On-Farm Diversity and Genetic Erosion of Tetraploid Wheat Landraces in Ambo and Dandi Districts, West Shewa, Ethiopia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to document wheat landraces that were and and Dandi districts, West Shewa, Ethiopia; and to investigate the extent of genetic loss and its causes. Survey was carried out in three Peasant Associations of Ambo District and four Peasant Associations of Dandi District from 2007 to 2008. Three to five farmers' group per Peasant Association containing 5 to 12 individual farmers per group were used for group discussions from September to December was conducted using semi-structured questionnaire prepared by researcher from August to October 2008. In total 20 diverse tetraploid wheat landraces were identified in the study areas. However, presently 4 to 5 landraces are cultivated. Genetic erosi 62% in Ambo and Dandi district, respectively. The landraces differ concerning morphology, adaptation and end-uses. Some landraces exhibit broad adaptation that enables them to be cultivated in a wider area over different districts. Specific adaptation to various soil conditions, e.g. water logging and poor soil fertility, and short rainy season play key roles for the predominant cultivation of specific landraces over others in sensitive environmen Preferences for end-use products and market prices also display major impacts on the continuous cultivation of tetraploid wheat. The causes for the loss of landraces varieties were expansion of improved bread wheat varieties, low soil fertility and poo landraces, and shorter rainy season. Among the available varieties, predominantly grown in both districts, due to its higher price in the market for its brewing quality. Diverse farmers' indigenous knowledge supported continu conservation of landrace varieties.

Estimation of genetic erosion on Ethiopian tetraploid wheat landraces using different approaches

“…The results indicated that on average 75.8% and 87% genetic erosion was observed on tetraploid wheat after 25 years based on direct farm assessment and survey study, respectively. The levels of loss observed from both approaches appear to be similar to that reported in Western Ethiopia (Geleta and Gausgruber, 2013). The loss observed was higher in Ada and Lume, situated at lower altitude, than in the high altitude zone above 2400 masl of Gimbichu district, where significant areas of land are still used to grow landraces.…”

“…The variation was significant on loss of diversity on tetraploid wheat at 0.01%. The average genetic erosion across districts was 75.8%, which is lower compared to previous reports (Geleta and Gausgruber, 2013). The loss of diversity on tetraploid wheat was found to be the highest in Ada (87.5%) and lowest in Gimbichu (60%) based on direct field assessment (Table 1).…”

“…In Harar Zuria, the same authors detected genetic erosion of 88.9 % for T. durum and 100% for both T. turgidum and T. dicoccon. In the western Shoa zone of Ethiopia, genetic erosion reached 75% and 62% for tetraploid wheat species in Ambo and Dandi districts, respectively (Geleta and Gausgruber, 2013). In a similar study farmers identified 26 tetraploid wheat land races (21 from Akaki and 17 from Ejere), which were once widely grown in the area and of which only six were currently available; the average loss of diversity was thus estimated to be 77% (Tsegaye and Berg, 2007).…”

Homemade Products and Socio-Cultural Values of Wheat Seed Production in Ambo and Dandi Districts of West Central Ethiopia

“…Tsegaye and Berg (2007a) reported 26 durum wheat landraces once grown by the farmers in East Shewa. In West Shewa, 20 landraces were grown by the farmers (Geleta and Grausgruber, 2013a). Some of the landraces reported by the authors for East Shewa were also found in West Shewa (e.g.…”

“…Hayibo, boyido, butuji/bataja and galane). It can be assumed that many of landraces reported by Tsegaye and Berg (2007a) might be similar with one reported by Geleta and Grausgruber (2013a). Landraces are named by local language.…”