Author(s):
Wide use of unimproved cultivars and management practices, diseases especially wheat rusts are some of the factors significantly affecting wheat production in Ethiopia. In the present study, 23 elite bread wheat genotypes and two check varieties (Danda’ and Digalu) were evaluated at Hossana, Angacha, Kokate and Waka in 2014 and 2015 for grain yield and responses to stem rust. The study identified two bread wheat genotypes namely ETBW6440 with better mean grain yield ranged from 3636 to 4669 kg/ha and ETBW6188 with mean grain yield ranged from 3740 to 4917 kg/ha. ETBW6440 and ETBW6188 also exhibited 5MR and 20MR to stem rust, respectively. After seed multiplication in 2016, the two genotypes and check varieties Danda ’ and Wane were promoted to Variety Verification Trial (VVT) which was conducted at Hossana, Angacha and Kokate and on two farmers’ fields at the vicinity of each research station using large plots in 2017. The VVT at the three stations and on farmers’ fields were evaluated by national variety releasing committee, group of farmers and group of researchers. During VVT, a bread wheat genotype ETBW6188 exhibited overall better field performance and tolerable level of stem rust reaction across the three research stations and farmers’ fields. Thus, ETBW6188 was preferred by all groups participated in evaluation of VVT and finally decided to release the genotype which was later given a breeder name “Bondena”. Molecular analysis revealed that Bondena contained Sr31 and Sr58 which are supposed to provide all stage resistance and adult plant resistance, respectively to various stem rust races. Therefore, we recommend Bondena for production to highlands of SNNPR where the variety was evaluated including areas with similar agro-ecologies.
