Demonstration of Selected Improved Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Varieties with their Agronomic Management Practices at Ura District in Assosa Zone

Tef is a foremost staple cereal crop with substantial contribution in the GDP of Ethiopia. Tef grain is highly nutritious gluten-free as well as high quality forage. However, lack of improved tef varieties reduced the production and productivity of tef in Assosa areas. Hence, the objective of this study is to demonstrate and create awareness about the recently released improved tef varieties for target area. The three recently released improved tef varieties (Dursi, Ebba, Areka-1) and standard check Quncho variety was evaluated on plot size 10m by 10m at adjacent plots. The highest grain yield (1413.68 kg per ha) was obtained by Dursi variety while the lowest grain yield (894.24 kg per ha) was recorded by Quncho variety. The demonstrated tef varieties were Dursi, Areka-1 and Ebba had yield advantage over standard check (Quncho) variety by 36.74%, 14.33% and 9.63%, respectively. Based on selection criteria such as grain yield, plant height, panicle length, diseases resistance and seed color farmers were selected Dursi variety. Based on grain yield obtained and farmers’ selection criteria we recommended that Dursi tef variety will give better yield for target area.