Adaptability and yield evaluation of some Acha (Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua Kippis Stapf) accessions at Kusogi – Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Fifteen acha (D. exilis and D. iburua Kippis Stapf) accessions were evaluated for adaptability and grain yields at Kasogi-Bida village in a two-year study.  The experiment was established in a Randomized Complete Block accessions in terms of number of tillers per plant, height at harvest, number of days to maturity and grain yield. Generally, grain yield and other parameters determined showed significant difference across all the accessions in both years.  Also, grain yield was observed to range from 210.24kg/ha to 473.74 kg/ha in 2005 and 211.0kg/ha to 435.81kg/ha in 2006.   Araspia, Kure’ep and shalak accession had significantly higher grain yields above the remaining accessions in year 1 and 2.  However, combined analysis shows that there was no significant difference in grain yield.