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International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture

ISSN Online: 2578-3475 ISSN Print: 2578-3467 CODEN: IJFSJ3
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ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2025.12.019

Genotypic Variation in Phosphorus Use Efficiency, Yield, and Yield Associate Traits in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) at Western Ethiopia

Muluhabt Birhane1,*, Daniel Abebe1,*, Gudeta Nepir2, Mussa Jarso3

1Department of Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jinka University, Jinka, P.O. Box 165, Ari Zone, Ethiopia.

2Department of Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Ambo University, Ambo, P.O. Box 19, Ethiopia.

3Ethiopian Institute of Agriculture Research, Holleta Agriculture Research Center, Addis Ababa, P.O. Box: 203, Ethiopia.

*Corresponding author: Muluhabt Birhane, Daniel Abebe

Published: January 26,2026

Abstract

Low soil phosphorus (P) availability is one of the major constraints to faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production in the highlands of Ethiopia. Identification of genotypes with superior agronomic performance and phosphorus use efficiency is therefore crucial for sustainable productivity under both P-deficient and fertilized conditions. This study was conducted to assess agronomic trait associations, grain yield responses, and phosphorus use efficiency of fifteen faba bean genotypes evaluated under phosphorus-applied (P1) and non-applied (P0) conditions. The experiment was conducted across representative locations using standard agronomic practices. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among growth and yield-related traits under both P levels. Grain yield showed strong and positive correlations with biological yield and harvest index, while it was negatively associated with days to flowering and maturity under both P conditions. Plant height exhibited a positive association with grain yield, particularly under phosphorus application, indicating its contribution to biomass production and yield formation. Differences in trait associations between P0 and P1 conditions highlighted the role of phosphorus in modifying genotypic performance and yield-determining mechanisms. Overall, the presence of substantial genotypic variability and distinct trait interrelationships suggests opportunities for selecting faba bean genotypes adaptable to low-P environments as well as responsive to phosphorus fertilization. The findings provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at improving yield and phosphorus efficiency in faba bean under Ethiopian highland conditions.

Keywords

Faba bean; phosphorus yield efficiency; genotype evaluation; West Shewa; Ethiopia

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How to cite this paper

Genotypic Variation in Phosphorus Use Efficiency, Yield, and Yield Associate Traits in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) at Western Ethiopia

How to cite this paper: Muluhabt Birhane, Daniel Abebe, Gudeta Nepir, Mussa Jarso. (2025) Genotypic Variation in Phosphorus Use Efficiency, Yield, and Yield Associate Traits in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) at Western Ethiopia. International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture, 9(4), 453-463.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2025.12.019

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