Agronomy research in tef

Because of its minute seed size, tef requires a very fine, flat and smooth seedbed for sowing. This is usually achieved by increased tilage frequency (up to five or six times), and in some places by pre-packing of the seedbeds. Generally, grain yield increases as the number of oxen plowing increases. Despite the traditional practices, however, research results did not conspicuously show the necessity of plowing more that three times, and the importance of packing. Hand broadcasting is the usual method of tef sowing and the seeds are rarely covered. Non-significant grain yield differences were observed between broadcasting and drilling in rows, through the latter gave better yield. Significant grain yield differences were observed dur to sowing dates. Nevertheless, the best sowing dates lay between mid-July and early august, depending on the climatic conditions of the area, and maturity period of the tef cultivars grown. There was a tendency of grain yield increment as seeding rate increased; however, most studies did not reveal statistically significant differences. This was most likely due to the high compensation ability of tef through tillering. For all practical reasons, a seeding rate of 24-30 kg ha-1 can be given as a general recommendation. The possiblity of using a low seeding rate in combination with sand filler for uniform distribution of seeds was studied, but it did not exert significant effect both on grain and straw yields. Harvesting stage trials conducted at Debre Zeit indicated that 12 weeks after heading gave the highest yield. However, nothing is known about the effect on the quality of tef four. There is meager research data generated from cropping systems trials; most of the available literatures only describe the existing practices of the farmers. At Awassa, tef was found to be the best preceding crop for maize. At Debre Zeit, an attempt to double crop tef and chickpea in one cropping season has ended up with no success. However, this could be possible in areas where the rainfall extends up to early October. In order to control the possible in areas where the rainfall extends up to early October. In order to control the lodging problem of tef the effects of low seeding rates, late sowing and the application of plant growth regulators (PGR) have been assessed. However, none of them were found to be good enough without posing grain yield reduction. PP subscript of 333, one of the PGRs tested, has shown some promise but it requires further investigation.