Conduct Participatory Variety Selection (PVS) trials of promising varieties across target agroecologies in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya

Abstract

PVS trials were established and evaluated in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. In Tanzania for example, six varieties advanced from HOPE 1 were evaluated in 4 districts, each district with 15 trials. All the six candidate varieties out yielded the farmer local variety and all except Acc 32 out yielded the improved check U15. The best yielders were KNE 628 (3.1 t/ha), KNE 814 (3.1 t/ha). Acc 14 (2.6 t/ha), KNE 688 (2.6 t/ha), compared to improved check, U15 with 2.4 t/ha. Farmer overall evaluation however placed KNE 688 first followed by P224, U15, Acc 14, KNE 814, KNE 628, local check and last was UFM 149 (Table 2). It should be noted that U15 and P224, the newly released varieties were included in the trial as improved checks and for promotional purposes, their being highly rated indicates that they are being accepted by the farmers. However their not being among the best yielders implies we have more promising varieties, ready for release.. Field days were organized to demonstrate new improved varieties and the different technologies which include water harvesting, micro dosing and Striga control. 2500 brochures containing the various variety attributes and accompanying GAPs practices were distributed.