Exploiting the genetic potential of tef through improved agronomic practices: a review

Over the past six decades of tef research in Ethiopia, significant progress has been made in quantifying the yield increase in percentage. Regardless of the increase in yield, the overall performance of the crop is still below its potential and there is a large yield gap. The main cause of this yield gap is the use of traditional crop management practices. As a result, production potential of tef varieties has remained low, and most smallholder farmers are benefiting from the potential yield. These calls for the use of advanced crop management strategies in different tef cultivating areas where, tef is a priority crops for production. Therefore, our target was to review previous research findings in Ethiopia, with particular interest in crop management practices. This article reviews previous research findings and technology generated on tef production systems. The lack of adoption of improved agronomic practices has been identified as a major constraint to tef yield. Furthermore, the crop’s due to a small seed nature needs further attention. According to this review, genetically improved variety may not attain their yield potential without a crop management synergy. We, therefore, propere uses of improved agronomic practices and advanced tools for help improve decisions, increase tef yield and contribute to closing yield gap.