Plot size and number of repetitions in black oat

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to determine the optimum plot size and number of repetitions, to evaluate the fresh weight of black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb). Eighteen uniformity assays of 8m×8m (64m2) were conducted. Each assay was divided in 64 basic experimental units (UEB) of 1m×1m, totaling 1,152UEB. The fresh weight of plants, in each UEB was weighed. Nine assays (576UEB) were evaluated at 102 days after sowing and the other nine assays (576UEB) at 106 days after sowing. The optimum plot size (Xo) was determined by the method of maximum curvature of the model coefficient of variation and the means compared, among evaluation times, by Student’s t test. The number of repetitions for experiments on completely randomized and randomized block designs, in scenarios of combinations of i treatments (i=3, 4,…, 50) and d minimal differences between treatments means, to be detected as significant, 5% probability by Tukey test, expressed in percentage of the average of the experiment (d=10%, 12%,…, 30%), was determined by iterative process until convergence. The optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh weight of black oats is 4.14UEBof 1m2 (4.14m2). Four replications, to evaluate up to 50 treatments, in completely randomized and randomized block designs, are sufficient to identify, as significant at 5% probability by Tukey test, differences between treatment means of 26.7% of the average experiment.