The objectives of this research were to determine the optimum plot size (Xo) to evaluate characters of white lupine (Lupinus albus L.) and verify the variability of the Xo among characters and evaluation times. It was carried 36 uniformity assays of size 6m×6m (36m2). Each assay was divided in 36 basic experimental units (UEB) 1m×1m (1m2), totaling 1,296 UEB. The total fresh mass, fresh mass of shoots and fresh mass roots of plant of each UEB was weighed. Three evaluations were carried (123, 137 and 150 days after sowing) and at each assessment were evaluated 12 assays (432UEB). The optimum plot size was determined by the method of maximum curvature of the model coefficient of variation and the means compared by Student's t test. There is variability in the optimum plot size among characters and evaluation times. The optimum plot size for evaluating the fresh mass of roots is greater than necessary to evaluate the total fresh mass and the fresh mass of shoots, independently of the evaluation time. Higher optimum plot size is necessary when the evaluation is carried out at 123 days after sowing in relation to evaluations for 137 and 150 days after sowing, independently of character. The optimum plot size of 7.48 basic experimental units of 1m2 (7.48m2) is sufficient to evaluate these three characters in these three evaluation times.
Lupinus albus L.; experimental design; experimental precision.
