Abstract:
A quality seed supply of improved wheat varieties is one of the productivity constraints in Arsi
zone. The study was conducted to assess and identify bread wheat seed sources, factors affecting
utilization of improved bread wheat seed, and determine seed quality of wheat varieties of different
seed sectors. Two districts (Digeluna Tijo and Tiyo) and two kebeles in each district were selected
by purposive multistage sampling method while random sampling technique was employed to
select 140 respondents and collect seed samples of the two (Deka and Ogolcho) bread wheat
varieties from 20 farmers. The seed samples of the two varieties were also collected from formal
and intermediary seed sectors. The seed quality test was conducted in completely randomized
design (CRD) in 4 replications as factorial combination of two wheat varieties and 3 seed systems.
Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, t-test and binary logistics model were used to analyze the data
while analysis of variance and mean comparison of treatments were employed to analyze the data
collected from laboratory seed quality test. The findings revealed that 57.85 and 42.25% of
households were users and non-users of seeds of improved bread wheat varieties, respectively.
Results from binary logistic regression model revealed that six (sex, education level, annual
income, credit access, improved seeds availability, and membership in a farmer cooperative)
independent variables are the determinant factors for the decision of farmers to use the seeds of
improved bread wheat varieties. The interaction effect of seed system and variety was influenced
on other seeds, weed seeds, inert matter, thousand seed weight, seedling dry weight, and seedling
vigor index two, while the interaction effect of variety and seed source in a system was influenced
on other seeds and weed seeds. The maximum mean of thousand seed weight (39.87 g), seedling
dry (0.267 g), and seedling vigor index two (24.61) were recorded for the Deka variety collected
from the formal seed system. The maximum mean of pure seed (99.72%), germination percentage
(96%), and speed of germination (19.87) were recorded for seeds accessed from Kulumsa
Agricultural Research Center. The research results suggested the importance of supporting the
efforts of formal seed sectors to supply quality seed of high yielding and disease resistant improved
varieties in the study areas.
