Characterization of Tef {Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter} Genetic Resources Based on Quantitative and Qualitative Traits Under Field Conditions, Northern Ethiopia

Ethiopia possesses extensive genetic diversity in tef, a vital staple crop, yet current breeding efforts have not fully capitalized on this diversity. The aim of the study was to generate information for enhancing Tef germplasm and pre-breeding materials using over 500 Tef accessions, focusing on 12 quantitative and 3 qualitative traits. The trial was conducted at Laleay Machiew disctric, Hastebo sub district in two years 2018/19 and 2019/2020 cropping season by single observation plot. Phenotypic evaluation encompassed days to heading (ranging from 38 to 82 days), days to maturity (70 to 115 days), panicle length (20.80 to 53.66 cm), plant height (62.49 to 127.40 cm), peduncle length (10.2 to 28 cm), number of florets per spikelet (3.1 to 28.64), and grain yield (275 to 6491 kg/ha). Additionally, variations in seed and lemma color were documented, with 77% of accessions showing brown and white seeds and 83.28% exhibiting yellow, gray, and variegated lemma colors. The yield variation is the most selected one from this study. Cluster analysis identified five distinct groups among tef accessions, highlighting differences in agronomic performance and adaptation traits. Understanding intra-cluster distances facilitated targeted trait selection and hybridization. The study revealed significant diversity in both quantitative and qualitative traits among tef accessions. To enhance tef accession characterization further, future studies should aim to include all descriptors and utilize genetic markers across various agro-ecological zones.