Advanced statistical analysis of strip-plot canola variety trial data and comparison to small-plot variety trial data

The Challenge

Lack of “unbiased” interpretation from small-plot and strip-trials results with limited ability to make comparisons between varieties from different companies is a challenge for farmers.

The Project

Investigate the accuracy of large strip-plot results, determine variety yield means derived from Mixed Model (MM) analysis of strip-plot data, and compare these values with corresponding variety yield means derived from replicated small-plot trials conducted by the Prairie Canola Variety Trials program.

The Results

MM analysis of canola small-plot and field-scale/strip trial data is appropriate and provides variety yield estimates that appear to be accurate. Compared to larger scale growing environments, small-plot results are not a perfect predictor of variety performance. Small-plot testing of variety performance will continue to be useful in crop  variety breeding and development due to seed stock and economics.

Grower Benefits

The best assessment of variety performance is performance in commercial fields over several growing seasons. Therefore, growers can now critically assess yield data and how the trials were conducted. They can choose varieties in confidence knowing that the statistics are credible.