Evaluating variability is vital to identify the best substantial traits in tef enhancement. Objectives of the study were: to assess the extent of genetic variability, estimate the phenotypic and genotypic variances and association coefficients for yield and yield attributed traits among the genotypes. Forty-nine tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] genotypes were evaluated in Awi zone at Ayehu Guagussa District (3tu Segno FTC) in the 2021 & 2022 cropping seasons. Simple lattice design of 7x7 with 2 replications was used. Pooled ANOVA of the two years revealed highly significant (P<0.01) difference in yield and yield attributed traits except leaf rust. The highest grain yield recorded from DZ-Cr-453 RIL120B (Bora) (2269.6 kg ha-2) followed by DZ-Cr-458 RIL18 (Ebba) (2171.8 kg ha-2) and DZ-01-3186 (Etsub) (1998.6 kg ha-2) while the lowest was from local check 1006.40 kg ha-1. The PCV, GCV, h2 and GAM estimates observed were moderate to high for grain and biological yield, plant height and panicle length. Grain yield showed positive significant associations (P<0.05) at the genotypic and phenotypic levels with day to 50% heading, plant stand and biological yield. Days to heading, days to maturity, plant stand, plant height and panicle length also exhibited positive significance with biological yield while leaf rust and lodging index showed negative significant associations with days to 50% heading, days to 50% maturity, plant height, plant stand and panicle length. This study exhibited the existence of variation in the extent of variability, heritability, genetic advance and associations in traits in the study which enable selection and hybridization for extra enhancement of essential traits in tef. Moreover in the study areas, these selected varieties could be demonstrated and promoted to farmers with their production packages to boost its production.

Keywords: Correlation, Crop, Variety, Phenotypes, Variability and Yield