Abstract

The effects of seed rate and row spacing on yield and yield components of tef (Eragrostis tef) were studied on the Nitisols of Assosa, Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State. Three levels of seed rate (5, 10 and 15 kg ha^-1) factorially combined with three rows spaces (15, 20, 25 cm) and an additional plot of broadcast of tef seed at 25 kg ha^-1 as a standard check making a total of 10 treatments. They were laid out in a factorial RCBD with three replications. Significant influence on the grain yield of tef due to treatment application was recorded on trial locations. The maximum grain yield (1216.8 kg ha^-1) was obtained from application of 10 kg seed per hectare and 25 cm spacing between rows. Grain yield highly significantly increased from 973.8 to 1216.8 kg ha^-1 with decrease in the seed rate from the broadcast 25 to 10 kg ha^-1 due to the fact that tef tillers, as there is enough space. 10 kg seed ha^-1 with 25 cm spacing would be more suitable practices for attaining optimum grain yield for tef at the study area.

Keywords: Tef (Eragrostis tef); Seed rate; Row spacing; Grain yield