Kifle Dagne

Use of Wild Eragrostis Pilosa for Improving Cultivated Tef: Researcher in Plant Genetics Kifle Dagne

Though tef is relatively less affected by drought as compared to other cereal crops, considerable yield loss is accounted by drought, up to 40%. There is no ample genetic variability towards drought resistance in tef germplasm. The need to broaden tef germplasm through conventional crossing with closely related wild species is required. This work clearly indicated the use of wild Eragrostis pilosa in tef genetic improvement program for developing genotypes that are resistant to drought. Therefore the book provides very crucial information for researchers involved in tef breeding program.