Optimum size and shape of plots for field experiments in brinjal

Abstract

A uniformity trial in brinjal (Solatium melongena L). was conducted at main campus of the Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, during the third crop season, 1980. Observations on yield, number of fruits and primary branches were recorded. The variability among plots of different sizes and shapes was determined by calculating coefficient of variation (CV). It was observed that an increase in the plot size in either direction decreased the CV. But decrease was more rapid along N-S direction. Long and narrow plots showed lower CV than approximately square plots. The observed relation between plot sizes and variance was in conformity with Smith's variance law. At larger plot sizes the regression line showed a tendency to come down although negligible. The optimum plot size observed through smith's method and maximum curvature method was almost same. From the above consideration a plot size of 8.64 m2 (9.6 m X 0.9 m) was found to be most advisable for conducting most of the field experiments in brinjal.