Abstract

An ancient cereal crop indigenous to the Horn of Africa, teff (Eragrostis tef (ZUCC.) TROTTER) is becoming more and more popular worldwide because of its high nutritional content and capacity to adapt to a variety of ecological circumstances. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of three genotypes of E. tef and the species E. curvula under controlled pot conditions during two growing seasons (2023 and 2024), with and without additional watering.

Using standardized pot trials with humus-rich sandy soil and compost amendment, the experiment was carried out at the University of Nyíregyháza's demonstration garden. Four replicates per treatment were used to measure morphological and yield-related parameters, such as biomass, grain yield, thousand-kernel weight, and stem length.

The species' wide ecological tolerance was confirmed by the results, which showed that all genotypes could generate quantifiable yields in non-irrigated conditions. Irrigation generally improved biomass and grain production, although responses varied by genotype. Genotype PI-494237 yielded the most grain in dry conditions and did not benefit from irrigation, indicating strong drought adaptation. PI-442115 and E. curvula, on the other hand, did well in both treatments. PI-494455, on the other hand, did better with irrigation, which means it can handle moderate drought.

These results show that teff can grow well in Central Europe and that it is a good food and forage crop. The observed genetic variability offers opportunities for targeted selection and cultivation strategies in the context of climate-resilient agriculture.

Csabai J, Banko G, Krajnyak, EK, Cushman JC, Mengistu MA, Szabo B. 2025, Water use efficiency of Teff (Eragrostis tef) (Zucc.) Trotter) breeding lines under different irrigation treatments., Conference Proceedings of the Scientific Workshop on Sustainable Landscape Management 2025, Innovative Solutions in 21st Century Agriculture. May 8, 2025. University of Nyíregyháza, Kótaji, Hungary. Pp.104-111. DOI: 10.71066/FTTMK.1.15.

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John Cushman

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Water use efficiency of Teff (Eragrostis tef) (Zucc.) Trotter) breeding lines under different irrigation treatments.

Abstract

Published by: Csabai J, Banko G, Krajnyak, EK, Cushman JC, Mengistu MA, Szabo B., 2025, Water use efficiency of Teff (Eragrostis tef) (Zucc.) Trotter) breeding lines under different irrigation treatments., Conference Proceedings of the Scientific Workshop on Sustainable Landscape Management 2025, Innovative Solutions in 21st Century Agriculture. May 8, 2025. University of Nyíregyháza, Kótaji, Hungary. Pp.104-111. DOI: 10.71066/FTTMK.1.15.