Abstract
The objectives of this work were to determine the optimum plot size for tomato seedlings by Hatheway’s method, using the Mestiço and Ozone cultivars, and verify the possibility to obtain the optimum plot size only by non-destructive characteristics. Non-destructives (aerial part height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area) and destructives (aerial part dry matter, root dry matter, total dry matter and Dickson quality index) characteristics were evaluated. For each characteristic evaluated, experimental plans were simulated in a randomized block design with the combination of I treatments (I = 3, 4, 5, ..., 10, 15, 20 and 25) and R repetitions (R= 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7). The optimum plot size ranged according to the characteristic evaluated. Considering the number of treatments, repetitions and the same experimental accuracy, the stem diameter showed the highest size plot. Thus, the stem diameter can be used as a basis characteristic for the non-destructives characteristics, without the need to destroy the seedling.
Highlights
Regarding experiments with tomato seedling production, there is no standardization in the plot size.There are works with one plant per plot (Soares et al., 2013), 5 plants per plot (Sirtoli et al, 2011), 16 plants per plot (Bernardes et al, 2011) and 24 plants per plot (Nadai et al, 2015).It points out that the demand for research with tomato seedlings is enormous due to the constant evolution of the production process, with the need to evaluate new substrates, new active pesticide principles, fertilizing seedlings, new cultivars, among others
Another method that has been widely used in recent years is the method of maximum curvature of the coefficient of variation (Paranaíba et al, 2009), which has the great advantage of reducing calculations to determine the optimum plot size
Experimental plans were simulated in a randomized block design, for the scenarios formed by the combinations of I treatments
Summary
Regarding experiments with tomato seedling production, there is no standardization in the plot size. It points out that the demand for research with tomato seedlings is enormous due to the constant evolution of the production process, with the need to evaluate new substrates, new active pesticide principles, fertilizing seedlings, new cultivars, among others. The most often method used to determine the optimum plot size is the modified maximum curvature, according to. Meier & Lessman (1971). Another method that has been widely used in recent years is the method of maximum curvature of the coefficient of variation (Paranaíba et al., 2009), which has the great advantage of reducing calculations to determine the optimum plot size. Bootstrap simulation has been incorporated into some methods, among which we can mention: incorporation to Paranaíba et al (2009) method made by Santos et al (2012)
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