Genetic Progress from Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Breeding in Ethiopia: Resilience to Waterlogging and Black Root Rot Disease Stresses

Analyzing genetic progress from breeding efforts hitherto is essential not only for determining the effectiveness and efficiency of breeding programs but also to design more impactful strategies in the future. This study was conducted to determine genetic progresses from faba bean (Vicia faba L.) breeding for grain yield, seed size, stand survival and tolerance to black root rot (Fusarium solani) disease over the past forty-seven years in Ethiopia. Twenty-two improved faba bean varieties, along with a local check, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during 2024 growing season at Ambo and Ginchi, Ethiopia. The results indicated significant differences among varieties for all traits. The linear regression of grain yield, seed size, and stand survival on year of variety release was positive and significant, whereas black root rot disease severity was also negatively significant. The average annual genetic progresses were 32.52 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ for grain yield (R2 = 0.47), 1.32 g 100-seed⁻¹ year⁻¹ for seed size (R2 = 0.64) for seed size, 0.58% year⁻¹ for stand survival (R2 = 0.69) and that of black root rot disease severity was -0.36% year⁻¹ (R2 = 0.58). Overall, the findings demonstrate that substantial genetic progresses were realized for all the traits, confirming the effectiveness and efficiency of the faba bean breeding endeavors over the breeding period.