Effect of inter- row spacing and seed rate on growth; Yield and yield components of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum - graecum L.) in Tehuledere district, Northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is well-adapted for growing in northeastern Ethiopia due to its ideal agro-climatic conditions. Despite its potential, limited research has been conducted in Ethiopia to improve the productivity of this orphan crop particularly regarding optimal row spacing and seed rate. The current study evaluated the effects of inter-row spacing and seed rate on growth, yield components, and grain yield of fenugreek. Field experiments were conducted from July 2022 to January 2023 at Kete and Korke kebeles in the Tehuledere district of northeastern Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement of five seed rates (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 kg ha ⁻ ¹) and three row spacings (20, 30, and 40 cm) with three replications. Statistix 10.0 software was used to evaluate data on growth and yield components. The highest seed yield (0.98 t ha ⁻ ¹) was found at 20 cm row spacing with a seed rate of 30 kg ha ⁻ ¹, while the lowest yield (0.36 t ha ⁻ ¹) was found at 40 cm spacing with a seed rate of 15 kg ha ⁻ ¹, according to the results. To maximize fenugreek yield in the Tehuledere district and other similar agroecological areas, a row spacing of 20 cm and a seed rate of 30 kg ha ⁻ ¹are suggested. Further multi-season and multi-location studies are needed to validate the recommended seed rate and row spacing across varying agroecological conditions.