Genotypic variation, N rates and Sowing method effects on Weed dynamics and Teff yield at Laelay Maychew district, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc,) Trotter] is one of the major cereals that are cultivated on largest land than other cereals in Ethiopia. The need for its production as a stable food is increasing year after a year. Nevertheless, its productivity is low due to inappropriate use of agronomic practices and genetic factors. A field experiment was carried out during the 2020 main cropping season from July to November at Laelay Maychew district with the objectives of studying genotypic variation, N rates and sowing method effects on weed dynamics and teff yields. The treatments consisted of three improved varieties (Kora, Quncho and Boset), four nitrogen levels (0, 46, 69 and 92 kg N/ha) and two sowing methods (row planting and broadcast). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Sowing method was the main plot and combination of N rate and improved varieties as the subplot. Economic analysis showed row planting of Teff Kora variety with application 69 kg N/ha was the highest net benefit (121,014 ETB) and marginal rate of return (MRR) (454.86 %). Therefore, this variety Kora and 69 kg N/ha rate application could be economically feasible and recommended for the Hatsebo area. Results showed that sowing method, variety and N rates had significant effect (p<0.05) on most parameters evaluated. The factors had significant interaction effect on teff plant height and grain yield. Quncho variety had the tallest plant height (133.33 cm) which was planted in rows and applied with 92 kg N/ha, the highest grain yield (1887 Kg/ha) was recorded from Kora variety planted in rows and received 69 kg N/ha. Similarly, there were significant (p<0.05) differences of factors on weed dry weight. Boset variety resulted in higher (5.8 g/m2) weed dry weight while the lowest weed dry weight was observed on variety Kora (3.94 g/m2)