Heteroscedasticity between rows and harvests of cherry tomato yield characters and estimate of the plot size

ABSTRACT:

We studied the heteroscedasticity between rows and harvests of cherry tomato cultivated under protected environment and we determined the optimum plot size to evaluate yield characteristics. Two uniformity experiments were set under greenhouses, each containing eight crop rows spaced 1 m. The hybrid Lili was used, and the plantlets were spaced 0.5 m. Three harvests were carried out, and the data analysis was carried out based on the individual and combined harvests. The homoscedasticity among the rows and the harvests was obtained by Bartlett test. The plot size (in number of plants) was calculated for each row and each harvest (individual or combined). Heteroscedasticity among rows was observed for at least one character in all harvests (individual or combined). Heteroscedasticity was recorded among harvests in each row for all characters. These two observations justify the need to estimate the optimum plot size for each situation. The plot size (in number of plants) was different between lines and crops, the plot size estimate being smaller when the three harvests are grouped. The grouping of harvests and the use of plots containing seven tomato plants are recommended, regardless the crop row.

Keywords:
Lycopersicon esculentum; horticulture; protected environment; experimental precision.