Evaluation of advanced bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for yield and stem rust resistance at Southern Ethiopia
Abstract
Twenty four bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes including one local and one standard check obtained from Kulumesa agricultural research center were evaluated for their yield and stem rust resistance at Mareko Woreda during 2021 cropping season. The treatments were assigned using randomized completely block design with four replications. Data were collected on yield, yield, yield components and disease. The ANOVA showed that the genotypes significantly (p<0.05) different in most of the traits considered in the study. The highest average yield recorded was 5215.8 kg/ha and the lowest yield was 2848.3 kg/ha from ETBW-172640 and Ogolecho (the local check) respectively. Eighteen genotypes recorded above the grand mean (3788 kg/ha). Their reaction to stem rust ranges from resistance to highly susceptible. 70.8% were showed low rusting therefore could be suggested either for release to production or also could be used for stem rust resistance breeding. The best wheat genotypes have been further evaluated at different locations and years for their yield and disease resistance.