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The aim was to estimate the minimum number of plants required per plot to assess the anthracnose severity by artificial inoculation of V2 stage plants. Seventy-eight carioca common bean cultivars were inoculated in 13 experiments to assess its reaction to races 65, 73, 81, and 89 of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Sample sizes ranged from one to nine plants were adopted to setting the number of plants per plot. A total of 1000 samplings were performed for each sample size. The following parameters were estimated in each sampling: accuracy, coefficient of variation and Pearson's correlation. The mean values of each parameter in the 1000 samplings for each sample size were subjected to quadratic regression with a plateau as a function of sample size for each experiment. Six plants per plot were needed to assess the severity of anthracnose by artificially inoculating the pathogen on common bean plants at the V2 stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Determining the number of replicates required to produce statistically testable results based on previously conducted tests is important to minimize labor costs via the use of existing information. The objective of this work was to determine the number of repetitions necessary to evaluate the characters of productivity and soluble solids in hybrids of two types of Inodorus melons. The study consisted of 20 experiments: 12 evaluated 10 hybrids of honeydew melons and 8 evaluated 13 hybrids of yellow melons. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with three replicates. Analysis of variance was performed to estimate the repeatability and genotypic determination coefficients. Variability in accurately predicting the genotype was observed for different number of repetitions between the evaluated characters and melon types. In the yellow melon, experiments with three repetitions allowed the accurate identification of superior genotypes with 81.1 and 61.9% certainty for productivity and soluble solids, respectively. In the honeydew melon, 62.4 and 71.2% accuracy was obtained for productivity and soluble solids, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Copyright of Sigmae is the property of Universidade Federal de Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine the sample size necessary for estimating the means of wheat (Triticum aestivum) traits, obtained through measurement, counting, and weighing. Seventeen uniformity trials were performed with 1,790 plants harvested randomly, whose following traits were evaluated: lengths of the main stem and main stem ear (measurement); number of leaves, stems, and ears (counting); and mass of fresh and dry matter of leaves, stems, and ears (weighing). The Bartlett and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests and Welch’s analysis of variance were performed. Skewness, central tendency, and variability were determined, and sample size was calculated to estimate the means of the 13 evaluated traits, considering estimation errors (semi-amplitudes of the 95% confidence interval) equal to 5, 10, 15, and 20% of the mean. There is a decrease in the sample size to estimate the means of wheat traits obtained through weighing, counting, and measuring, in this order. In an experiment to estimate the mean of wheat traits obtained by weighing, counting, and measuring with a maximum error of 10% of the mean at a 95% confidence interval, 117, 76, and 9 plants per treatment are needed, respectively. more...

The understanding of the linear relationships between characters and the improvement of the experimental design are important in the search to increase the productivity of cassava. The objective of this research was to identify the existing correlations between the groups (branches and roots) and to determine the sample size for the estimation of the average in agronomic characters of branches and roots of cassava. In September 2019, 36 cassava accessions and three cultivars were planted for the evaluation of productive characters. At harvest, 5 plants from each of the 39 accessions/cultivars were evaluated, totaling 195 observations for branches and roots characters. For the canonical correlation analysis, the characters of branches (Group 1) and of roots (Group 2) formed the groups of variables. The resampling procedure was used with 2,000 resamplings, with replacement and the sample size was determined by the number of plants from which the 95% confidence interval amplitude was equal to 10%, 15% and 20% of the estimate of the average. The branching height of the main stem and the number of buds per branch should be used for the selection of plants with roots of greater length and diameter. Plants with a greater number of branches have a greater fresh mass of roots. Eighty-three plants are sufficient to estimate the average of productive traits of shoots and roots of cassava when the confidence interval amplitude was equal to 20% of the average estimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The Amazon is a center of diversity for Capsicum chinense Jacq., with wide genetic and morphological variability, but little exploration has been performed there to facilitate their improvement. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate C. chinense genotypes for the development of cultivars by determining the optimal size of the experimental plot and the minimum sample size to ensure a precise estimation of yield. A total of 23 genotypes were evaluated, and in multivariate analyses, the plants were characterized by 21 morphological descriptors and eight quantitative traits related to biometry and yield. The recommended sample size for fruit evaluation was defined based on simulations with subsample resampling and evaluation of the semi-amplitudes of the confidence interval of the mean estimate. The optimal plot size was estimated by the modified maximum curvature method. The similarity coefficients among the genotypes ranged from 0.54 to 0.93, indicating that the established clusters contained important information for future crosses. According to the sample size methodologies, 25 to 40 fruits should be sampled for valid evaluations of biometric traits. Experiments with five to eight plants per plot are recommended to test progenies of the species, ensuring good experimental precision combined with high selection accuracy for yield traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

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. more...

Objectives of this work were to determine the sample size (number of plants) to estimate the mean of slender leaf rattlebox (Crotalaria ochroleuca) traits and investigate the relations among traits. In an experimental area of 8 m × 20 m (160 m2), at 147 days after sowing, 110 plants were randomly selected. The following traits were evaluated for each plant: plant height, stem diameter, number of nodes, number of leaves, leaf fresh matter, stem fresh matter, shoot fresh matter, leaf dry matter, stem dry matter and shoot dry matter. Measures of central tendency, variability, skewness and kurtosis were calculated. Normality was verified using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the sample size was calculated to estimate the mean of the traits, assuming estimation errors (semi-amplitudes of the 95% confidence interval) equal to 1%, 2%, …, 30% of the mean. The relations among traits were investigated by scatter plots, correlation and path analysis. To estimate the mean of these ten traits, with a maximum error of 10% of the mean and 95% confidence level, 67 plants are needed. In an experiment, to estimate the mean of each treatment with 10% precision, 67 plants per treatment must be evaluated. The number of leaves has a positive linear relation with leaf fresh and dry matter. Number of leaves and stem diameter have a positive linear relation with stem and shoot fresh and dry matter. more...

The objective was to evaluate the minimum size of experimental plots for the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) using the modified maximum curvature method. The experiment consisted of a uniformity trial with the cultivar BRSFC-402 sown at a spacing of 0.5 m between plant rows and 10 plants per meter within the row. 20 central rows measuring 20 m in length were considered for measurements, totaling 4,000 plants on an area of 200 m2. Final bean stand (FS), mean number of pods per plant (NPP), mean number of grain per pod (NGP), mean 100-grain weight (M100), and grain yield (kg ha-1) were evaluated. At evaluations, each row with 10 plants was considered a basic unit (0.5 m2), amounting to 400 basic units whose dimensions were combined into 14 plot shapes. The methods of relative information and modified maximum curvature were used to obtain the best shape and the most appropriate plot size, respectively, for experimental evaluation with common bean. Using these methods, and considering that the optimum plot should enable an efficient evaluation of all evaluated characteristics, the appropriate plot size was five UB (25 plants) in the format with five rows x one UB per row. Highlights • Support for experimental evaluation of common beans under edaphoclimatic conditions in the northern region of Minas Gerais • Experimental plots with five basic units ensure maximum precision for joint evaluation of the main phenotypic descriptors of common beans. • The characteristics mass of 100 grains and productivity were associated with the smallest and the largest plot sizes, respectively. more...

Copyright of Revista Ciência Agronômica is the property of Revista Ciencia Agronomica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

ABSTRACT In experimental statistics, the variability, which allows for conclusions related to experimental accuracy, is usually demonstrated by means of experimental coefficient of variation (CV). The aims of this study were to evaluate the distribution of CV in several experiments of eucalyptus growth, compare the existent classification ranges proposed in the literature (methods proposed by Garcia; Costa, Seraphin and Zimmermann, and Pimentel-Gomes), and define the better one to be used as reference for eucalyptus seedlings cultures in greenhouses or protected cultivation. For that, a blank test with 100 repetitions was conducted and evaluations were performed in 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. Moreover, previous data from literature were collected, for comparison proposes. The obtained results were submitted to Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, and the classification tables were submitted to adherence and heterogeneity tests. As a result, it was possible to conclude that data obtained with the experiments with eucalyptus in the present research did not fit the classification of Pimentel-Gomes and tables obtained by Costa, Seraphin and Zimmermann, while the tables related to the method proposed by Garcia would be preferably used. more...

ABSTRACT Methods for genetic improvement of semi–perennial species, such as passion fruit, often involve large areas, unbalanced data, and lack of observations. Some strategies can be applied to solve these problems. In this work, different models and approaches were tested to improve the precision of estimates of genetic evaluation models for several characteristics of the passion fruit. A randomized block design (RBD) model was compared to a posteriori correction, adding two factors to the model (post–hoc blocking Row–Col). These models were also combined with the frequentist and Bayesian approaches to identify which combination yields the most accurate results. These approaches are part of a strategic plan in a perennial plant breeding program to select promising genitors of passion to compose the next selection cycle. For Bayesian, we tested two priors, defining different values for the distribution parameters of effect variances of the model. We also performed a cross–validation test to choose a priori values and compare the frequentist and Bayesian approaches using the root mean square error (RMSE) and the correlation between the predicted and observed values, called Predictive capacity of the model (PC). The model with the post–hoc blocking Row–Col design captured the spatial variability for productivity and number of fruits, directly affecting the experimental precision. Both approaches applied to the models showed a similar performance, with predictive capacity and selective efficiency leading to the selection of the same individuals. more...

The Amazon is a center of diversity for Capsicum chinense Jacq., with wide genetic and morphological variability, but little exploration has been performed there to facilitate their improvement. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate C. chinense genotypes for the development of cultivars by determining the optimal size of the experimental plot and the minimum sample size to ensure a precise estimation of yield. A total of 23 genotypes were evaluated, and in multivariate analyses, the plants were characterized by 21 morphological descriptors and eight quantitative traits related to biometry and yield. The recommended sample size for fruit evaluation was defined based on simulations with subsample resampling and evaluation of the semi-amplitudes of the confidence interval of the mean estimate. The optimal plot size was estimated by the modified maximum curvature method. The similarity coefficients among the genotypes ranged from 0.54 to 0.93, indicating that the established clusters contained important information for future crosses. According to the sample size methodologies, 25 to 40 fruits should be sampled for valid evaluations of biometric traits. Experiments with five to eight plants per plot are recommended to test progenies of the species, ensuring good experimental precision combined with high selection accuracy for yield traits. more...

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 nondestructive 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

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. more...

This study aimed to evaluate the optimum plot size for the papaya crop by using the modified maximum curvature method under soil and climatic conditions of the Recôncavo Baiano. The experiment comprised a uniformity test using the CNPMF-L78 strain developed by Embrapa Mandioca and Fruticultura, planted at a spacing of 3 m x 2 m, with 16 central rows and 22 plants per row, totaling 352 plants and an area of 2,112 m2. The following parameters were evaluated: plant height and diameter; height of insertion of the first fruits; precocity; number of commercial fruits per plant; productivity; length, diameter, weight, firmness, internal cavity diameter, pulp thickness, and soluble fruit solids. Each plant was considered as a basic unit, with an area of 6 m2, thus making up 352 basic units whose adjacent units were combined to form 11 pre-established parcel arrangements with rectangular and row formats. The optimal plot size is seven plants perpendicular to the crop rows, that is, seven rows with one plant in each row, corresponding to the area of 42 m2, considering spacing of 3 m between rows and 2 m between papaya plants in the soil and climatic conditions of the Recôncavo Baiano. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract This work aimed to subsidize experimental planning for the evaluation of phenotypic characters in banana. The experiment consisted of a uniformity trial with Tropical cultivar spaced of 3 m x 2 m, in a useful area with nine rows of 40 plants. Vegetative and yield aspects were evaluated in two production cycles. Plants and basic units (UB) were combined to form various plot sizes, from which the variation coefficient and the soil heterogeneity index were estimated. To define the experimental design, the Hatheway method was used. Variability, resulting from the soil anisotropy and other factors such as desuckering cultural practice increases between mother plant and daughter plant cycles, with effects on experimental design. The variation coefficient and number of replicates are the factors that most influenced the experimental design. For the same precision level required, the combination that maximizes efficient in the use of experimental area can be adopted, that is, smaller plot size and higher number of replicates or larger plot size and fewer replicates. Estimates of plot size and number of replicates are subsides for the design of experiments for the evaluation of phenotypic descriptors in banana. more...

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the sample size necessary to estimate the mean and coefficient of variation in four species of crotalarias (C. juncea, C. spectabilis, C. breviflora and C. ochroleuca). An experiment was carried out for each species during the season 2014/15. At harvest, 1,000 pods of each species were randomly collected. In each pod were measured: mass of pod with and without seeds, length, width and height of pods, number and mass of seeds per pod, and mass of hundred seeds. Measures of central tendency, variability and distribution were calculated, and the normality was verified. The sample size necessary to estimate the mean and coefficient of variation with amplitudes of the confidence interval of 95% (ACI95%) of 2%, 4%, ..., 20% was determined by resampling with replacement. The sample size varies among species and characters, being necessary a larger sample size to estimate the mean in relation of the necessary for the coefficient of variation. more...

The precision of an agronomic field trial, or its ability to detect true treatment effects, can be improved by using both plots of suitable size and an appropriate number of replicates. The objective of this work was to determine the optimal size and number of replications of the experimental plots, by examining differences in plant height, stem diameter and number of fruits per plant, of a bell pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) crop that was irrigated with different water heights and frequencies of application. Five treatments were compared: T 0 , control with no irrigation; T 1 , water depth 50% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and daily frequency; T 2 , water depth 100% of ETc and daily frequency; T 3 , water depth 50% of ETc and frequency every two days; and T 4 , water depth 100% of ETc and frequency every two days. In the experimental plots, 4 m wide × 12 m long (48 m 2 ), a total of 120 bell pepper (cultivar ‘Impacto’) plants were arranged in four rows. Plants in each row were irrigated with a drip irrigation system with drippers placed between them 0.2 m apart and having a flow rate of 0.8 L h −1 . The growth rates of the pepper crop and the number of fruits per standing plant were lower in the treatment without irrigation than in the irrigated treatments. Among the irrigated treatments, daily irrigation provided higher growth rates when the lowest depth of water was applied. In the plants irrigated every two days the highest growth rates were observed in those that received the largest water depth. The number of fruits per standing plant was greater in the daily irrigated plants than in those irrigated every two days, regardless of the amount of the water applied. The optimal plot size was determined by the modified maximum curvature method (MMC) and the linear model with plateau effect (LPR). For each of the three variables, the criterion followed to establish the optimal plot size was to choose the largest one, regardless of whether the method used in its determination was MMC or LPR. The size of the experimental plot was always smaller in the case of treatments with irrigation than in the treatment without irrigation, as well as for the crop variables exhibiting lower variability. Therefore, the optimal sizes of the experimental plots for the plant stem height and diameter, and for the number of fruits per plant was estimated at 3.2 m 2 (8 plants); 3.6 m 2 (9 plants); and 10.8 m 2 (27 plants), respectively. Regardless of the experimental design, complete randomized or complete randomized block, the number of replications of the experimental plots was conditioned by the variability of the three variables. Thus, 10 replicates were required to detect between the five irrigation treatments differences of 10% in the mean value of plants height, 5 replicates in the case of the stem diameter of the plants and 15 replicates for the number of fruits per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

ABSTRACT: Knowing the productive variability within protected environments is crucial for choosing the experimental design to be used in that conditions. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the variability of fruit production in protected environment cultivated with cherry tomatoes and to verify the border effect and plot size in reducing this variability. To this, data from an uniformity test carried out in a greenhouse with cherry tomato cv. ‘Lili’ were used. Total fresh mass of fruits per plant was considered being these plants arranged in cropping rows parallel to the lateral openings of the greenhouse and also the same plants arranged in columns perpendicular to these openings. To generate the borders, different scenarios were designed by excluding rows and columns and using different plot sizes. In each scenario, homogeneity of variances among the remaining rows and columns was tested. There is no variability of fruit production among rows or columns in trials with cherry tomatoes carried out in greenhouses and the use of border does not bring benefits in terms of reduction of coefficient of variation or reduction of cases of variance heterogeneity among rows or columns. Plots with a size equal to or greater than two plants make possible to use the completely randomized design in the cherry tomato trials in greenhouses. more...

The objective of this study was to design a classification range of the coefficients of variation (CV) of traits used in experiments with eggtype Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The journal Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia was systematically reviewed, using the key word 'quail' during the period of January, 2000 to 2010. The CV of feed intake (g/bird/d), egg production (%/bird/d), egg weight (g), egg mass (g/bird/d), feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs (g/dozen), feed conversion ratio per egg mass (g/g), and egg specific gravity (g/mL) were collected. For each parameter, CV were classified using the following median (MD) and pseudo-sigma (PS) ratio as follows: low (CV < MD - PS), medium (MD - PS < CV < MD + PS), high (MD + PS < CV < MD + 2PS) and very high (CV > MD + 2PS). According to the results, it was concluded that each parameter has a specific classification range that should be taken into account when evaluating experimental precision. more...

Due to the increasing consumption of eggplant ( Solanum melongena L.), research should be carried out with this horticultural species aiming at providing technical recommendations for increasing production and quality of fruits. The aim of this study was to estimate the plot and sample size, as well the number of replications suitable for eggplant trials. Two uniformity trials were performed with eggplant in a plastic tunnel. The fresh fruit weight and the total number of fruits were assessed in each basic unit and in each harvest. The harvests were analyzed individually and grouped. Heterogeneity was found among crop rows and individual harvests within the same row. However, when the harvests were grouped, this fact was not observed. When the harvests are grouped, there was a reduction in plot size and sample needed the grouping of six harvests presented the smallest sample size and plot size. The plot size is five plants, the sample is nine plants in the direction of the crop row with a half-range of the 20% confidence interval. Aiming at achieving a minimum-significant difference in the Tukey’s test of 30% of treatment mean, three replications with five plants each plot is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The aim of this study was to determine the sample size (i.e., number of plants) required to estimate the mean and median of flax traits (Linum usitatissimum L.) of the cultivar CDC Normandy, with precision levels. In experimental area of 15 × 15 m (225 m2) at 134 days after sowing, 300 plants were collected randomly. In each plant, it was measured morphological (plant height and number of branches) and productive traits (number of capsules, fresh matter of capsules, fresh matter of aerial part without capsules, fresh matter of aerial part, dry matter of capsules, dry matter of aerial part without capsules, and dry matter of aerial part). For each trait, it was calculated measures of central tendency, variability, skewness, and kurtosis. It was determined the sample size by resampling with replacement of 10,000 resamples. In order to estimate the mean of morphological and productive traits of flax, cultivar CDC Normandy, with the amplitude of the confidence interval of 95% equal to 30% of the estimated mean, 81 plants are required. To estimate the median, with the same precision, it is necessary 161 plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The improvement of experimental techniques of in vitro culture may provide better identification and multiplication of most promising materials. The aim of this study was to estimate the plot size (explants numbers) for in vitro micropropagation grape. 15 tests were conducted uniformity formed by combinations of three rootstock vine with five different culture media. Nodes segments were used with about 2.5 cm, were excised and inoculated. After 90 days of inoculation, the variables shoot number, shoot length, shoot fresh weight, and fresh weight of callus were evaluated. For each assay, was simulated plots of differents sizes , with each tube containing one explant was considered as a basic unit. For estimation the optimum plot size we used the modified maximum curvature method and the least significant difference between means was obtained by the method of Hatheway. The results showed that the estimates of the plot size ranged from five (5) to 12 explants (tubes) in accordance with the variable used. For these variables, the optimal plot size should be formed by 12 explants. more...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the experimental precision of different methods of statistical analysis for trials with large numbers of soybean genotypes, and their relationship with the number of replicates. Soybean yield data (nine trials; 324 genotypes; 46 cultivars; 278 lines; agricultural harvest of 2014/15) were used. Two of these trials were performed at the same location, side by side, forming a trial with six replicates. Each trial was analyzed by the randomized complete block, triple lattice design, and use of the Papadakis method. The selective accuracy, least significant difference, and Fasoulas differentiation index were estimated, and model assumptions were tested. The resampling method was used to study the influence of the number of replicates, by varying the number of blocks and estimating the precision measurements. The experimental precision indicators of the Papadakis method are more favorable as compared to the randomized complete block design and triple lattice. To obtain selective accuracy above the high experimental precision range in trials with 324 soybean genotypes, two repetitions can be used, and data can be analyzed using the randomized complete block design or Papadakis method [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the range of classification of variation coefficient in experiments with sugarcane. For this study, some of the variables that are mostly used by researchers of the culture were considered. The data was obtained after extensive bibliographical revision from scientific journals, data base from the improvement program of sugarcane from the Federal University of Viçosa, master dissertations, doctorate thesis and technical reports. Classification ranges were proposed according to the Costa method, in which is based the use of a median and pseudo-sigma. The variables tons of stalks per hectare and tons of pol per hectare presented the highest ranges of the classification of the coefficients of variation, while the variable percentage of sucrose presented the lowest range. All of the variables presented specific ranges of classification, showing the need to consider, in the classification of coefficients of variation, the nature of the variable being studied.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a faixa de classificação do coeficiente de variação em experimentos com cana de açúcar. Para este estudo, foram consideradas algumas das variáveis mais utilizadas por pesquisadores da cultura. Os dados foram obtidos de extensa revisão bibliográfica em revistas científicas, banco de dados do programa de melhoramento de cana de açúcar da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, dissertações de mestrado, teses de doutorado e relatórios técnicos. Foram propostas faixas de classificação segundo o método de Costa, o qual se baseia no uso da mediana e do pseudo-sigma. As variáveis toneladas de colmos e toneladas de sacarose por hectare apresentaram as maiores faixas de classificação dos coeficientes de variação, enquanto que a variável porcentagem de sacarose apresentou a menor faixa dos coeficientes de classificação. Todas as variáveis apresentaram faixas de classificação específica, evidenciando a necessidade de se considerar, na classificação dos coeficientes de variação, a natureza da variável estudada. more...

Dentre as formas reconhecidas para redução do erro experimental, destaca-se o tamanho ótimo da parcela experimental para aplicação dos tratamentos, existindo vários métodos para sua estimação, baseados em diferentes princípios. O objetivo deste trabalho é propor um método alternativo para a estimação do tamanho ótimo de parcela, para culturas agrícolas, compará-lo com métodos clássicos para esse fim e identificar com quais parâmetros seus resultados estão correlacionados. Realizou-se a validação dos resultados, utilizando-se dados de quatro experimentos com plantas de pimentão, em que se avaliou a produção de frutos, acumulada nas várias colheitas, cultivado em estufa com cobertura plástica. Os resultados obtidos pelo método proposto, denominado Método da Máxima Distância, são coerentes, mas fracamente associados aos resultados observados pelos demais métodos clássicos. O tamanho ótimo da parcela, estimado pelo Método da Máxima Distância, é fortemente influenciado pelo índice de heterogeneidade da produção, que mede a correlação entre as produções de parcelas contíguas. Há, ainda, as características de ser de fácil aplicação, praticamente invariável à acumulação da produção em diversas colheitas, adequando-se para culturas com duas ou mais colheitas nas mesmas plantas, como em experimentos com culturas olerícolas ou forrageiras.Optimum plot size for the application of treatments is among the recognized methods to reduce the experimental error. There are several methods for plot estimation based on different principles. The objective of this paper was to propose an alternative method for the estimation of optimum plot size for crops, compare it with classical methods and to identify which parameters their results are correlated with. Fruit yield data from four experiments with sweet pepper cultivated in a greenhouse were used to validate the proposed method. It was evaluated the yield accumulated in several harvests. The results obtained by the proposed method, denominated Maximum Distance Method, are consistent, but weakly associated with the results obtained by other classical methods. The optimal plot size estimated by the Maximum Distance Method is strongly influenced by the heterogeneity index of production that measures the correlation between the productions in contiguous plots. It still has the characteristics of being easy to apply, remains practically unchanged in the cumulative productions, adapting to crops with two or more harvests in the same plants, as in vegetable crops or forage experiments. more...

Em viveiros florestais, é importante determinar o número de plantas a serem avaliadas para que as inferências sobre crescimento das mudas sejam confiáveis. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o tamanho de amostra (número de plantas) necessário para avaliar a altura de planta, o diâmetro do coleto e a relação altura de planta/diâmetro do coleto de mudas de canjerana (Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Mart.) e verificar a variabilidade do tamanho de amostra entre tubetes, substratos e idades de avaliação. Foi conduzido um experimento, em viveiro, no qual foram avaliados nove tratamentos, formados pela combinação de três tamanhos de tubetes (100, 180 e 280cm³) e três tipos de substratos (100% de turfa, 80% de turfa + 20% de casca de arroz carbonizada e 60% de turfa + 40% de casca de arroz carbonizada), no delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Em dez idades de avaliação, foram mensurados os caracteres altura de planta e diâmetro do coleto, e calculada a relação altura de planta/diâmetro do coleto, em dez plantas, tomadas aleatoriamente, na área central de cada unidade experimental. Foram realizadas análises de variância, testes de comparação de médias, verificação de normalidade e calculado o tamanho de amostra. O tamanho de amostra para avaliar a altura de planta, o diâmetro do coleto e a relação altura de planta/diâmetro do coleto de mudas de canjerana é dependente da idade de avaliação. Para os tubetes, substratos e idades de avaliação estudados, 18 plantas por unidade experimental (bandeja) são suficientes para a estimação da média desses caracteres, para um erro de estimação igual a 10% da média estimada, com grau de confiança de 95%.In nurseries, it is important to determine the number of plants to be evaluated so that inferences about seedling growth are reliable. The aim of this research was to estimate the sample size (number of plants) necessary to evaluate plant height, collar diameter and relation plant height/collar diameter of canjerana seedlings (Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Mart.) and to verify its variability among tubes, substrates and ages evaluation. An experiment was conducted in the nursery, in which nine treatments, organized in randomizes blocks design with four replication, were formed by the combination of three sizes of tubes (100, 180 and 280cm³) and three substrates (100% peat, 80% peat + 20% rice hulls and 60% peat + 40% rice hulls). It was evaluated the following characters, in ten ages: plant height, collar diameter and relation plant height/collar diameter, in ten plants sampled at random in each experimental unit. Analyses of variance, means comparison tests and verification of normality were carried and the sample size was calculated. The sample size to evaluate the plant height, collar diameter and relation plant height/collar diameter of canjerana seedlings is dependent on age evaluation. For the tubes, substrates and ages evaluation studied, 18 plants per experimental unit (pot) are enough to predict the these characters average, with an estimation error equal to 10% of estimated average, with a degree confidence of 95%. more...

Com o objetivo de estudar a aleatoriedade e a variabilidade produtiva de feijão-de-vagem, foram realizados os seguintes experimentos em branco: 1) em estufa no outono-inverno; 2) em túnel no outono-inverno; 3) em ambiente não protegido no outono-inverno; 4) em túnel na primavera-verão; e 5) em ambiente não protegido na primavera-verão. A variável mensurada foi a fitomassa fresca de vagens. Foram realizados estudos por colheita e por agrupamentos de colheitas. Foram planejados diferentes tamanhos de parcela e, para cada um, foram realizados testes de homogeneidade de variâncias entre as fileiras de cultivo e entre as colheitas, e testes de aleatoriedade em cada fileira de cultivo. A não aleatoriedade e a variabilidade da produção de fitomassa fresca de vagens são maiores em condições meteorológicas adversas a cultura do feijão-de-vagem e diminuem com o aumento do tamanho de parcela. O uso de parcelas constituídas por seis unidades básicas (12 plantas), em ambiente protegido ou não protegido, torna a produção de fitomassa fresca de vagens aleatória e proporciona menor variabilidade entre fileiras de cultivo e entre colheitas.With the aim of studying the randomness and variability of productive bean pod, the following experiments were performed on white: 1) in greenhouse in autumn-winter, 2) in tunnel in autumn-winter, 3) in unprotected environment in autumn-winter, 4) in tunnel in spring-summer and 5) in unprotected environment in spring-summer. The variable measured was the fresh weight of pods. Studies were conducted by harvest and harvest groupings. Were planned different plot sizes, and for each, were conducted tests of homogeneity of variances between crop row and between harvests, and tests of randomness in each crop row. The non-randomness and variability in production of fresh pods are larger in adverse weather conditions the culture of the bean pod and decrease with increasing plot size. The use of plots consisting of six basic units (12 plants) in protected or unprotected makes the production of fresh pods random and provides lower variability between rows and between harvests. more...

Com o objetivo de estimar o tamanho ótimo de parcela e de verificar o comportamento da precisão experimental em diferentes tamanhos de parcela e formas de considerar a produção de feijão-vagem, foram conduzidos os seguintes ensaios em branco: 1) em estufa no outono-inverno; 2) em túnel no outono-inverno; 3) em ambiente não protegido no outono-inverno; 4) em túnel na primavera-verão; e 5) em ambiente não protegido na primavera-verão. Foi mensurada a fitomassa fresca de vagens por duplas de plantas. Para as parcelas de diferentes tamanhos (X) foi estimada a variância e a sua relação com X. O tamanho ótimo de parcela foi estimado pelo método da máxima curvatura modificada, e as diferenças mínimas significativas entre médias, foram estimadas pelo método de Hatheway. Analisar a fitomassa fresca de vagens total reduz a variabilidade em experimentos com feijão-vagem e o tamanho ótimo da parcela recomendado para esta cultura é de 16 plantas para experimentos em estufa e de 12 plantas para experimentos em túneis e experimentos em ambientes não protegidos.With the aim of estimating the optimum plot size and verify the behavior of the experimental precision in different plot sizes and shapes to consider the production of snap beans, the following white experiments were conducted: 1) in a greenhouse during the autumn and winter; 2) in a poly-tunnel during the autumn and winter; 3) in an unprotected environment during the autumn and winter; 4) in a poly-tunnel during the spring and summer; and 5) in an unprotected environment during the spring and summer. The fresh pod mass was measured for pairs of plants. For each different plot size (X) the variation and its relation to X was estimated. The optimum plot size was estimated using the method of maximum modified curvature, and the significant minimum differences between averages were estimated using the Hathaway method. Analyze the total fresh biomass of pods reduces variability in experiments with green beans and optimum plot size recommended for this crop is 16 plants in a greenhouse for experiments and plans for 12 tunnel experiments and experiments in non-protected. more...

É importante dimensionar o número de repetições para avaliar caracteres de cultivares de milho com precisão desejada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o número de medições (repetições) necessárias para avaliar caracteres de cultivares de milho (Zea mays L.). Foram usados os dados coletados em 16 experimentos de competição de cultivares, realizados no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, nos anos agrícolas 2002/2003, 2003/2004 e 2004/2005. Em cada experimento, foi utilizado um delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três blocos ou repetições. Foram medidos os caracteres número de dias da semeadura até 50% do florescimento masculino, alturas de planta e de espiga na colheita e número de espigas na colheita. Foram verificados os pressupostos do modelo matemático, realizada a análise de variância, estimado o coeficiente de repetibilidade e calculado o número de repetições. Experimentos com quatro repetições são suficientes para avaliar os caracteres número de dias da semeadura até 50% do florescimento masculino, alturas de planta e de espiga na colheita e número de espigas na colheita, de cultivares de milho, com, respectivamente, 88,7; 75,1; 74,5 e 69,4% de precisão.It is important to know the number of replications to evaluate characters of corn cultivars with desired accuracy. The objective of this work was to determine how many evaluations (replications) necessary to evaluate characters of corn (Zea mays L.) cultivars. Data were collected from 16 cultivar competition trials of corn, carried out in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, in the crop years of 2002/2003, 2003/2004 and 2004/2005. In each experiment, it was used a randomized blocks design with three blocks or replications. The following characters were measured: number of days from sowing to 50% flowering male, plant and ear heights at harvest and the number of ears at harvest. Assumptions of the mathematical model were examined, analysis of variance was performed, the repeatability coefficient was estimated and the number of repetitions was calculated. Experiments with four replications are adequate to evaluate the characters number of days from sowing to 50% flowering male, plant height, ear height and the number of ears, with respectively 88.7; 75.1; 74.5 and 69.4% of accuracy. more...

A determinação do tamanho de parcela é uma prática pertinente ao planejamento experimental e sua caracterização otimizada, em conjunto com o controle do material experimental, permite a obtenção de resultados com maior precisão e qualidade. Neste trabalho, determinou-se o tamanho de parcelas para experimentos de conservação in vitro de maracujazeiro, em dez ensaios de uniformidade com a espécie Passiflora Giberti N. E. Brown, utilizando-se o modelo de regressão linear segmentado com platô e o modelo de regressão quadrática segmentado com platô, que utilizam a técnica de resposta com platô a modelos que possuam mínimo. Os ensaios de uniformidade foram oriundos de experimento conduzido no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 20 unidades básicas (ub), e os tratamentos dispostos em esquema fatorial com três concentrações de sacarose, três concentrações de sorbitol e uma testemunha. A coleta dos dados foi realizada aos 60 dias após a incubação, medindo-se o comprimento das brotações. Os tamanhos de parcelas variaram com o método utilizado, encontrando-se parcelas formadas por seis explantes pelo modelo da regressão linear segmentado com platô e de dez explantes pelo modelo de regressão quadrática segmentado com platô.The determination of the plot size is a practical question to the experimental design, and its characterization in an optimized way allows obtaining larger precision and quality results. This research aimed to determine the plot size in experiments in vitro that seek the passion fruit plant conservation in ten uniformity assays with the species Passiflora Giberti N. E. Brown. The tests of uniformity came from an experiment conducted in a completely randomized design with treatments in a factorial design with three concentrations of sucrose, three concentrations of sorbitol and a control. Each treatment was considered as a uniformity assay, with 20 basic units. The evaluations of the experiments were done in the 60 days of incubation, being measured the shoots' length. For the estimate of the optimal plot size it was used the models segmented with linear- plateau, and the quadratic-plateau. The plot size varied with the method used, with values from 6 basic units for the linear-plateau model segmented, and from 10 basic units, for quadratic-plateau model. more...

É importante dimensionar adequadamente o tamanho de amostra, para estimação, com confiabilidade aceitável, do coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson entre pares de caracteres. O objetivo deste experimento foi determinar o tamanho de amostra (número de plantas) para estimação do coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson, entre 21 caracteres de crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst). Um experimento em campo foi conduzido no ano de 2008. Na colheita foram selecionadas, aleatoriamente, 75 plantas, nas quais foram mensurados 21 caracteres. Foram calculadas medidas de tendência central, de variabilidade, de assimetria e de curtose, verificada a normalidade e investigada a linearidade entre os caracteres. Foi calculado o tamanho de amostra, para estimação do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, para as amplitudes do intervalo de confiança de 95%, iguais a: 0,15; 0,20; 0,25; 0,30; 0,35 e 0,40, para cada um dos 210 pares de caracteres. Para os 210 pares de caracteres de crambe estudados, o tamanho de amostra, para estimação do coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson, para a amplitude do intervalo de confiança de 95% igual a 0,15, oscilou entre 8 e 665 plantas.It is important to dimension correctly the sample size, to estimate the Pearson correlation coefficient among pairs of characters, with acceptable reliability. The aim of this research was to determine the sample size (number of plants) to estimate the Pearson correlation coefficient among 21 characters of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst). An experiment was conducted in the year 2008. At harvest, 75 plants were selected randomly and measured 21 characters. The measures of central tendency, variability, skewness and kurtosis, were done. Normality was verified and investigated the linearity among the characters. The sample size to estimate the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated, for the amplitude of the confidence interval of 95%, equal to: 0.15; 0.20; 0.25; 0.30; 0.35 and 0.40, for each of 210 pairs of characters. For the 210 characters pairs of crambe, the sample size to estimate the Pearson correlation coefficient, to the amplitude of the confidence interval of 95% equal to 0.15, ranged from 8 to 665 plants. more...

Com o objetivo de estimar o tamanho de amostra para a fitomassa fresca de vagens de feijão-de-vagem, foram realizados cinco experimentos em branco com a cultivar 'Macarrão' no outono/inverno de 2009 e na primavera/verão de 2010, em estufa, túnel e a campo. As unidades básicas (UB) foram duplas de plantas, resultando em 36UB por linha de cultivo, na estufa, e de 42UB no túnel e a campo. Para cada linha de cultivo em cada colheita e agrupamento de colheitas, estimou-se a média, a variância e o coeficiente de variação (CV%). Quando as variâncias das linhas não foram heterogêneas, utilizou-se, para o cálculo do tamanho de amostra, o CV% do experimento, quando foram heterogêneas, utilizou-se o CV% da linha em que este foi maior. Foi possível concluir que a variabilidade produtiva da fitomassa fresca de vagens aumenta em condições meteorológicas adversas e que analisar a produção total possibilita a utilização de menores tamanhos de amostra. Nessa condição, para uma semi-amplitude do intervalo de confiança da média (D%) de 10 no outono/inverno, é necessário amostrar, na linha de cultivo, 28 plantas na estufa, 21 no túnel e 26 no campo. Na primavera/verão, para um D%=10, é necessário amostrar, na linha de cultivo, 22 plantas em cultivos em túnel e 24 a campo.Aiming to estimate the sample size for the fresh weight of pods of bean pod, five experiments were performed with blank Macarrão at autumn / winter 2009 and spring / summer 2010, in greenhouse, tunnel and field. The basic units (BU) were pairs of plants, resulting in 36 per line of UB cultivation in the greenhouse, and 42BU in tunnel and field. For each row of plants in each harvest and group of crops it was estimated the mean, variance and coefficient of variation (CV%). When the variances were not heterogeneous lines, it was used for calculation the of the sample size, the CV% of the experiment, when they were heterogeneous, it was used the CV% of the line in which this was higher. It was concluded that the variability of production of fresh pods increases in adverse weather conditions. The analysis of total production enables the use of smaller sample sizes. In this condition, for a semi-amplitude of the mean confidence interval (D%) of 10 in fall / winter, it is necessary to sample in the row of plants, 28 plants in the greenhouse, 21 in the tunnel and 26 on the field. In the spring / summer for a D=10%, it was necessary to sample in the row of plants, 22 plants in tunnel cultivation and 24 on the field. more...

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o número de medições (repetições) necessárias à predição do desempenho de cultivares de milho (Zea mays L.). Para isso, foram usados os dados de produtividade de grãos de 286 ensaios de competição de cultivares, realizados no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, nos anos agrícolas 2002/2003, 2003/2004, 2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008 e 2008/2009. Para cada ensaio, foi realizada a análise de variância, estimado o coeficiente de repetibilidade e calculado o número de repetições necessárias para predizer o valor real das cultivares, com base no coeficiente de determinação genotípico de 0,80 e 0,90. Ensaios com três e quatro repetições identificam cultivares superiores de milho, em relação à produtividade de grãos, com, respectivamente, 72,40 e 81% de exatidão no prognóstico de seu valor real.The aim of this research was to determine how many evaluations (replications) were necessary to predict the performance of corn (Zea mays L.) cultivars. Grain yield data were used, from 286 cultivar competition trials of corn, carried out in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, in the crop years of 2002/2003, 2003/2004, 2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009. For each assay was carried out the analysis of variance, estimated the repeatability coefficient and calculated the number of replications needed to predict the real value of the cultivars, based on genotypic determination coefficient of 0.80 and 0.90. Assays with three and four replications are sufficient to identify superior cultivars of the corn, in relation to the grains yield, with respectively 72.40 and 81% accuracy of its real value. more...

Com o objetivo de estimar o tamanho de amostra para alface cultivada em diferentes ambientes, foram conduzidos quatro cultivos com alface, dois deles foram realizados no ano de 2007, com a cultivar 'Vera', e dois foram realizados no ano de 2008, com a cultivar 'Amanda'. Os ambientes em 2007 foram estufa e a campo, e em 2008 foram estufa e túnel. Em ambos os anos de cultivo, foram avaliadas a fitomassa fresca e fitomassa seca. Para cada variável, em cada linha de cultivo, foram estimadas a média, a variância e o coeficiente de variação. Para testar a homogeneidade das variâncias entre as linhas, aplicou-se o teste de Bartlett, a 5% de significância. Nos casos em que as variâncias das linhas foram homogêneas, calculou-se um CV% médio para cada ambiente e este foi utilizado para o cálculo do tamanho de amostra. Nos casos em que as variâncias foram heterogêneas, utilizou-se o maior CV% do ambiente para o cálculo do tamanho da amostra. Os resultados mostraram que, em 40% dos experimentos, quando a variável foi a fitomassa fresca, e em 60%, quando foi a seca, os diferentes ambientes de produção proporcionaram variabilidades significativamente diferentes entre as linhas de cultivo. Foi possível determinar que, com a semiamplitude do intervalo de confiança de 10%, devem ser amostradas 30, 40 e 33 plantas na linha de cultivo, na estufa, no túnel e a campo respectivamente, para a fitomassa fresca das plantas. Já para a fitomassa seca das plantas devem ser amostradas 27, 29 e 32 plantas, respectivamente, para estufa, túnel e campo.The aim of this study was to estimate the sample size for lettuce cultivated in different environments, and for this four lettuce crops were cultivated. Two of them were conducted in 2007, with the cultivar Vera and two in 2008 with the cultivar 'Amanda'. The environments in 2007 were greenhouse and field and in 2008, greenhouse and tunnel. In both years of cultivation the fresh biomass and dry weight were evaluated. For each variable in each row of plants was estimated the mean, variance and coefficient of variation (CV%). To test the homogeneity of variances among the lines was applied Bartlett's test at 5% significance level. In cases where the variances were homogeneous lines, was also calculated an average CV% for each environment, and this CV% was used to calculate the sample size. In cases where variances were heterogeneous, the highest CV% of the environment for the calculation of sample size was used. The results showed that in 40% of trials when the variable was fresh biomass and 60% when it was dry, the different production environments provided variability significantly different between the rows of cultivation. It was found that, with the half-width confidence interval of 10% 30, 40 and 33 plants should be sampled in the row of plants in the greenhouse, tunnel and field respectively, for the fresh biomass of plants. Already for plants dry biomass, should be sampled 27, 29 and 32 plants, respectively, for greenhouse, tunnel and field. more...

No planejamento experimental, a variabilidade entre parcelas pode alterar as estimativas dos tamanhos de parcela e de amostra, além do número de repetições e definição do delineamento experimental. Para verificar a interferência da variabilidade das estimativas de valores usados na determinação do tamanho de parcelas com diferentes números de plantas e agrupamentos de colheitas, realizou-se um trabalho com dois experimentos. Um experimento foi realizado no inverno/na primavera de 2004, e outro, no verão/outono de 2005 com a cultura da abobrinha italiana. As plantas foram cultivadas em túnel plástico, com irrigação por gotejamento, com três linhas de cultivo, 24 plantas por linha e espaçamento entre plantas de 0,8m e entre filas de 1,2m. Cada planta foi considerada como a unidade básica (UB) do tamanho da parcela. A sequência de duas, três ou quatro plantas na linha de cultivo formou as parcelas (X). Foram realizadas análises considerando-se apenas colheitas individuais e colheitas agrupadas. Para cada experimento, foram obtidas as estimativas da variância, do coeficiente de variação e do índice de informação relativa. Aplicou-se o teste de Bartlett entre as variâncias das colheitas individuais e agrupadas em cada tamanho de parcela simulado. Foram verificados acréscimos nas estimativas da variância da fitomassa de frutos com o aumento do tamanho da parcela e/ou do número de colheitas agrupadas. As variâncias entre as colheitas agrupadas foram homogêneas a partir do agrupamento de três colheitas. O índice de informação relativa apresentou valores próximos a 100% com os agrupamentos de colheitas. O arranjo de quatro grupos de colheitas agrupadas, combinado com parcelas de quatro plantas, reduz a variabilidade entre parcelas.In the experimental planning the variability among portions can alter the estimates of the plot sizes and of sample, besides the number of repetitions and definition of the experimental designs. To verify the variability interference of the estimates of values used to determinate the plot size with different numbers of plants and groupings of crops, a two-experiment work was carried out. The first trial was carried with zucchini in winter/spring of 2004 and the second in the summer/autumn of 2005. The plants were cultivated in plastic tunnel, with drip irrigation with three lines with 24 plants per row, spacing among plants 0.8m and among lines 1.2m. Each plant was considered as a basic unit (UB) of the plot size. The sequence of two, three and four plants in the crop row formed the plots of two, three and four UB of size (X). Analyses were accomplished considering only considered individual and combined harvests. In both experiments, the estimative of variance, variation coefficient and relative information index were obtained. Bartlett's test was applied among the variances of the individual and combined harvests in each size of simulated plot. There were some increases in the estimative in the variance of fruits biomass with the increase of the plot size and/or the number of grouped harvests. The variances, among the grouped harvests, were homogeneous, considering the grouping of three harvests. The relative information index and the relative coefficient present values close to 100% with the groupings of crops. The arrangement of four groups of combined harvests, joined with plots of four plants for zucchini reduce the variability among plots. more...

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o tamanho de amostra para avaliar caracteres de híbridos de mamoneira e verificar a variabilidade do tamanho de amostra entre híbridos e caracteres. Foram avaliadas 41 e 55 plantas dos híbridos Sara e Lyra, respectivamente, quanto aos caracteres de semente, de plântula, de planta adulta e de produção em Santa Maria, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (latitude 29°42'S, longitude 53°49'W e 95m de altitude), no ano agrícola de 2007/2008. O tamanho de amostra apresenta variabilidade entre os híbridos Sara e Lyra para os seguintes caracteres: largura da semente, comprimento do epicótilo aos 14 dias após a emergência, graus-dia para emissão da primeira folha verdadeira, altura de planta no início do florescimento, altura de inserção do primeiro rácemo, número de inflorescências, número de rácemos por planta e número de cápsulas por rácemo. Há aumento do tamanho de amostra (número de plantas) para estimar caracteres de semente, de plântula, de planta adulta e de produção, nessa ordem.The aim of this research was to determine the sample size of the characters of hybrids in castor bean and to verify its variability among hybrids and characters. It was evaluated 41 plants and 55 hybrids (Sara and Lyra), respectively, regarding to the seed characters, adult plant seedling and production in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil (latitude 29°42'S, longitude 53°49'W e 95m de altitude), in the agriculture years of 2007/2008. It was found variability in the sample size among hybrids (Sara e Lyra) in relation to width of the seed, length of epicotyl 14 days after emergence, degree-days for issuance of the first true leaf, plant height at the beginning of flowering, height of the first bunch and the number of inflorescences, bunch per plant and capsules per bunch. There is an increased sample size (number of plants) to determine the characters of seed, seedling, plant and production, in that order. more...

A economia de recursos humanos e financeiros, sem perder a precisão experimental, é considerada um fator importante no planejamento de experimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o número de medições (repetições) necessário à predição do desempenho de cultivares de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Para isso, a produtividade de grãos de 14 cultivares de feijão foi avaliada em nove ensaios conduzidos na mesma área experimental, em Santa Maria, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (latitude 29°42'S, longitude 53°49'W e 95m de altitude), nos anos agrícolas 2000/2001 a 2004/2005. A partir das estimativas dos coeficientes de repetibilidade obtidas por três métodos - da análise de variância, dos componentes principais e da análise estrutural -, foi calculado o número de repetições. Ensaios com quatro repetições possibilitam a identificação de cultivares superiores de feijão em relação à produtividade de grãos, com 85% de exatidão no prognóstico de seu valor real.The economy of human and financial resources, without losing the experimental precision, is considered an important factor in the planning of experiments. The objective of this research was to determine how many evaluations (replications) were necessary to predict the performance of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars. Grains yield of fourteen common beans cultivars were evaluated in nine experiments conducted at Santa Maria, in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil (latitude 29°42'S, longitude 53°49'W, altitude 95m) in the agricultural years of 2000/2001 and 2004/2005. The repeatability estimations were obtained through variance, structural and principal component analysis of number repetitions and it was calculated. Assays with four replications are sufficient to identify superior cultivars of the common beans, in relation to the grains yield, with 85% real accuracy. more...

O interior de uma estufa pode ser considerado um ambiente heterogêneo, o que se reflete numa grande variabilidade na produção, sendo necessário o uso de técnicas experimentais para a melhoria da precisão das inferências estatísticas. Dentre as formas de redução do erro experimental, está a busca do tamanho ótimo de parcela, que apresenta especial importância em experimentos com estufa plástica, visto que usualmente a área experimental é restrita às instalações já existentes. Este trabalho teve como objetivos: estimar o tamanho ótimo para a fitomassa fresca de frutos de pimentão cultivado em estufa plástica e relacionar os parâmetros das equações que determinam o tamanho ótimo de parcela. Conduziram-se quatro experimentos em branco sob cobertura plástica, cada um com oito fileiras de cultivo úteis de 70 plantas. Coletou-se em cada planta a fitomassa fresca dos frutos acumulada nas colheitas, identificando sua posição dentro da estufa pelo número da fileira e a sua posição dentro da fileira. Estimou-se o tamanho ótimo de parcela (X0) e se relacionaram estatísticas descritivas e os parâmetros usados para sua estimativa através do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Recomendou-se o uso de parcelas de 10 plantas na fileira ou fileiras duplas, com tendência a diminuir de tamanho com a permanência do experimento no campo. Não houve consistência na determinação das variáveis mais relacionadas com o tamanho ótimo da parcela.The interior of a plastic greenhouse can be considered a heterogeneous environment due high variability in the production, being necessary the use of experimental techniques for improvement of the statistical inferences precision. Between the main forms to obtain experimental error reduction is the use of the optimal plot size that has special importance in experiments inside plastic greenhouse, where the experimental area is normally restricted to the preexisting installations. The aim of this work is to estimate the optimal plot size for fruit fresh biomass of chili pepper cultivated in plastic greenhouse and the relation of the equations parameters that determine it. It was conducted four blank experiments under plastic covering, each one with eight lines of 70 plants. The fruit fresh biomass was evaluated in each plant, identifying its position inside the greenhouse, by the line number, and its position in the line in each harvest. The optimal plot size was estimated and related with the parameters used for its estimate by the Pearson correlation coefficient. It was recommended the use of parcels with ten plants in the line or double line, tending to decrease. There wasn't consistency in the relation of the variables with the plot size. more...

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar diferentes covariáveis de competição em análises de vizinhança, e verificar sua eficiência no aumento da precisão experimental e as consequências no ordenamento de genótipos de cana-de-açúcar em termos de potencial produtivo. Foram utilizados dados da rede de ensaios do programa de melhoramento de cana-de-açúcar do Instituto Agronômico, instalados em 2002. O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. As parcelas constituíram-se de cinco sulcos de 8 m, espaçados 1,50 m entre si. A produtividade de colmos por hectare (TCH, Mg ha-1) foi avaliada no primeiro e terceiro cortes. As covariáveis "lateral", "ponta" e "quatro vizinhos" foram incluídas nos métodos de Papadakis, em duas variações do método médias móveis. Os métodos de Papadakis e médias móveis 1 não alteraram a precisão experimental em comparação à análise tradicional. O método médias móveis 2 reduziu a variância ambiental, mas alterou as estimativas da variância genotípica e o ordenamento dos genótipos, o que pode induzir a conclusões equivocadas na seleção. Embora a covariável "lateral" tenha sido influente na competição, o efeito em parcelas de cinco sulcos é pequeno.The objective of this work was to study different competition covariates in neighborhood analysis and to check the efficiency of this analysis in the increase of the experimental precision and the consequences in the ranking of sugarcane genotypes in terms of productive potential. Data used were from the state experimental network of the sugarcane breeding program installed in 2002, of the Instituto Agronômico, Campinas, SP, Brazil. The experimental design was in randomized complete blocks, with three replicates. The plots were formed of five 8 m rows with 1.5-m spacing between rows. The stalk productivity (TCH, Mg ha-1) was evaluated in the first and third harvests. The covariates "side", "tip" and "4 neighbors" were included in the Papadakis method and in two variations of the moving average method. The Papadakis and moving average 1 methods did not change the experimental precision in comparison with traditional analysis. The moving average 2 method reduced the environmental variance. However, it changed the estimates of the genetic variance and the genotype ranking, and could lead to erroneous conclusions in the selection. Although the "side" covariate was influential on competition, its effect or on five row-plots was small. more...

Neste trabalho, foram utilizados dados de produtividade de grãos de 216 ensaios de genótipos de soja, realizados no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, nos anos agrícolas 2003/2004, 2004/2005 e 2005/2006. O objetivo foi verificar se o uso do método de Papadakis reduz o número de repetições necessário à predição do desempenho de genótipos de soja em relação à produtividade de grãos. Maior precisão experimental é obtida com a aplicação do método de Papadakis, independentemente da combinação entre o tamanho de parcela e o número de repetições e a homogeneidade entre os blocos. O uso do método de Papadakis permite reduzir o número de repetições necessário à predição do desempenho de genótipos de soja, para um mesmo grau de precisão, em relação à produtividade de grãos. Ensaios com quatro repetições e analisados com o método de Papadakis possibilitam a identificação de genótipos superiores de soja em relação à produtividade de grãos, com 80% de precisão.Seed yield data of 216 soybean genotype experiments conducted on of Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil during the 2002/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 were used in order to verify whether the use of Papadakis Method would decrease the number of replications necessary to predict the performance of soybean genotypes in regard to seed yield. Greater experimental precision can be obtained by using the Papadakis Method regardless the combination among plot size, number of replications and block homogeneity. The use of Papadakis Method allows reduction of replications necessary to predict seed yield performance of soybean genotypes. Experiments consisted of four replications and were analyzed according to Papadakis Method which permitted to identify superior genotypes in regard to seed yield with 80% of precision. more...

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o tamanho de amostra necessária para avaliar caracteres de genótipos de soja (Glycine max L.) e verificar a variabilidade do tamanho de amostra entre genótipos e entre experimentos. Para tanto, 28 genótipos de soja foram avaliados em cinco experimentos conduzidos em Jaboticabal, Estado de São Paulo (latitude 21°15'22"S, longitude 48°18'18" W e 595m de altitude), nos anos agrícolas de 2002 a 2005. Foi utilizado o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, e foram avaliados os caracteres altura de planta na maturação e de inserção de primeira vagem, número de nós por planta, de ramos por planta e de vagens por planta em seis plantas amostradas aleatoriamente na parcela. Há variabilidade da estimativa do tamanho de amostra entre genótipos quanto ao número de nós por planta e entre experimentos quanto à altura de planta na maturação, ao número de nós por planta, de ramos por planta e de vagens por planta. Para melhorar a precisão da avaliação de caracteres em plantas de soja, deve-se usar maior número de repetições e, pelo menos, 12 plantas por unidade experimental.The aim of this research was to determine the sample size of characters in different soybeans (Glycine max L.) genotypes and to verify its variability among genotypes and experiments. Twenty-eight soybeans genotypes were evaluated in five experiments conducted in Jaboticabal, São Paulo State, Brazil (latitude 21°15'22"S, longitude 48°18'18" W, altitude 595m), in agricultural years from 2002 to 2005. Randomized blocks design with three repetitions was installed to evaluate the following characters: plant height at maturity, height of first pod insertion, number of nodes per plant, number of branches per plant and number of pods per plant, in six plants sampled at random in each plot. It was found variability in the sample size among genotypes in relation to the number of nodes per plant. When the five experiments were compared, results also show variability of the sample size in relation to plant height at maturity, number of nodes per plant, number of branches per plant and number of pods per plant. To improve the experimental precision in the evaluation of characters in soybeans plants it is recommended to increase the number of repetitions and use, at least, twelve plants per plot. more...

A avaliação da claridade do tegumento dos grãos de feijão (valor de "L") é uma medida recente e ainda pouco utilizada no melhoramento. Por isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar se é possível classificar genótipos de feijão pelo valor de "L", dentro de mesmo grupo comercial, e avaliar o número de repetições necessárias. Dezenove ensaios foram conduzidos em Santa Maria, RS, durante os anos de 1998/1999 a 2005/2006, com número variável de genótipos. A coloração do tegumento dos grãos foi quantificada com colorímetro em grãos com 13% de umidade, imediatamente após a colheita. Considerando que a claridade dos grãos é associada ao valor comercial da cultivar, apenas os valores de "L" foram submetidos às análises. Valores entre 0,50 e 3,33 para o valor de "L" foram significativamente diferentes pelo teste de Tukey. A claridade do tegumento dos grãos pode ser utilizada para classificar lotes de feijão de um mesmo grupo comercial. Duas repetições são suficientes para a avaliação da coloração do tegumento dos grãos em feijão, com 90% de exatidão no prognóstico de seu valor real, e com alta precisão experimental.The estimation of the common bean grain clarity ('L' value) is a new measure and it is not much used in the breeding programs. The objective of this research was to determine the possibility to classifying common bean genotypes for the 'L' value, within the same commercial group and to evaluate how many repetitions are necessary. Nineteen experiments were conducted in Santa Maria, in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, from 1998/1999 to 2005/2006 years. The grain tegument colors were determined with 13% moisture. The clarity of grain tegument is associated with the commercial value of common bean cultivar. Values between 0.50 and 3.33 were significative different by Tukey test. The clarity of grains tegument ('L' value) can be used to classify common bean lots of same commercial group. Two repetitions are sufficient to evaluate common bean grains tegument colors, with 90% accuracy of the real value and high experimental precision. more...

Resultados experimentais seguros são obtidos por meio da utilização de adequados tamanhos de amostras e número de repetições. O conhecimento do melhor tamanho de amostra tem relevada importância, quando se deseja reduzir os custos na pesquisa, permanecendo baixos os erros cometidos nas inferências. A utilização de um número adequado de repetições nos experimentos é de fundamental importância para a redução do erro experimental e conseqüente aumento da precisão experimental. Objetivou-se, nesse trabalho, avaliar o tamanho de amostra ideal para caracteres de pré-colheita em milho-pipoca e verificar as implicações do número de repetições na variância residual em caracteres de produtividade e de qualidade. Foram utilizados os genótipos seguintes: variedade BRS ÂNGELA, híbrido triplo ZÉLIA, variedade UFV-M2 e população avançada do híbrido triplo ZÉLIA. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com duas, três, quatro, cinco e seis repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas pelos genótipos e as subparcelas pelo tamanho de amostras (5, 10, 15, 20 e 25) plantas parcela-1. Foi observado que, para avaliar caracteres de pré-colheita podem ser adotadas amostras de 5 a 25 plantas parcela-1, sem afetar a precisão experimental. Com o aumento do número de repetições houve aumento na quantidade de caracteres significativos a 1% de probabilidade, para o efeito de genótipos. Houve maior quantidade de diferenças significativas entre médias de genótipos, para os caracteres de pré-colheita e produtividade, nos números de repetições acima de quatro. Assim podem ser amostradas cinco plantas na parcela, e utilizar quatro repetições.An adequate experimental design and planning are essential in order to obtain high quality data. Experimental plan ensures correct plot size and shape as well as adequate number of replications and samples. The optimun sample sizes have increasing importance, due to the research cost implication and attempts of keeping to a minimum the research error, remaining low the errors committed in the inferences. The adequate number of replications is of basic importance for minimizing experimental error and increase experimental precision. The objective of our research was to evaluate the ideal sample size for characters of pre- harvest characteristics in popcorn and to study the implications of the number of replications in the residual variance in quality and productivity characteristics. The following genotypes were used: variety BRS ÂNGELA, triple hybrid ZÉLIA, variety UFV-M2 and advanced population of triple hybrid ZÉLIA. The experimental design was the one of completely randomized blocks with two, three, four, five and six replications in a split plot treatment design. The genotypes were laid out in the plots and the sample sizes were laid out in the subplots (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25) plant plot-1. It was observed that, to evaluate pre-harvest characters one may be assessed from 5 to 25 plants sample size, without impairing the experimental precision. With the increase of the number of replications there was increase in the amount of significant characters with 1% of probability, for the effect of genotypes. There was a greater amount of significant differences among means of genotypes, for the characters of pre-harvest and yield, for the numbers of replications greater than four. Thus five plants in the plot may be sampled, and four replications may be adopted. more...