Participatory Evaluation and Adaptation Trial Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Varieties in Siltie, Hadiya, and Gurage Areas of Central Ethiopia Region

Background and Objective: Using improved linseed variety is crucial for boosting crop production and productivity. Even though several linseed varieties were released, farmers did not utilize improved linseed varieties. This study aimed to assess and suggest the best-performing and high-yielding linseed varieties. Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out for two years (2021-2022) in Silti, Lemo, and Cheha Districts. This experiment included ten linseed varieties: Bekoji-14, Yedeno, Kassa-2, Jeldu, Bakalcha, CI-1525, Kulumsa, Tolle, Chilalo, and local. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used and agronomic and farmer preference data were collected. The data was analyzed using SAS software version 9.0. Results: The significant variation for all traits among those linseed varieties. The Chilalo, Bekoji-14, Kassa-2, and Yadeno cultivars had the highest average yield across locations, measuring 1.83, 1.81, 1.71, and 1.69 ton/ha, respectively. Chilalo, Bekoji-14, Kassa-2, and Yadeno types also provided a yield advantage of 38.25 to 50% over the local variety. In the districts of Silti, Lemo, and Cheha, respectively, the Yadeno, Bekoji-14, and Chilalo varieties produced the highest yield than the local variety. The farmers particularly favored the Chilalo and Bekoji-14 varieties. Conclusion: Bekoji-14, Yadeno, and Chilalo cultivars produced higher yields and were preferred by farmers in the research area. Pre-extension and demonstration approaches should be used to broaden those varieties for testing in similar agro-ecological zones based on the farmer’s selection and yield potential.