Demelash Bassa*, Yasin Goa
Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) was carried out at Humbo, Damot sore and Boloso Sore Districts of Wolaita Zone, South region during 2016–2017 main cropping seasons to assess and select superior chickpea variety (ies) that satisfy the desires and choices of farmers. Eight chickpea varieties were laid out using a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Farmers evaluated and selected the varieties depending on their criteria’s that were set by themselves. The farmers selection criteria’s included grain yield, seed size, seed color, disease and pest resistance, early maturity, plant height, drought tolerance, number of pods, number of branches and ground cover. Seed yield, one of farmer selected criteria, were analyzed. Combined mean values indicated that, Dimtu (2523.1 kg/ha) followed by Minjar (2447.1 kg/ha) were high yielding variety, and standard check (1834.9 kg/ha). In case of farmer’s evaluation, over all higher rank was to Dimtu and (due to high yield of grain, seed colour and early maturity,), followed by Minjar varieties, respectively. The yield advantage of Dimtu and Minjar was 37.5% and 33.4% over Habru (standard check) respectively. Based on researcher and farmers selection among the tested improved varieties Dimtu and Minjar varieties were selected for production. Simultaneously, the farmer’s criteria must be considered in chickpea improvement programs.