Variability of mango seedlings as a function of container type, age of rootstock and grafting method - a case of evaluation of experimental designs.
Rossetti A. G., Cavalcante Júnior A. T., Barros L. de M.
Author Affiliation: Embrapa-Centro Nacional de Agroindústria Tropical, Caixa Postal 3761, CEP 60511-110 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
: 691-695
Abstract : A study was conducted to evaluate the variability of mango seedlings as a result of differences in container type, age of rootstock and grafting method, and to estimate the influence of this variability on data analysis and interpretation of research findings. Treatments comprised: 2 container types (plastic bags and polyethylchloroethane-PVC tubes), 2 grafting methods (side and top grafting), and 2 Tommy Atkins rootstock age (60 and 90 days). The optimum plot size is the one which provides the least variance from the mean in each treatment and favours the largest possible number of replications, minimizing the experimental error estimate, enhancing the detection of significant differences, if any, and the efficiency of the statistical tests to be applied. Mango seedling production in plastic bags can be obtained by both top and side (lateral) grafting. Seedlings produced in polyethylchloroethane-PVC tubes are more uniform that those produced in plastic bags. Rootstocks aged 60 or 90 days are recommended for use regardless of the grafting method and the container type.