ON-FARM VERIFICATION OF ADVANCED BREAD WHEAT LINES UNDER RECOMMENDED AND FARMERS' MANAGEMENT LEVELS IN ARSI REGION

摘要

The performance of two bread wheat candidates for varietal release was verified in different wheat growing areas of Arsi Region during the 1994 cropping season under recommended and farmers' management levels. Grain yield performance of the lines andeconomic return varied across sites due to differences in fertility level, management practices, drainage problems, altitude and the amount of precipitation received. At higher altitudes, where the amount of rainfall is highest, HAR 604 outyielded the other lines. On the other hand, in lower altitude zones and relatively moisture-stressed areas HAR 1685 was found to be promising. However, most farmers claimed that it was less competitive with weeds. None of the new lines were better than ET13 in waterlogged areas In addition to its high grain yield, HAR 604 was valued by the host farmers for its plump seed. Therefore, both lines should have high acceptance in their respective areas of adaptation and compatibility.