Forage yield and quality traits of vetch genotypes across two locations in Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract Vetch ( Vicia spp .) is a promising forage legume for Ethiopian livestock systems, but limited information exists on genotype performance across diverse environments. This study evaluated forage yield, quality, and agronomic traits of four vetch genotypes ( Vicia villosa DZF , Vicia sativa, Vicia dasycarpa , and Vicia atropurpurea ) across two locations (Endasilassie and Wefargf) in Western Tigray, Ethiopia, over three cropping seasons (2021–2023). A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Genotype, location, and their interaction were analyzed using linear mixed models. Significant genotype effects were observed for days to 50% flowering, survival rate, branch number, dry matter yield, and seed yield. Location significantly influenced flowering, survival, branching, plant height, and seed yield. Genotype × location interactions were significant for flowering ( p  = 0.0217) and dry matter yield ( p  = 0.0357), indicating location‐specific performance within the tested environments. V. dasycarpa produced the highest dry matter yield (13.61 t ha − 1 ) at Endasilassie, while V. villosa DZF showed superior survival and stability at Wefargf. Nutritional quality traits (crude protein [CP], neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, in vitro dry matter digestibility) showed significant genotype effects, with minimal environmental modulation across the tested environments. V. dasycarpa exhibited the highest CP (25.7%) and digestibility (73.6%), and the lowest fiber fractions. Variance component analysis revealed trait‐specific environmental sensitivity; however, these estimates should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of genotypes and locations. Based on these findings, V. dasycarpa and V. villosa DZF are recommended for forage biomass production at Endasilassie and Wefargf, respectively, pending validation through additional multilocation trials.