Abstract
In most cases, in genetic breeding of Arabica coffee, plot size is defined in an empirical manner. It is often based only on the experience of the breeders and the availability of resources, potentially leading to a reduction in precision. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the size of the experimental plot for evaluation of coffee yield. We evaluated two experiments for validation of cultivars with 12 treatments set up in a randomized complete block design with three replicates and plots composed of 50 plants. Each plant was considered as a basic unit. Estimates of ideal plot size were made by maximum curvature of the coefficient of variation, linear-plateau segmented model and by the resampling methods. We discussed the variations in the parameter estimates for different plot sizes. Divergence was seen among the plot sizes estimated by the different methodologies. Increasing the number of plants per plot led to a higher experimental precision to the point that the increase was no longer significant. The plot size recommended for evaluating coffee production is from seven to 19 plants.
Highlights
In genetic plant breeding, the stage of evaluating cultivars is of great importance for indicating promising genotypes
The number of Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) progenies evaluated every year is increasing, which makes the detection of differences between progenies more difficult and requires wellplanned experiments for increasing experimental precision
The experimental coefficient of variation (CV) was 12.73%, considered to be low and consistent with the variable studied, which is similar to results found for coffee yield in other studies, indicating a high level of precision for the evaluations (Botelho, Nazareno, Mendes, Carvalho, & Ferreira, 2007; Paiva et al, 2012; Pinto et al, 2012a; Pinto et al, 2012b)
Summary
The stage of evaluating cultivars is of great importance for indicating promising genotypes. The number of Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) progenies evaluated every year is increasing, which makes the detection of differences between progenies more difficult and requires wellplanned experiments for increasing experimental precision. Coffee is a perennial plant, and it may be exposed to problems while the experiment is being conducted. This fact must be taken into consideration in experimental planning. To evaluate yield and select promising progenies, experiments that are planned and conducted with high precision are essential. Among several factors considered in the literature that contribute to reducing the experimental error estimates, the following stand out: experimental design, number of replications and plot size used in evaluation of genotypes (Steel, Torrie, & Dickey, 1997; Cargnelutti Filho, Toebe, Burin, Casarotto, & Lúcio, 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
