Size and Shape of Plots in Field Trials with Banana

Uniformity trials on Banana were conducted at Jalgaon (Maharashtra) the data was available from two orchards for the year 1972–73. It was analysed to find the optimum plot and block size for conducting field experiments. It was observed that the coefficient of variation decreased with the increase in the plot size for both with and without blocking arrangements for both the orchards. There was no effect of plot shape on variability. Fairfield Smith's variance law fitted well. It was observed that for 3 per cent standard error of mean unit plot size was the optimum plot size as it required the minimum experimental material. 16 plot blocks with confounding were found to be most efficient. Comparing the efficiencies of BIBD and RBD, BIBD was not always found to be superior to RBD.