Growth and Yield Response of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Genotypes to Phosphorus Application at Adea District, Ethiopia
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Abstract
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an important legume crop which has huge potential for human nutrition and animal feeds. However, its productivity is considerably lower due to production constraints such as poor agronomic practices and low yielding varieties. A field experiment was conducted during August to December 2018 to evaluate the response of fenugreek genotypes to phosphorus (P) application in terms of growth, yield attributes and seed yield at Adea district, central highland of Ethiopia. The experiment consisted of six genotypes (Bishoftu, Chala, Ebbisa, Hunda, 28605 and 28606) combined with four P levels (0, 9, 17and 26 kg P ha- 1) of P. The treatments
were arranged in factorial fashion and laid out in completely randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that most growth and yield attributes, biological yield and harvest index were significantly influenced by genotype. Among the tested genotypes Chala variety was highest in biological yield, harvest index and apparent recovery. Phosphorus application also significantly affected growth, yield components and biological yield. Nodule number and dry weight, P agronomic use efficiency and seed yield were those parameters influenced by interaction effect of genotype and P application. The combination of Chala variety with 17 kg P ha-1 was promising combination that generated highest seed yield followed by same variety with 9 kg P ha-1. Therefore, Chala variety combined with 17 kg P ha-1 rate can be recommended for farmers in the study area. However, in order to give comprehensive recommendation in the study area and areas of similar agro-ecology the study should be reconfirmed over the year and location.