The objective of this study was to illustrate the performance of different seed qualities of barley varieties for yield and related traits. It was conducted in four locations of southern, southeastern and eastern zone of Tigray during 2018 meher (June-October) main cropping season at farmers’ field. Three farmers sourced and three C1 improved varieties of barley were tested in randomized complete block design using four replications. The barley seeds with C1 class were obtained from seed producing cooperatives and farmer source were collected from surrounding farmers. The presence of significant variations among the tested varieties for most plant characters indicated that there is variability among the tested varieties. Significant variation in plant height and spike length was observed among varieties in the study locations and taller was recorded with both Felamit and Fetina and the shortest in HB1307 whereas the taller spike length was observed with Fetina and Felamit. Mean value of total tillers and spikelet per spike showed significant different due to main effect of variety and maximum was recorded inFetina and HB1307 for tillers but maximum spikelet was recorded in Felamit. Significant different in mean thousand seed weight, economic and biomass yield was observed and maximum economic yield was recorded in HB1307. The higher mean thousand seed weight was recorded across all locations except at Hagereselam. Mean significant different was observed with straw yield and harvest index and statistical on par straw yield was observed among varieties in all locations whereas maximum harvest index was seen with HB1307 in study location. No variation was detected statistically on barley yield due to main effect of seed quality. This study indicated that prevailed of favorable growing conditions during the experimental season has contributed for equivalent performance of growing varieties across all locations regardless of seed quality. The result indicated that additional minimum improvement should be essential for barley yield and related traits. Therefore, attention should be given for further exploitation of genetic variability for varietal improvement to enhance better yield and ensured food security.
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