EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOWING DATES ON THE GRAIN YIELD AND SOME YIELD CHARACTERISTICS OF TEFF [Eragrostis teff (Zucc.) Trotter]

Abstract

This research was carried out to determine the potential of teff as a staple crop for the Mediterranean climate during 2015 and 2016. The effects of four different sowing dates (15 April, 15 May, 15 June and 15 July) on the grain yield and some yield characteristics were investigated. The teff genotype “Dessie” was used as plant material and plant height, thousand-grain weight, harvest index and grain yield were tested. Two-year average results indicated that there were significant differences in mentioned characteristics among the sowing dates. Delayed sowing dates reduced the grain yield. The highest total grain yield, 2780 kg ha-1 , was obtained for the teff seeds sown on the 15th April under Mediterranean ecological conditions.