Performance Evaluation of Vetch Varieties/Genotypes for Their Agronomic Performance and Nutritive Value in Selected Midland of East Guji Zone, Adola, Southern Oromia and Ethiopia

Abstract

A study was conducted to identify adaptability, high biomass and dry matter and grain yielder of vetch varieties/genotypes at Bore Agricultural Research Center Adola sub-site. The three vetch varieties/genotypes tested were Vicia dasycarpa, Lalisa and 5187. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was employed to evaluate the variety. The result revealed that date of 50% flowering, date of maturity, pod length per plant and plant height was significantly different (at p<0.05) between treatments. The early flowered genotype was 5187 (62 days) and late flowered variety was recorded from Vicia dasycarpa (79.9 days). The highest value of plant height was measured from Lalisa variety, while the shortest plant height was recorded from 5187 genotypes (67.7 cm). Date of 50% emergency, pod per plant, fresh biomass yield and grain yield and chemical composition dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total ash content (TASH) and organic matter (OM) did not show significant difference between treatments at (P>0.05). Numerically had different values. Both the highest fresh biomass yield and grain yield was obtained from Lalisa variety (2.9 t/ha) and 22.7 qt/ha respectively. The lowest value of biomass and grain yielder was produced from 5187 accessions (1.9 t/ha) and Vicia dasycarpa 11.3 qt/ha. Lalisa variety was highest in organic matter (OM), total ash content (TASH), crude protein (CP) and less in neutral detergent (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) content while, Vicia dayscarpa was highest in crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent (NDF) and less in organic matter (OM), content total ash content (TASH) and crude protein (CP) content, 5187 genotype had the highest in dry matter (DM) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and less in crude protein (CP) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content than the rest accessions. The result of this study implied that Lalisa variety was well adapted and being productive regarding the plant height, biomass yield and seed yield. Lalisa variety, which is hopeful to fill the gap of low quantity ruminant feed supply of the community in the study area. Based on its adaptable, high biomass, high plant height, high grain yield, good CP and OM Lalisa is recommended for further promotion in the midland of East Guji zone.