GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF TEF (Eragrostis tef (Zuc) Trotter) VARIETIES TO DIFFERENT WEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN ABESHGE DISTRICT, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Tef is a staple food crop for many people in Ethiopia; however, weed competition poses a significant threat, leading to substantial yield reduction. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate growth and yield response of tef varieties to different weed management practicesduring the main crop production season of 2022/2023 in Abeshge district. The experimental treatment comprised three tef varieties (Kora, Dagim, and Quncho) and six weeding methods (W1 = Pallas 45 OD 0.4 l ha-1at 31 days after crop emergence (DAE); W2 = Pallas 45 OD 0.3 l ha-1at 31 DAE, supplemented with one hand weeding at 41 DAE; W3 = one hand weeding at 31 DAE; W4 = two hand weeding at 31 and 41 DAE; W5 = weed free; and W6 = weedy check. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement and three replications. The results indicated that Poaceae (11 species) were more prevalent weed families competing with tef, followed by Composite families. The highestweed control efficiency was observed in weed-free treatments. Furthermore, the interaction between Kora variety and Pallas 45 OD at 0.3 l ha-1supplemented with one hand weeding resulted in (88.9) % weed control efficiency. The highest grain yield (2.72 ton ha-1) was obtained from the combination of weed free conditions and the Kora variety, while the lowest grain yield (0.46 ton ha-1) in weedy check with the Quncho variety. The economic analysis demonstrated that the combination of the Kora variety and Pallas 45 OD at 0.3 l ha-1 with one hand weeding resulted in the marginal revenue (97,312 birr) and benefit-cost ratio (3.2). In conclusion, the study finding indicate that the Kora variety, in combination with Pallas 45 OD0.3 l ha-1 with one hand weeding resulted in the highest crop growth and grain yield.