On-farm evaluation of promising food barley cultivars in north and NW Shewa zones

To address diverse barley growing environments and assess farmers' opinion, Researcher Managed and Farmer Implemented (RMFI) cultivar trials were conducted from 1997 to 1999. To this end, three on-farm trials consisting of 5 varieties in 1997, 6 varieties in 1998 and 3 exotic varieties in 1999were grown and compared with two improved (Shege and HB 42) and local checks at Wolmera (West shewa) and Degem (NW Shewa). The varieties in each trial were studied under two fertilizer levels (0/0 and 41/46, N/P subscript of 2 O subscript of 5, kg/ha in 1997 and 1998 and 21/23, N/P subscript of 2 O subscript of 5, kg/ha and 41/46, N/P subscript of 2 O subscript of 5, kg/ha in 1999) in a split-plotdesign. Fertilizers had a significant effect on grain yield performance in 1997 and 1998 but not in 1999, indicating that absence of clear difference between 21/23, N/P subscript of 2 O subscript of 5, kg/ha and 41/46, N/P subscript of 2 O subscript of 5, kg/ha fertilizer levels used in 1999. Varieties tested in 1997 at Wolmera and 1998 at Wolmera and Degem showed significant difference for grain yield performance (P 0.05). At Wolmera, four varieties (3369 bulk), 3369-19, 3293-2 and 3293-6) gave significantly superior grain yield over one or more checks used for comparison in 1997. At Degem, significant difference among varieties for grain yield was not observed. The varieties studied in 1998 gave higher grain yields at Degem than at Wolmera. At Wolmera, although grain yields were generally very low, five varieties (3232-04), 1706 bulk, 3304-16, 3369-18 and 1791-18) showed significant difference over both the standard and local checks while at Degem varieties 3304-16, 1791-18 and 3369-18 gave significantly higher grain yields over the two checks. The varieties tested in 1999 did not show significant difference at both locations. Of all the varieties tested in the three years, the performance of the indigenous materials was better tested in the three years, the performance of the indigenous materials was better than the exotic materials tested in 1999. Locations x variety interactions were observed in 1997 and 1998 trials where the best performing varieties at Degem were the least at Wolmera and vice versa. Economic analysis was conducted using partial budget techniques and MRR value well above 100% minimum rate of return was obtained from the use of high management in cost benefit ratio of return was obtained from the use of high management in cost benefit ratio of return was obtained from the use of high management in cost benefit ratio analysis. Farmers at Wolmera and Degem selected nearly all varieties studied in the three trials using their own selection criteria. Among others HB-42, Shege, 3369-19 and local varieties were selected more frequently than others for their high yield capacity, seed color, straw yield and longer spikes.