ON-FARM DIVERSITYASSESSMENT OF WHEAT (Triticum aestivumL.)INYEM SPECIAL WOREDA, SNNPR ETHIOPIA.

The purpose of this study was to assess on farm wheat landrace/ varieties) in Yem Special Woreda. A farmer based cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to assess on farm diversity of wheat landrace in Yem special woreda. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selection of agro-ecological zones, kebeles, and wheat growing farmers. Three kebeles from highland and two kebeles from midland agro-ecological zones were purposively selected. A total of 178 sample wheat growing households 10% from each kebele were selected for this study. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect botanical and ethno-botanical data. The study result revealed that majority (77.5%) of framers grows only one wheat variety. Twelve (7 local and 5 improved) wheat landraces/ varieties were collected from both study agro-ecological zones. Of these five were cultivated in both agro ecologies. Unique landracearieties cultivated only in highland and midlands were four and three respectively. Landrace diversity in highland was H’= 2.12 while in midland it was H’= 1.87. Majority of farmers in both agro-ecological zones grow wheat mainly for sell. High market value was the most important traits used in selecting local varieties. Farmers prefer improved varieties for its productivity. Local varieties had low productivity than the improved. Farmers mainly cultivated wheat using traditional farming system and management practices. Leaf type and maturity period were the main traits farmers used to classify their local landraces. Lack of access to improved seed, adaptability of seed; and high seed price were perceived by farmers as important constraints of wheat production. Generally the wide spread adoption and diffusion of modern bread wheat varieties could lead to the replacement or displacement of these valuable genetic resources.. The assessment of genetic diversity between and within wheat landraces is essential to utilize landraces and to identify priority areas for on-farm conservation. Continuous cultivation as well as maintenance and use of indigenous wheat varieties by local farmers have led to better understanding of the traits.