Analyzing yield variability of introduced and locally developed malt barley varieties in Ethiopia

Abstract

The study examined yield potential variability of introduced and locally developed malt barley varieties in the breeding program. The study included 31 malting barley varieties released and registered in Ethiopia from 1976-2022. Primary and secondary data was used for the study. Primary data related to the genealogy of malting barley varieties released and registered were collected through interviews with key informants. Secondary data on production capacity was obtained from the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistical analysis using ratios and percentages was used to analyze the average contribution of introduced malting barley varieties to the development of entire improved malting barley varieties in the country. The ratio compares the number of malting barley introduced to the total number of varieties released or registered. An inferential statistic called "Welch's unequal variances t-test" or "unequal variances t-test" was used to analyze the impact of introduced malting barley varieties on yield increases. The average contribution of introduced malting barley varieties found in the analysis was 42%. These improved varieties came from donor organization and private companies for direct release through adaptation research. The combined analysis of Welch's unequal variances t-test across years showed average yield of 39.6 and 40.6 quintal per hectare for introduced and locally developed malting barley respectively. The results show that the country's agricultural research institutes have locally yielded one quintal more per hectare than the introduced and registered varieties under research management. However, no statistical significance was observed in yield potential between introduced and locally developed malting barley varieties. This indicates that the existing varieties have not proven the need for introduction of varieties except for quality parameters. A major push factor promoting introduction of new and improved malting barley varieties for registration is the misconception that local varieties have low productivity. This also increases the vulnerability of private companies to introducing new varieties from foreign sources. In addition to providing new crop varieties, plant introduction saves time and effort in breeding programs. However, the replacement of local landraces can lead to genetic vulnerability and erosion. Therefore, the introduction of new varieties requires strong control and regulatory measures.

Key words: Genetic source, Varieties, Breeding program, Malt barley, Impact, Ethiopia.