and thus 

farmers’ livelihood.  

Takusa: The temperature was ranged from 8.2-19.160c. The trial at site was located at an elevation of 1785 

meters above sea level with latitude 12°12′N 37°03′E and longitude 12°12′N 37°03′E.  

 

2.2. Research Methodology 

Ten improved varieties namely, DZ-D1-787, DZ-D1-354, DZ-Cr-387, DZ-Cr-358, DZ-D1-99, DZ-D1-974, 

Etsub, Yilmana, Quncho and Local variety were included in the study. It was conducted in 2015. The trial was laid 

down in randomized complete block design with three replications. Each experimental plot had three meter by 

seven meter with a gross area of 21 m2. Planting was done by broadcasting at seed rate of 25 kg ha-1. Fertilizer was 

applied at the rate of 41/46 kg/ha N and P2O5 respectively. Half of the total nitrogen and total phosphorus were 

applied at the time of planting while the remaining nitrogen was applied at the time of tillering.  Breeding data 

plant height, panicle length, days to maturity and grain yield were taken from the net plot. Weeding and other 

management practices were done as required. Farmers were invited to set their selection criteria and to select best 

performing varieties based on their selection criteria. Analysis of variance was computed using the SAS statistical 

software –SAS version 2004. 

 

3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION  

In Takusa, The analysis of variance revealed that there was no significant (p<0.05) difference among varieties 

in parameters plant height and panicle length but significant difference was observed in parameters maturity date 

https://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Delgi&params=12_12_N_37_03_E_


Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2020, 7(1): 1-5 

 

 
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© 2020 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

and grain yield. Variety DZ-D1- 787 matured early (around 102 days) and variety DZ-D1-974 matured relatively 

longer period (around 109 days). Variety DZ-D1-974 is the high yielder variety than the others (3226 kg/ha) 

whereas variety DZ-D1-787 is the low yielder variety (1996 kg/ha) Table 1. This was in agreement with Assefa, et 

al. [2]. 

In Gonder Zuria, the analysis of variance revealed that there was a significant difference among varieties in all 

parameters. Variety DZ-Cr-358 is the shortest among all varieties which is not preferred to farmers due to its low 

straw and variety DZ-D1-974 is the tallest variety with relatively resistant to lodging and preferred by farmers due 

its high straw biomass. DZ-D1-974 had also the longest panicle and high grain yield. DZ-D1-787 was the earliest 

variety (around 100 days) whereas DZ-D1-974 was relatively late (112 days) compared to others. General speaking 

all varieties are relatively early maturing which fits to the current climate change. The highest grain yield was due 

to DZ-D1-974 (2449 kg/ha) and the lowest was due to DZ-D1-787(1447.3 kg/ha) Table 2.   

 
Table-1. Mean values of yield and yield related traits of improved tef varieties during 2017 main season at the vertisols of Takusa woreda 
(Mekonta kebele), North Gondar. 

Varieties Plant height (cm) Panicle length (cm) Days to maturity Grain yield (kg/ha) 

DZ-D1-974 118.5 58.7 109.0a 3226.0a 
DZ-Cr-358 107.5 57.3 102.3bc 2036.5b 
DZ-Cr-387 110.5 58.0 106.7abc 2159.0b 
DZ-D1-354 111.5 58.0 106.7abc 2241.7b 
DZ-D1-787 103.2 57.0 101.7c 1996.0b 
DZ-D1-99 110.1 57.7 106.0abc 2088.7b 

Etsub 116.7 58.3 107.7abc 2303.0b 
Local 118.5 58.3 108.3ab 2277.3b 
Quncho 111.9 58.3 107.0abc 2944.3a 
Yilmana 108.4 57.3 103.3abc 2053.0b 
Mean 111.7 46.3 106 2332.5 

CV 10.5 13.2 3.6 9.62 
Lsd 20.1 10.5 7 385 

 

 
Table-2. Mean values of yield and yield related traits of improved tef varieties during 2017 main season at the vertisols of Gondar Zuria woreda 
(Das Dinzaz kebele), North Gondar. 

Varieties Plant height (cm) Panicle length (cm) Days to maturity Grain yield (kg/ha) 

DZ-D1-974 85.7a 38.7a 110.7a 2449.3a 
DZ-Cr-358 66.3c 30.1cd 100.0c 1630.7de 
DZ-Cr-387 76.8abc 32.9abc 104.0bc 1784.3cd 
DZ-D1-354 77.0abc 34.5abc 104.0bc 1820.3cd 

DZ-D1-787 65.9c 25.4d 99.3c 1447.3e 
DZ-D1-99 71.7abc 31.6bc 102.7bc 1661.0cde 
Etsub 81.5ab 35.7abc 105.0b 2084.0b 
Local 82.2ab 36.4ab 105.0b 1891.0bc 
Quncho 77.5abc 34.7abc 105.0b 2085.3b 

Yilmana 70.5bc 30.1cd 101.7bc 1649.3cde 
Mean 75.52 33 104 1850 

CV 11.11 10.29 2.68 8.11 
Lsd 14.4 5.8 5 257 

 

 

3.1. Variety Evaluation Methods 

Two major approaches were used to deliver the varieties with their full packages and to evaluate their 

performance on the field condition. This was done by giving training and conducting field visit at different stages of 

the crop growth. Field day was organized at the vegetative growth and maturity stage of the crop to see and 

evaluate the new varieties with local variety. Similar approach was used by Bänziger, et al. [8] on maize.  

Training was given for small holder farmers and development agents on the tef production methods (including 

seed bed preparation methods, the use of appropriate seed rate, fertilizer rate and application of herbicides and 

pesticides). The trainees consisted of a total of 60 farmers (30 from each woreda), 10 development agents and 6 

subject matter specialists. Among the participant farmers 42 of them were male and 18 were female.  



Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2020, 7(1): 1-5 

 

 
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© 2020 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Field day was organized on Mekonta kebele of Takusa woreda and Das Dinzaz kebele of Gondar Zuria woreda 

on different dates so that farmers of each kebele could be able to exchange for field visit. Similar approaches were 

used by Ayalew [9]. 
 
 
Table-3. The combined mean values of yield and yield related traits of improved tef varieties in the vertisols of North Gondar combined over 
location. 

Varieties Plant height (cm) Panicle length (cm) Days to maturity Grain yield (kg/ha) 

DZ-D1-974 97.6 42.2 104.3ab 2523.2a 
DZ-Cr-358 86.9 37.8 105.2ab 1918.7cd 

DZ-Cr-387 98.1 42.6 103.3ab 1966.8bc 
DZ-D1-354 94.5 39.4 103.7ab 1910.0cd 
DZ-D1-787 92.7 37.6 107ab 1721.7cd 
DZ-D1-99 90.9 38.9 106.5ab 2084.2bc 
Etsub 96.8 42.6 106.7ab 2060.3bc 
Local 92.2 36.8 105.5ab 1869.0cd 
Quncho 96.7 41.4 103b 2696.8a 
Yilmana 89.4 37.0 102.8b 2163.5b 
Mean 93.6 39.6 104.8 2091.40 
Var*location ** ** ** ** 
CV 11.4 13.1 3.16 8.9 

 

 

3.2. Farmers’ Preference on the Varieties 

Farmers have broad knowledge base about their environment, crop behavior and cropping systems developed 

from many years of experience. They are able to examine among different treatments and generate innovation even 

though they lack control of treatment for comparison and statistical tools to test the hypothesis [8].  

Tef is the most preferred crop due to its peculiar features which make it a preferred crop among farmers [10]. 

Farmers’ selection criteria were grain yield, seed color and lodging resistance.  Based on their selection criteria, in 

both Woredas, DZ-D1-974 (for its good stand and high yield) and Quncho (for its yield and lodging resistance) 

were selected by farmers respectively. Both varieties were white seeded in color and more preferable for market.  

 

4. CONCLUSION 

Ten varieties namely, DZ-D1-787, DZ-D1-354, DZ-Cr-387, DZ-Cr-358, DZ-D1-99, DZ-D1-974, Etsub, 

Yilmana, Quncho and local variety were evaluated with the objective of selecting adaptable and best performing tef 

variety with farmers’ participation. It was carried out in two woredas (districts) (Takusa and Gondar Zuria). 

Different agronomic parameters were recorded and varieties were compared by grain yield, seed color and lodging 

resistance as evaluation criteria.  

DZ-D1-974 showed outstanding performance in both Takusa and Gonder zuria woredas in the current broad 

casting planting method. The varieties showed earliness behavior in both areas which is around 103 days and 106 

days to mature for Gonder zuria and Takusa woredas respectively. These varieties could give higher yield when 

planted in rows and transplanting and should be confirmed by research.  

 

Funding: Authors like to thank Gondar Agricultural Research Center for logistic support and 
also Amhara Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI) for financial support for this work.   
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.  
Acknowledgement: Both authors contributed equally to the conception and design of the 
study. 

 

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