Inter-plot competition in yield trials of swedes (Brassica napus ssp. rapifera L.)

Summary

Two experiments were done to evaluate the use of single-row plots for assessing dry-matter yield of swedes. In the first experiment the correlation between the dry-matter yields of 20 cultivars in unguarded single-row plots and those in guarded double-row plots was poor (r=0.39). It was improved (r=0.58) by adjusting the single-row plot fresh-weight yields for inter-plot competition, through an analysis of covariance in which the covariate was the mean of the adjacent plot yields, and then estimating the pure stand dry-matter yields. However, the correlation was still lower than that between unguarded double-row plots and the guarded double-row plots (r=0.73), and this latter correlation was also improved (r=0.82) by adjusting the fresh-weight yields of the unguarded plots for inter-plot competition.

The second experiment provided an explanation for the partial success of the covariance adjustment. The individual neighbour effects of six cultivars were determined. Doon Major and Ruta Øtofte decreased the yields of adjacent cultivars whereas Dryden and Melfort increased them. Angela and Magres had little effect. The correlation between the dry-matter yield neighbour effects of cultivars and their fresh-weight yields was high (r=−0.81), but not complete. So although competitive ability was associated with root fresh-weight yield, other factors must also be involved.

It was concluded that a two-replicate trial with unguarded double-row plots is preferable to a four-replicate trial with unguarded single-row plots for dry-matter yield assessment of early generation families in a pedigree swede breeding programme.