Estimating the Genetic Variance Components and Trait Association Coefficients among Improved Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Genotypes

Background and Objective: The tef is one of the most indispensible food crops in Ethiopia. Evaluating the variability is also vital to identify the best substantial traits for enhancement. The objectives of the study were: To assess the extent of genetic variability, estimate the phenotypic and genotypic variances and association coefficients for yield and yield attributed traits among the genotypes. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) genotypes were evaluated in the Awi Zone at Ayehu Guagussa District (3tu Segno FTC) in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons. A simple lattice design of 7×7 with 2 replications was used. Days to 50% seed emergence (DE), days to 50% heading (DH), days to 50% maturity (DM), plant height (PH), panicle length (PL), lodging index (LI), plant stand (Pst), leaf rust (LR), biological yield (BY) and grain yield (GY) data were recorded and used for the static analysis using SAS software. Results: Pooled ANOVA of the two years revealed a highly significant (p<0.01) difference in yield and yield attributed traits except for LR. The highest GY recorded from DZ-Cr-453 RIL120B (Bora) (2269.6 kg/ha²) followed by DZ-Cr-458 RIL18 (Ebba) (2171.8 kg/ha²) and DZ-01-3186 (Etsub) (1998.6 kg/ha²) while the lowest from local check 1006.40 kg/ha. The PCV, GCV, h² and GAM estimates observed were moderate to high for GY and BY, PH and PL. The GY showed positive significant associations (p<0.05) at the genotypic and phenotypic levels with DH, Pst and BY. DH, DM, Pst, PH and PL also exhibited positive significance with BY while LR and LI showed negative significant associations with DH, DM, PH, Pst and PL. Conclusion: This study exhibited the existence of variation in the extent of variability, heritability, genetic advance and associations in traits in the study which enable selection and hybridization for extra enhancement of essential traits in tef. Moreover in the study areas; these selected varieties could be demonstrated and promoted to farmers with their production packages to boost their production.