Variability, heritability and genetic advance in tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) cultivars

Authors

  • Hailu Tefera Seyfu Ketema Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
  • Tesfaye Tesemma Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia

Keywords:

Tef, Eragrostis tef, Variability, Heritability, Genetic advance, Selection, Improvement

Abstract

Analysis of variance for ten quantitative characters in tef plants showed significant (P<0.001) differences in each of them, indicating the existence of variability and hence the potential for improvement of the characters through breeding. Cultivars with very loose, fairly loose and semi-compact panicle forms were found to be better yielding compared with the very compact forms. Therefore, panicle form can be used as a criterion for yield selection in tef. Spikelets per main panicle, grains per main panicle, kernel weight per main panicle, productive tillers and panicle length were found to have a high genotypic coefficient of variability, high heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. This shows that effective selection for improvement of these characters is possible in tef.

How to Cite

Ketema, H. T. S., & Tesemma, T. (1990). Variability, heritability and genetic advance in tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) cultivars. Tropical Agriculture, 67(4). Retrieved from https://journals.sta.uwi.edu/ojs/index.php/ta/article/view/1825

Issue

Section

Research Papers