RESPONSE OF LINSEED (LINUM USITATISSIMUM L.) TO SEED RATES AND SEEDING METHODS IN SOUTH-EASTERN HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA

The effect of seed rates on yield and yield components of linseed were studied in South-Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia at four locations during 2012/13 and 2013/14 main-cropping seasons. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used for row planting and 10m by 10m plots were used for broadcasting. The linseed variety 'Kulumsa-1' was used and sown at seed rates (kg/ha) of nine levels for row planting and six seed rate (kg/ha) levels  were used for broadcasting. Results indicated that significant (P≤0.05) effects of seed rates were observed on all yield components reflecting the importance of seeding rate for linseed growth, yield and yield components. However, significant (P≤0.05) effects of seed rates were not observed on all yield components except on number of pods/plant in the case of broadcasting. The highest seed yield was recorded from 40kg/ha (2019kg/ha) and 70kg/ha (1908kg/ha) for row planting and broadcasting, respectively. This data depicted that 6% (111kg/ha) seed yield advantage was obtained by using row planting method as compared to broadcasting. Likewise, using 30kg/ha and 40kg/ha seed rates increased seed yield/ha by 6% (110kg/ha) and 9% (162kg/ha), respectively as compared to 15kg/ha in the case of row planting. Similarly, using 70kg/ha seed rate for broadcasting resulted in 6% (102kg/ha) and 7% (126kg/ha) seed yield advantage as compared to 30kg/ha and 40kg/ha seed rates, respectively. The results of economic analysis indicated that the highest net benefits were obtained by using a seed rate of 30 to 40kg/ha for row planting and 70kg/ha for broadcasting. Keywords: Broadcasting, Linseed, Row planting, Seed rate