Performance evaluation of Soybean (Glycine max l.) varieties in Buno Bedele and Ilu Ababor zones of South Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Soybean is becoming economical important oil crop in Ethiopia. Evaluating the adaptability of released soybean varieties in diverse agro ecology is important for efficient use of nationally released varieties in their area of adaptation and thereby increases production and productivity of soybean in the country. The experiment was conducted to identify, and recommend adaptable, high yielding, Insect pest and disease resistant released variety for Soybean producing areas of Buno Bedele and Ilu Ababor zones in south west Oromia. Seven Soybean varieties were evaluated in RCBD with three replication in Buno Bedele zone (Dabo Hana and Bedele districts) and Ilu Abba Bora zone (Darimu district) for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022 main cropping seasons). The combined analysis of variance revealed significant differences (P< 0.05) among varieties in grain yield, days to 50% flowering, days to 95% maturity, plant height and pod per plant. However, significant differences were not observed in number of seed per pod. Katta (3.14 tha-1) and Didesa (2.95 ha-1) varieties were high yielder than the rest while Jalale (1.85 ha-1) variety is the lowest yielder. In general, Katta and Didesa varieties were identified as the best varieties for yielding ability, stability and recommended in the area and with similar agro-ecologies.