Participatory Variety Selection of Improved Noug (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass) Varieties in North Shewa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Noug (Guizotia abyssinica) is a significant oilseed crop in Ethiopia, known for its resilience in low-fertility soils and ability to thrive under moisture stress. Despite its economic importance, adoption of improved varieties has been slow in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia, where environmental conditions are favorable for its cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate and identify farmer-preferred noug varieties through Participatory Variety Selection (PVS). Five improved varieties (Shambu-1, Kuyu, Ginchi-1, Fogera, Esete-1) and a local variety were tested during the 2023/24 main cropping season in two districts, Kuyu and Wuchale Jarso. Trials were conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) on research-managed plots and replicated on seven farmers’ fields in a baby trial setup. Farmers participated in setting selection criteria, focusing on traits such as plant height, branching, head number, seed yield, and disease resistance. The analysis showed significant differences in seed yield and flowering time among the varieties. The local variety outperformed others with the highest seed yield (626.62 kg/ha) and thousand seed weight (2.85g), while Kuyu and Ginchi-1 exhibited the lowest seed yield. Participatory evaluation results indicated that farmers favored the local variety and Esete-1 due to their superior performance in yield and disease resistance. The integration of farmers' preferences in variety selection demonstrates the potential for improving adoption rates and enhancing noug production in the region