Participatory selection and performance of improved teff [ <i>Eragrostis tef</i> (Zuccagni) Trotter] varieties in East Gojjam, Ethiopia

Abstract Participatory variety selection (PVS) offers a practical alternative to researcher‐led breeding by directly involving farmers in evaluating and selecting crop varieties that meet their production needs and local conditions. This study assessed the agronomic performance and farmer preferences for eight released teff varieties and one standard check during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons in Shebel Berenta and Dejen districts of the East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. Mother‐and‐baby trials were established using a randomized complete block design at Farmer Training Centers. Significant variation was observed among varieties across years and locations. Boset produced the highest grain yield in Shebel Berenta (3285 kg/ha), yielding 21.00% more than the standard check, Quncho, while in Dejen, it produced 2256 kg/ha, a 26.80% advantage over the standard check. Farmers identified grain yield, panicle length, and tillering ability as the most important selection criteria. Boset was the top‐preferred variety in both locations, followed by Dagem and Quncho in Shebel Berenta, and Felagot and Quncho in Dejen. The findings demonstrate the practical value of PVS in generating varieties that align with farmers’ priorities, thereby enhancing the likelihood of adoption and ensuring better matching between breeding objectives and local agronomic and market needs.