Asian Journal of Research in Biology

Wheat is one of the dominantly grown major cereal crops in the highlands of the Sidama region. The relatively low wheat yield in the Teticha can be attributed to issues such as the utilization of low-yielding wheat varieties. Based on the above problem, eleven improved wheat varieties were tested over the years to evaluate the performance of recently released bread wheat varieties on adaptability and yield performance at Teticha woreda, Sidama region. The experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The combined analysis of variance over the two years depicted significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) among the tested varieties for plant height, panicle length, and grain yield. The highest grain yield was obtained from the variety Dursa (4494.7 kg ha⁻¹); however, this variety had no significant difference statistically with all the tested varieties except Hachalu and Kulito. As a result, the varieties Dursa, Deka, Boru, Shaki, and Balcha showed similar yield performance statistically in the environment. The similarity in yield performance observed among several varieties may be explained by their comparable genetic background for yield-related traits. In addition, the consistent and better yield performance of more than two wheat varieties in a single location over the years is a strong indicator of the area's conduciveness for wheat production. Therefore, farmers can grow these varieties alternatively as an option in the studied area and other areas with similar environmental conditions.