Evaluations of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties for yield and yield related traits in central zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out at Laelay maichew and Tahtay maichew districts in central zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, for two consecutive seasons (2014/2015 to 2015/2016) under rain fed conditions. The objective of the study was to evaluate and select best performing faba bean varieties. Ten faba bean varieties including the local check were evaluated in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. The data on days to maturity, plant height, number of podsplant-1and number of seed spod-1, grain yield and hundred seed weight were collected. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance using statistical analysis software (SAS). Combined analysis of variance revealed that there was no significant difference for all studied traits. However, there were significant differences among varieties for all traits in each location. The highest grain yield was recorded from Walki (1943.2 kg ha-1), followed by Hachalu (1836.70 kg ha-1). Regarding the hundred seed weight, Hachalu possessed the 4th heaviest in seed weight (g) among the ten varieties, and 2nd in seed yield next to Walki. Highly significant and positive association of grain yield with plant height and number of pods per plant were found. Based on the result obtained, Walki was the best performing variety and selected to be promoted in farmer's field in the study areas and similar agro-ecologies.