Influence of sample size on the estimate of mean value and variability for grain yield and grain moisture in synthetic populations of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

We studied effect of sample size of S, progenies of two synthetic populations of maize, 326PO1 and 316PO2, one the estimation of mean value and genetic and phenotypic variability for grain yield and grain moisture. Three sample sizes were formed at random, containing 50S(1), 100S(1) and 200S(1) progenies per population. Progenies in one sample were randomly assigned in sets. Each set contained 25 progenies arranged in two replicates per set. Progenies were tested during 1995 in field experiments at three locations. Sample size of S-1 progenies had no significant effect on the estimation of genetic and phenotypic variability for grain yield and grain moisture in the examined synthetic populations in the analysis over environments, and had significant effect within environments. In the estimate of mean value of investigated traits sample size had significant effect, over and within environments. Sample of 100S(1) progenies studied in more than one environment is sufficient for reliable estimate of mean value and variability of grain yield and grain moisture in synthetic populations of maize.