Linear variance models for plant breeding trials

Abstract

Most plant breeding trials involve a layout of plots in rows and columns. Resolvable row-column designs have proven effective in obtaining efficient estimates of treatment effects. Further improvement may be possible by postblocking or by inclusion of spatial model components. This study reviews options for augmenting a baseline row-column model by the addition of spatial components. The models considered are different variants of the linear variance model in one and two dimensions. Usefulness of these options is assessed by analysing a number of field trials from plant breeding and variety testing. Show more