Research Article
Effect of Variety and Growing Environments on Some Physicochemical Properties of Finger Millet Varieties Grown Under Bako Condition, Oromia, Ethiopia
Geleta Dereje*,
Abiyot Lelisa,
Megersa Daba,
Girma Chemeda
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
38-46
Received:
16 March 2026
Accepted:
20 April 2026
Published:
28 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjfst.20261002.11
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Views:
Abstract: Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a nutrient-dense cereal crop with considerable potential for enhancing food and nutrition security across diverse agro-ecologies. Despite its importance, limited information exists on how varietal differences and growing environments influence its physicochemical properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of variety and growing conditions on selected physicochemical attributes of finger millet grown under Bako condition, Oromia, Ethiopia. Field experiments were carried out at Bako and Gute sites using multiple finger millet varieties. Data were analyzed using R statistical software, with analysis of variance (ANOVA) applied to determine significant differences, and mean separation performed at the 5% LSD level. Results revealed that both growing environment and cropping season significantly influenced the physicochemical composition of finger millet. The study identified G×E effects but lacked advanced statistical modeling. Incorporating multivariate approaches such as PCA or clustering would provide deeper insights into varietal differentiation and environmental grouping. Crude protein content ranged from 8.75% (Wama) to 10.85% (Gudatu), crude fat from 1.27% (Gudatu & Wama) to 1.70% (Bareda), and moisture content from 9.06% (Meba) to 10.01% (Diga I). Mineral composition also varied considerably among varieties, with calcium ranging from 277.1 mg/100 g (Bako 09) to 416.2 mg/100 g (Diga-2), magnesium from 158.0 mg/100 g (Diga-1) to 200 mg/100 g (Paddet), phosphorus from 222.5 mg/100 g (Addis 01) to 281.0 mg/100 g (Paddet), and potassium from 335.3 mg/100 g (Addis 01) to 496.5 mg/100 g (Paddet). Finger millet grown at Bako contained higher crude fat, crude fiber, phosphorus, ash, and magnesium, whereas millet grown at Gute exhibited higher crude protein, iron, zinc, calcium, and manganese. Black-seeded varieties consistently outperformed white and brown types in moisture, calcium, and fiber.
Abstract: Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a nutrient-dense cereal crop with considerable potential for enhancing food and nutrition security across diverse agro-ecologies. Despite its importance, limited information exists on how varietal differences and growing environments influence its physicochemical properties. This study was conducted to evalua...
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