Release of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Variety Bishoftu

Even if there are released Fenugreek varieties in Ethiopia, there is no variety specifically for color quality purpose. This study was conducted based on the objective of evaluation of different colored Fenugreek germplasm for yield and market preference in Ethiopia. Evaluation and preliminary variety trial were conducted at Debrezeit, Chefe donsa and Akaki locations. While national variety trial was conducted at Debrezeit, Chefe donsa, Akaki, Kulumsa, Sinana, Gonder, Sirinka, and Assosa having nine genotypes including check variety. The standard experimental procedures were used in the experiment. The result showed that, there is a significant difference among tested genotypes over locations; however, the objective of the experiment is to evaluate nine fenugreek genotypes including check variety considering both market seed color preference and yield. The study found FG-10(Bishoftu) variety had white seed color. This color is preferred color in international market. This variety therefore, was released for production for all fenugreek growing environments of East Shoa and similar environments. Key words: Fenugreek, market seed color, quality, Bishoftu.