Evaluation of Improved Head Cabbage ( Brassica oleraceae var capitata oleraceae L.) Varieties for Head Yield in West Hararghe, Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia

Cabbage ( Brassica olearacea var capitata L.) is one of the most important leafy vegetables worldwide and is adapted to cool, moist conditions. This study aimed to identify high-yielding, disease-tolerant and adaptable cabbage varieties suitable for the study areas. Four head cabbage varieties (Chaka, Tana, Cabbice and Copenhagen Market) were evaluated using randomized complete block design with four replications. The experiment was conducted in Chiro, Tulo and Oda bultum districts during 2023 and 2024 cropping season. The results of the combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed the presence of highly significant (P<0.01) differences among varieties for all traits studied, except number of expanded true leaves. The mean squares for location were also significant, indicating the influence of environmental factor on the performances of the tested varieties. From the combined analysis of variances, Cabbice variety produced the highest head yield (126. t ha -1 , followed by Tana variety (100.38t ha -1 ). In contrast, the lowest total head yield (92.52 t ha -1 ) was recorded from Copenhagen Market variety. AMMI analysis showed that the effect of environments, varieties and their interaction effects were highly significant. The stability and yield performance of the varieties were further explained using a GGE bi-plot. Significant variation in head yield among the varieties was observed across different environments. Cabbice variety exhibited wide adaptability and superior yield performance across high yielding environments. Generally, the study indicated that Cabbice variety was recommended for the study areas and other similar ago-ecologies for further demonstration and scaling up.