Investigating the Differences in Ef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Varieties' Grain and Straw Yield and Straw Quality Attributes

Abstract

Tef, scientifically known as Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter, is a native Ethiopian grain that is good for both humans and cattle. Over the course of two years, 35 different tef varieties were cultivated in two different areas of Ethiopia, along with a control variety, to study the differences in grain and straw production as well as straw quality attributes. Acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), metabolizable energy (ME), crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and straw yield (STY) were the parameters that were examined. The interaction between the variety of tef, the cultivation environment, and ME, CP, IVOMD, and CP were considerably (P < 0.01) impacted. Compared to Holetta, a high-altitude site, for both 2016 and 2015, the GY, CP, IVOMD, and ME characteristics performed better at mid-altitude in Debre Zeit (P < 0.01). Consistently, there were positive and statistically significant relationships found between GY and STY, CP, ME, and IVOMD, and NDF, ADF, and ADL). In contrast, a negative and statistically significant correlation was found between yield and quality attributes. This research also classified variations into four groups according to the quality of their straw, grain production, and overall performance; some varieties even outperformed the average in these categories. The current tef breeding approach mostly aims at improving grain output, thus it would be beneficial to promote varieties like Melko, which have greater straw yield and quality features, for immediate use as a dual-purpose variety or as a parental line to change this.