EVALUATION OF FARMERS’ HANDLING PRACTICES, EFFECT OF SEED SOURCES AND SEED SIZES ON SEED QUALITY, YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENT OF FABA BEAN (Vicia faba L.) AT KERSA MALIMA DISTRICT, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Faba bean is one of the most important pulse crops grown in Kersa Malima district both in terms of area coverage and volume of annual production. It is used as food and income for farmers, yet the major production limiting factors are sub-optimal seed handling practices, the use of inappropriate seed sources and varieties. Thus, this study is set with the objectives of assessing farmers’ production and seed handling practices, determine the effect of seed sources, variety and seed sizes on seed quality, yield and yield component of faba bean. A survey to identify production and seed handling practice was conducted in Kersa Malima district involving a sample of 80 respondents from 10 randomly selected kebeles during the 2022/23 cropping season. For both the laboratory and field experiments, three levels of seed sizes (small, medium, and larger), three seed sources (HARC, ESE, and farmer-saved seed), and two released varieties (Gebelcho and Walki) were used at Holeta Agricultural Research Center. The experiments were designed using a randomized complete block design with four replications for the laboratory experiment and a factorial completely randomized design with three replications for the field experiment. Data collected on phenological, growth, yield, and seed quality parameters were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The survey study showed that majority of the respondent (85.72%) utilized seed from the informal seed sources, while (87.07%) reported replacing faba bean seed after more than four years. Additionally, it was found that most respondents did not consider seed quality parameters during their faba bean seed production and often utilized traditional storage materials. The laboratory result revealed that seed quality parameters were significantly influenced by one or more main factors. Specifically, seed germination, seed vigor index-I and II were significantly influenced by the interaction of seed source, variety and seed size. The field experiment revealed a significant three-way interaction, where the Gebelcho variety from HARC with large seed size exhibited the earliest days of 50% emergence (9.0 days). Conversely, the Walki variety with smaller seed size from farmer-saved seed demonstrated a later emergence, with 50% emergence occurring at 12 days. Yield and yield components of faba bean were significantly (P<0.01) influenced by the two-way interaction of seed sources and variety, with the Gebelcho variety from HARC yielding the highest (2295.4 kg ha-1) and the Walki variety from FSS yielding the lowest (1514.8 kg ha-1). In conclusion, there is a pressing need to raise awareness among farmers regarding proper handling practices for faba bean seed to ensure the production of high quality seeds. Moreover, the reliance of the majority of farmers on informal seed sources underscores the critical importance of promoting the involvement of cooperatives in quality seed production initiatives. Additionally, the superior yield potential exhibited by the Gebelcho variety compared to other varieties tested suggests its suitability for cultivation in the study area. Furthermore, the observation that larger to medium seed sizes resulted in higher yields emphasizes the significance of selecting appropriate seed sizes for optimal crop performance. Further research is recommended to explore additional seed sources and faba bean varieties across various seasons and locations to develop comprehensive recommendations.