Effects of Varieties and Different Environments on Growth and Yield Performance of Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum)

Abstract

Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) is one of the major cash crops produced in the Amhara region, including East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. However, the shallot is being out of production, and there are limited research efforts concerning the influence of the growing environment on shallot varieties. Thus, the objective of the study was to identify adaptable and high-yielding shallot varieties across different agroecologies/location in the East Gojjam Zone of Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted at three locations (Debre Markos, Wonka, and Yelam Gej) during 2019/20 and 2020/21 growing seasons. The study consists of four shallot varieties (Minjar, Huruta, Negelle, and local). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth, yield, and yield component parameters were recorded and analyzed using SAS Computer Software version 9.0. The present results indicated that the highest plant height, leaf length, number of shoots per plant, number of bulblets per bulb, average bulb weight, total yield, and marketable yield per hectare were recorded from improved shallot varieties Minjar, Negelle, and Huruta. Thus, Minjar, Negelle, and Huruta were better performed for growth, yield, and yield components at all testing locations. Thus, Minjar, Negelle, and Huruta were found to be superior in yield and yield components at all testing locations and were thus suggested to be used by the growers in the study area. It would be advisable to evaluate the varieties in the participatory varietal trail for further dissemination of varieties to shallot growers in the study area.