Potential of teff as alternative crop for Mediterranean farming systems: Effect of genotype and mowing time on forage yield and quality

• Published in: Journal of agriculture and food research Vol. 17; p. 101257
• Main Authors: Ruggeri, Roberto, Rossini, Francesco, Ronchi, Bruno, Primi, Riccardo, Stamigna, Catia, Danieli, Pier Paolo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alternative crops; Eragrostis tef (zucc.) trotter; Forage teff; Phenological stage; Proximate composition; Alternative crops; Proximate composition; Forage teff; Eragrostis tef (zucc.) trotter; Phenological stage
• ISSN: 2666-1543; 2666-1543
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101257

The introduction of alternative/innovative crops in the current Mediterranean cropping systems is a promising strategy to cope with climate change effects, which are threatening the food and feed security of that geographic area. Thanks to its large environmental adaptability and good nutritive value for humans (grains) and animals (biomass), teff is an excellent candidate to perform its role as alternative plant species for cereal/forage farming systems. However, the adoption of a “new” crop requires information about the adaptation to the target environment as well as details on the best management practices to apply. Very little knowledge is available regarding the performance of teff under Mediterranean climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of genotype and mowing time on the biomass yield (dry matter, DM) and proximate composition of teff (including the first regrowth). Grain yield potential was also evaluated. The study was carried out during two consecutive years in central Italy. Two different experiments were conducted in adjacent fields to gain information on both forage and grain potential of the crop. In both trials, six teff genotypes were used (namely T6, T7, T8, T11, T13 and T14). Plant height, forage yield and quality were assessed in different growth stages: flag leaf completely unrolled, booting, and heading. The regrowth of the first cut mowed at booting stage was also evaluated. Our study demonstrated that teff has potential as forage and grain crop under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Considering the total biomass production, teff genotypes yielded from 7 t DM ha−1 to 11 t DM ha−1. If used as feed source, the best harvesting time is heading (GS: 57) since it allows to maximize both biomass yield and crude protein (CP) content. The teff accessions which deserve to be deeply explored as forage types were T8 and T14 (5–6 t DM ha−1, with 150–160 g CP kg−1 DM), while T6, T7 and T13 were good grain producers (0.8–1.2 t ha−1). [Display omitted] •Teff has great potential for Mediterranean cereal/forage cropping systems.•The best harvesting time for hay production is heading.•Genotype affects biomass and grain yield as well as forage proximate composition.•Some teff accessions can be considered also as double purpose genotypes.