Aspects of Ethiopian Tetraploid Wheats with Emphasis on Durum Wheat Genetics and Breeding Research
1991
Tesfaye Tesemma | Getachew Belay (Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Debre Zeit (Ethiopia))
In Ethiopia, tetraploid (2n=4x=28) wheats occupy 60 percent of the total wheat area. Most of the cultivars grown by farmers are land races. Despite the difficulties posed by these wheat land races for an unambiguous classification, 6 taxonomic tetraploid species have been reported. Problems are addressed in light of the cytotaxonomic background of wheat. There is no exact record or evidence as to where and when wheat cultivation started in Ethiopia. On the premise that there are no wild wheat progenitors in Ethiopia and following the generally accepted phylogeny of the genus Triticum, the early history and evolution of tetraploid wheats in the country are discussed. Cytogenic information on Ethiopian wheats is presented. The historical background of durum wheat breeding in the country is reviewed including varieties released to date. The objectives of the breeding program and the changes made over time, including the methods of breeding used, are discussed. The steps followed in testing varieties up to final release are elaborated. Remarks are forwarded on the future trends of durum wheat research in Ethiopia.
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