Review paper on Impact of seed rates and method of sowing on yield and yield-related traits of Teff | IJAAR

 

 

Mr. Mekonnen Gebeyaw from the institute of the Department of Plant Science, Mekdela Amba University, South Wolo, Ethiopia, wrote a review paper entitled "Review on: impact of seed rates and method of sowing on yield and yield-related traits of Teff [Eragrostis teff (Zucc.) Trotter]" 

This review paper was published by the International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research-IJAAR, under the publication of the International Network For Natural Sciences-INNSPUB, an open access scholarly research journal publishing company. Let's get some knowledge about the review paper.

 Abstract

Teff [Eragrostis teff (Zucc.) Trotter] is native to Ethiopia. Self-pollinated warm-season annual grass with the advantage of C4 photosynthetic pathway and trapezoidal 2n=40 plant/crop. Countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, South Africa, and Kenya produce teff for different purposes such as forage crops, thickeners for soups, stews, and gravies. The largest production of Teff in the world is from Ethiopia where annually, above 6,562,325 farmers grow Teff on above 2.87 million hectares, which is about 22.95% of the total cultivated land in the country. 

From the production of the total grain crops, teff contributed 16.1 % (4,471,378.7 tons) in the country. Teff can be considered as an alternative cereal crop for growers and also beneficial as an additional gluten-free source and have higher fiber content for people suffering from coeliac disease and diabetics in the world respectively. Despite these facts; the productivity of teff is still lower. The cause for the lower yield of teff is lodging, method of sowing, use of suboptimum seed rate, and fertilizer application. This review demonstrated that higher performance in grain yield, tillering, panicle length, and vegetative biomass signaling great yield potential due to row sowing than broadcast and using of optimum seed rate could be recommended for maximum teff grain and straw yield.

Introduction

Teff [Eragrostis teff (Zucc) Trotter] is a native C4 self-pollinated, chasmogamous annual warm-season grass that is used throughout Ethiopia as a grain crop for human consumption and as forage for livestock (Abraham et al., 2018). According to Vavilov (1951), Ethiopia is the geographical center of origin and diversity. The word teff is said to have most likely originated from the Amharic word "tefa" which means lost because of its small grain size which is difficult to find once it is dropped while other evidence full investigations state that it was derived from an Arabic word that, a name given to a similar wild plant used by Seimites of south Arabia during the time of food insecurity (Abraham et al., 2018). The cultivated area for teff and other cereal crops has increased proportionally over time (Fikadu, 2019). Similarly Sintayehu and Getachew, 2011 added that teff performs well above any other major crops grown under unfavorable circumstances such as low moisture conditions and is often considered as a rescue crop in strategic seasons when early planted crops such as maize suffer from moisture stress. Moreover, its ability to grow in waterlogged areas tolerates anaerobic conditions better than that of many other bowls of cereal, including maize, wheat, and sorghum, making it the preferred cereal crop among farmers. Teff is highly adapted to diverse aggro-ecological zones including conditions marginal to the production of most of the other crops (Hailu, 2001). Countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, South Africa, and Kenya produce teff for different purposes such as forage crops, thickeners for soups, stews, and gravies. Tef seeds are sown on the surface of the soil and left uncovered or sometimes covered very lightly by pulling woody tree branches over the field by oxen (Zewdu, 2008). Even if Teff grows in the USA, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, South Africa, and Kenya, the largest production of Tef in the world is from Ethiopia where annually, above 6,562,325farmers grow Tef on above 2.87 million hectares, which is about 22.95% of the total cultivated land in the country. From the production of the total grain crops, teff contributed 16.1 % (4,471,378.7 tons) in the country.

 Reed more - Research Paper of IJAAR Journal | Findings from a survey in Western Kenya to determine the soil fertility

This is due to the farmer’s indigenous farming practice and varietal selection (Teshager et al., 2016). Ethiopia, occupying about 22.6% of the cultivated land from the total area of cereals cultivated86.06% annually (Dereje et al., 2018). Although area coverage for teff continues to increase; the growth in production and productivity has been driven more by yield increases over time than area increases. This increment is due to a number of factors including relatively high market prices of teff grain and straw. In addition; teff is versatile; as it grows in a wide variety of agro-climatic conditions; including elevations from sea level to 2800 meters above sea level under a similarly wide variety of moisture; temperature; and soil conditions. Teff is a highly valued crop. For instance, it is used for making injera, which is a staple and popular food in the national diet of Ethiopia (Debebe, 2005). However, when grown as a cereal, farmers highly value its straw as a source of animal feed, especially during the dry season. Teff straw, besides being the most appreciated feed for cattle, is also used to reinforce mud and plaster the walls of tukuls and local grain storage facilities called gotta (Dereje et al., 2018). Additionally, Fikadu (2019) reported that,the sources of livestock feed in Ethiopia are grazing(61.48%); crop straw (27.71%); hay (6.35%); byproducts(0.82%); improved fodder (0.8%) and others (3.47%). This indicates that crop straws are the second most important source of animal feed in Ethiopia. Teff straw is a cereal crop straw that accounts for about 6.93% of the total quantity of cereal crop straws produced in the country. In Ethiopia, teff production is mainly practiced both in shift and permanent farming systems by natives and settlers farming communities respectively. However, its production and productivity are lower than the potential yields obtained on research stations and on-farm verification trials. One of the reasons for the low yield is ineffective sowing methods and seed rate (Abraham et al., 2018). Despite many efforts had been undertaken in recent years, the productivity of the crop is still remainsbelow1.56 tons perha -1........

This is due to the farmer’s indigenous farming practice and varietal selection (Teshager et al., 2016). Ethiopia, occupying about 22.6% of the cultivated land from the total area of cereals cultivated86.06% annually (Dereje et al., 2018). Although area coverage for teff continues to increase; the growth in production and productivity has been driven more by yield increases over time than area increases. This increment is due to a number of factors including relatively high market prices of teff grain and straw. In addition; teff is versatile; as it grows in a wide variety of agro-climatic conditions; including elevations from sea level to 2800 meters above sea level under a similarly wide variety of moisture; temperature; and soil conditions. Teff is a highly valued crop. For instance, it is used for making injera, which is a staple and popular food in the national diet of Ethiopia (Debebe, 2005). However, when grown as a cereal, farmers highly value its straw as a source of animal feed, especially during the dry season. Teff straw, besides being the most appreciated feed for cattle, is also used to reinforce mud and plaster the walls of tukuls and local grain storage facilities called gotta (Dereje et al., 2018). Additionally, Fikadu (2019) reported that,the sources of livestock feed in Ethiopia are grazing(61.48%); crop straw (27.71%); hay (6.35%); byproducts(0.82%); improved fodder (0.8%) and others (3.47%). This indicates that crop straws are the second most important source of animal feed in Ethiopia. Teff straw is a cereal crop straw that accounts for about 6.93% of the total quantity of cereal crop straws produced in the country. In Ethiopia, teff production is mainly practiced both in shift and permanent farming systems by natives and settlers farming communities respectively. However, its production and productivity are lower than the potential yields obtained on research stations and on-farm verification trials. One of the reasons for the low yield is ineffective sowing methods and seed rate (Abraham et al., 2018). Despite many efforts had been undertaken in recent years, the productivity of the crop is still remainsbelow1.56 tons perha -1........

 Check out more Int. J. Agron. Agri. Res. 17(2), 12-18. August 2020.

 Reference

Abraham Reda, Nigussie Dechassa and Kebebew Assefa. 2018. Evaluation of Seed Rates and Sowing Methods on Growth, Yield and Yield Attributes of Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] in Ada District, East Shewa, Ethiopia. American-Eurasian J. Agric. & Environ. Sci 18(1), 34-49.

Arega Abebe and Yemgnushal Filmon. 2018. Effect of Seed Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Tef (Eragrostics tef) Trotter) at Konso and Arbaminch, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Natural Sciences Research 8, 5.

Bekalu Abebe and Tenaw Workayehu. 2015. Effect of Method of Sowing on Yield and Yield Components of Tef (Eragrostis Tef (Zucc) Trotter) At Shebedino, Southern Ethiopia. Global Journal of chemistry 2, 1.

Berhe T, Zena N. 2008. Results in a trial of system of teff intensification (STI) at Debrezeit, Ethiopia. 8.

Berhe T. 2009. Recent developments in teff, Ethiopia’s most important cereal and gift of the world. CIIFAD Forum Seminar, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.

Debebe A. 2005. Performance of F4 progenies and Association among yield and yield related traits in tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc) Trotter). Alemaya University, Ethiopia.

Dereje G, Adisu T, Dimberu A. 2018. Influence of Seed Rate and Row Spacing on Growth and Yield of Tef (Eragrostis tef) Production at Assosa, Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, and Western Ethiopia. Adv Crop Sci Tech 6, 335.

DOI: 10.4172/2329-8863.1000335·

Fikadu Asmiro A.Wedu, Tsega  Derseh, Endalew D. 2019. A Review on Economics of Teff in Ethiopia. Open Acc Biostat Bioinform 2(3). OABB.000539.

DOI: 10.31031/OABB.2018.02.000539.

Guta Motuma BedaneAlosio Momo Saukuru, Doug Lloyd  eorge,  Madan  Lal Gupta. 2015. Evaluation  of teff (Eragrostis tef [Zucc.] Trotter) lines for agronomic traits in Australia, Australian journal of crop science 9(3), 242-247.

Hailu T, Seyfu K. 2001. Production and Importance of Tef in Ethiopia Agriculture. In: Hailu T, Getachew B, Marks (Eds) Tef Research and Development. Proceedings of the International Workshop on Tef Genetics and Improvement, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia pp. 3-7.

Hundera F, Bogale T, Tefera H, Assefa K, Kefyalew T. 2001. Agronomy research in tef. In: Hailu Tefera, Getachew Belay and Sorrells M (Eds) Narrowing the Rift. Tef Research and Development. Proceedings of the International Workshop on Tef Genetics and Improvement, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia pp. 167-176.

Kumela Bodena Jabesa and Thomas Abraha 2016 African Journal of Plant Science, Performance of yield attributes, yield and economics of teff (Eragrostis tef) influenced by various row spacing, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers10(10), 234-237.

Laekemarium F, Gidago G, Taye W. 2012. Participatory seeding rates evaluation on teff (Eragrotis teff (zucc) trotter) using seed spreader in Walaita, south Ethiopia; Farmers evaluation and economic analysis. Advance in life science and technology, 5, viewed on 2nd August http://www.isste.org/Journal/index.php/ALT

Morris J Houck. 2009. Technical Notes Understanding Seeding Rates, Recommended Planting Rates, and Pure Live Seed (Pls) Natural Resources Conservation Service, Alexandria, Louisiana.

Sintayehu Admas and Getachew Belay. 2011. Drought resistance traits variability in Eragrostiss tefragros pilosa recombinant inbred lines. African Journal of Agricultural Research 6(16), 3755-3761.

Teshager A, Wasu M, Kebebew A. 2016. Effect of Seed Storage and Varieties on Seed Quality of Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter]. Agri Res & Tech: Open Access 2(4), 555593. DOI: 10.19080/ARTOAJ.2016.01

Vavilov NI. 1951.  The origin, variation, immunity and breeding of cultivated plants. Chronica Bot 13, 1-351.

Wubante Negash Ahadu Menzir Mulatu Kassaye. 2017. Effect of Row Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Varieties in Gonji Kolela District, North Western Ethiopia. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare 7, 23.

Zewdu A. 2008. Simulation of Tef Seed Broadcasting Agricultural.  Engineering International: the CIGRE Journal. X