Registration of “Takusa” Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc) Trotter] Variety

Sewagegne Tariku; Gedefaw Misganaw; Misganaw Ferede; Atalay Fentahun; Atinkut Fentahun; Yismaw Deginetu; Sefinew Wale; Zigale Dagnaw; Awolachew Ayifokru

Sewagegne Tariku Adet Agricultural Research Center
Gedefaw Misganaw Adet Agricultural Research Center
Misganaw Ferede Adet Agricultural Research Center
Atalay Fentahun Adet Agricultural Research Center
Atinkut Fentahun Adet Agricultural Research Center
Yismaw Deginetu Agricultural Research Center
Sefinew Wale Adet Agricultural Research Center
Zigale Dagnaw Adet Agricultural Research Center
Awolachew Ayifokru Agricultural Research Center

Keywords: Genotype by environment interaction; Genotype and genotype by environment interaction biplot; Ideal genotype; Lodging tolerance; Stability

Abstract

Background: Tef is the most important staple food and it takes the largest share in annual area crop coverage in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of the crop is far below its potential. Limited availability of stable and high yielding improved varieties and wider use of low yielding farmers’ cultivars is one of the major factors constraining tef productivity.
Objective: The objective of the research was to identify and release stable and high yielding tef genotypes with desirable agronomic and morphological traits
Materials and Methods: Eighteen tef genotypes including Takusa [DZ-01-974*GA-10-3 (RIL-104)] plus the standard (Abay) and local checks were evaluated in a regional variety trial at Adet, Mota, Bichena, Takusa and Alem Ketema districts in northwestern part of Ethiopia during the 2018 and 2019 main rainy cropping seasons in a randomized complete block design.
Results: The results of the combined analysis of variance for grain yield across 10 environments revealed that the new variety, Takusa was the highest yielder among the tested genotypes. The results of genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis revealed that Takusa was the most stable and high yielding (2.4 t ha–1) genotype from among the tested genotypes. It showed 16.7% yield advantage over the standard check, Abay.
Conclusion: Takusa gained farmers’ acclaim and acceptance for its high grain and biomass yields, wider adaptation and other desirable agronomic and morphological traits such as white seed color, medium time of maturity, and moderate tolerance to lodging. Takusa tef variety was officially approved for cultivation in 2021 in Adet, Mota, Bichena, Takusa, Alem ketema and similar agro-ecologies in Ethiopia.