Evaluation of improved shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum) varieties for yield and yield related traits in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Shallot (Allium cepa var. ascalonicum Backer) is an important vegetable crop cultivated by small holder farmers for consumption in Gamo mid and high lands. However, its production and productivity is constrained by lack of improved shallot varieties in the study area. Field experiment was conducted in Gamo Zone during 2021 and 2022 cropping season. The objective of the experiment was to select well adaptive and high yielding shallot varieties for the study areas. Eight shallot varieties in two sets (bulb propagated sets and seed propagated sets) were evaluated in randomized complete block design with four replications by using double row spacing of 40cm x 20cm in Plot size of 2.4m x 2m. The combined analysis of the mean over years showed that there was a statistical significant mean difference (P<0.01) among the varieties for yield and some yield related traits. Among the bulb propagated varieties tested, the highest number of splits (13.75) per plant (bulb) was recorded by variety ‘’DZSHT-00/2” followed by “Minjar” (12.18). Similarly, “DZSHT-00/2” gave the highest bulb yield (21.22 t ha-1) followed by “Minjar” (19.27 t ha-1). On the other hand, the highest marketable bulb yield of 9.61 t ha-1 was recorded by variety “Tropics” followed by “DZSHT-157-21” (7.47 t ha-1). Hence, varieties “DZSHT-005/2” and “Tropics” are recommended for popularization and production due to their better yield and adaptability in the study area.