Abstract
A diverse collection of Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)Trotter]
lines was characterized for a wide range of traits, ranging from
agronomic to final Injera sensory parameters, under well-irrigated
Mediterranean spring conditions. The lines tested were collected from
single plants presenting lodging resistance at the site of collection
and their traits were characterized herein. An early type of lodging was
observed, which was most likely triggered by a fast and sharp
inflorescence weight increase. Other lines were ‘strong’ enough to carry
the inflorescence most of the grain-filling period, up to a point where
strong lodging occurred and plants where totally bent to the ground.
Three mixed color seeds lines were found at single plant collection or
after propagation. These were separated into ‘white’ and ‘brown’ seeds
and were characterized separately under field conditions. The newly
‘brown’ lines appear to be the result of a rather recent non-self
(external) airborne fertilization from a dark pollen donor. Some of
these hybrids were found to be promising in terms of Injera sensory
traits. Integration between a wide range of parameters and the
correlations obtained between agronomic and sensory traits may improve
our ability to breed towards a “real world” better end-product.