Influence of Seed Rate and Row Spacing on Growth and Yield of Tef ( Eragrostis tef) Production at Assosa, Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia

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.