EVALUATION OF RELEASED TEF (ERAGROSTIS TEF [ZUCC.] TROTTER) VARIETIES AT SOUTHWESTERN PART OF ETHIOPIA

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate performance and identify high yielding stable variety for southwestern part Ethiopia recommend identified varieties large scale production. Experimental Materials: Eight nationally released tef were included in study. materials obtained from Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC). Design Trial Management: experiment conducted during 2019 main cropping season at six locations, namely: Melko, Gechi, Omonada, Kersa, Mana, Gooma weredas Southwestern Ethiopia. trial using randomized complete block design with three replications all locations under rain-fed conditions. Sowing done manually. Spacing between plots 1 m, whereas that 1.5 m total plot size 2 × m. Seed rates based on recommendation which 15 kg/ha. Result Discussion: Analysis variance revealed presence significant (P < 0.05) differences among eight traits days heading, maturity, plant height, panicle length, lodging index, above ground biomass, grain yield across locations. This indicated variation tested it is possible yielder use these Conclusion Recommendation: In general, Dagim Kora Gibe, Tesfa, Negus low yielders recommendable production used data collected only one season, may limit strength its recommendation. However, results are crucial directing breeding decision following additional evaluation same